SwRI: Electromagnetic Compatibility is accredited for ISO 17025 by A2LA

ISO 17025 Accreditation

The Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Research section of the Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) Automation and Data Systems Division is qualified by the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA) as meeting ISO 17025 accreditation. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) developed the ISO 9000 series of standards in 1987 to help systematize varying national and international standards that establish the basic requirements necessary to document and maintain an effective quality system. The ISO 17025 standard ensures accurate data are generated, test methods are controlled and appropriate, and all procedures are conducted only by properly trained personnel.

NARTE Certification

Every one of our 10 members is certified by the National Association of Radio and Telecommunication Engineers, Inc., as a NARTE engineer or technician. This certification assures clients that we are qualified to assist them with their EMC design, test, and analysis needs at the very highest level.

Originally in 1956, SwRI's EMC testing program focused on military and TEMPEST testing. More recent projects for the private sector has included testing components that range from heart implants to avionics, space satellite equipment, and shipboard electronics.
 

FCC-Listed Open-Area Test Site

EMC testing of automotive components has grown significantly. As vehicles became more dependent on electronic components, industry recognized the importance of ensuring the components operate without malfunction in the presence of radio frequency (RF) energy radiated by, for instance, cellular phones, mobile radios, and FM, AM, and TV broadcast signals.

SwRI's EMC laboratory is equipped with eight shielded enclosures, including an RF anechoic chamber and a large shielded enclosure with radiated and conducted emissions and immunity instrumentation. SwRI also has an FCC-listed open-area test site (OATS) with a 23 x 40-meter ground plane within a 150-meter ellipse that is level and clear of electromagnetic reflecting surfaces for a minimum radius of 32 meters.

For more information about electromagnetic compatibility capabilities at SwRI or how you can contract with SwRI, please contact Jenny Ferren at jferren@swri.org or (210) 522-2329.  We can offer you insights about how to specify the best approach to solving your EMC problem.