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The Communications Technology Laboratory (CTL) at NIST plays a crucial role in advancing measurement science through high-precision metrology and calibration services. CTL provides state-of-the-art calibration techniques and standards that support a wide range of industries, ensuring traceability to the International System of Units (SI). Through its research and technical expertise, CTL enhances the accuracy, reliability, and interoperability of electromagnetic measurements, supporting innovation in communications, microelectronics, sensors, and manufacturing.
Metrology and Calibration Capabilities
CTL provides and develops traceable measurements for next-generation communications and electronics by:
Enhancing Traditional Measurement Services: Continuously improving established calibration methods to meet evolving industry needs.
Innovating Measurement Techniques: Developing new measurement techniques and services for dynamic, connector-less, and high-frequency systems.
Establishing an Advanced Uncertainty Analysis Framework: Creating a scalable framework that includes correlations and extends across complex calibration chains.
Bridging Classical and Quantum Metrology: Applying expertise in classical communications and electromagnetics to advance quantum computing and quantum communications.
Steps to Requesting Metrology and Calibration Services
To request calibration services from CTL via the NIST e-Commerce system, follow these steps:
Access the NIST Calibration Services Portal: Navigate to the NIST Calibration Services page, which provides an overview of available services.
Identify the Appropriate Calibration Service: Review the list of calibration services to determine the one that matches your equipment and requirements.
Review Service Details and Requirements: Each service listing includes specific instructions, limitations, and contact information. For example, certain services may require pre-approval or reservations due to equipment constraints. Contact NIST for Pre-Approval or Reservations: Some calibration services require prior arrangements. Contact the NIST Technical Contact for more information.
Submit a Calibration Service Request: Once you have identified the appropriate service and completed any necessary pre-approval steps, submit your request through the NIST e-Commerce system.
Prepare and Ship Your Equipment: Follow the shipping instructions provided in the service listing. Ensure all necessary documentation accompanies your equipment and adhere to any specified packaging or labeling requirements.
Monitor Your Request: After submission, you can track the status of your calibration service request through your NIST e-Commerce account.
Metrology and Calibration Services
CTL offers a suite of metrology services that impact standards across all technology readiness levels (TRLs), from the chip level to applications and software:
This calibration service is offered primarily for determining the absolute on-axis gain and polarization of standard gain horns, which, in turn, are used as reference standards in determining the gain and polarization of other antennas by the gain comparison technique. In the extrapolation method, three antennas are normally utilized, and three pairwise combinations are determined. The received signal transmitted between each pair of antennas is measured as a function of the separation distance between the antennas. The antennas need not be identical, and no assumptions concerning the polarization are required. The method is not well suited for pattern measurements but is the most accurate technique known for absolute gain and polarization measurements. For gain measurements from 2 GHz to 30 GHz, the uncertainties are typically 0.10 dB; above 30 GHz, the uncertainties are typically 0.15 dB. Uncertainties of 0.05 dB/dB for polarization axial ratio measurements are typical. There are antenna size limitations associated with existing NIST extrapolation ranges. These limitations depend on the type of antenna, the frequency, and the desired measurements and accuracies. Therefore, negotiations must be conducted prior to submitting antennas for calibration to ascertain whether all requirements can be met.
Click here to learn more or contact the Primary NIST Technical Contact, josh.gordon [at] nist.gov (Josh Gordon).
This set-up fee is required for the On-Axis Gain and Polarization SKU63100S service. The set-up fee is charge once per order and does not depend on the outcome (if any) of the on-axis gain and polarization measurement(s). This fee covers the labor required to setup the antennas for testing.
Click here to learn more or contact the Primary NIST Technical Contact, josh.gordon [at] nist.gov (Josh Gordon).
This special-test service is for measuring the impulse response of sampling oscilloscopes (samplers) and the output of calibration-grade signal generators such as pulse generators, digital pattern generators, arbitrary waveform generators, comb generators, and vector signal generators. The service is optimized for measuring very fast signals, such as pulse transitions less than 100 ps, i.e., 3 dB attenuation bandwidths greater than 3.5 GHz and whose spectral content is negligible above 110 GHz. The measurements are calibrated and traceable to the NIST electro-optic sampling (EOS) system, NIST microwave power standards, and NIST scattering parameter measurements. The service measures the voltage as a function of time on a 5 ns measurement epoch and is reported with point-by-point time-domain and/or frequency-domain uncertainties. From the time-domain waveform, pulse parameters can be calculated.
Click here to learn more or contact the Primary NIST Technical Contact, ari.feldman [at] nist.gov (Ari Feldman).
Open-end waveguides (200 MHz to 450 MHz) are used to generate standard electromagnetic fields for calibrating antennas and electromagnetic field probes. Pyramidal horns (0.45 GHz to 40 GHz) are used to generate standard electromagnetic fields for calibrating antennas and electromagnetic field probes.
Click here to learn more or contact the Primary NIST Technical Contact, christopher.holloway [at] nist.gov (Christopher Holloway).
Standard electromagnetic fields are generated in TEM cells and used to calibrate the response of electromagnetic field probes and small antenna systems in the frequency range 10 kHz to 300 MHz.
Click here to learn more or contact the Primary NIST Technical Contact, christopher.holloway [at] nist.gov (Christopher Holloway).
The NIST voltage measurement service provides a determination of the quantum-based operation of a Josephson Voltage Standard (JVS) Reference Instrument. The traceability path to the SI is realized by the quantum behavior of the Josephson Effect and through the frequency provided to the JVS. As a result of the redefinition of SI units in May 2019, the Josephson standards became the fundamental means by which to realize the volt. The PJVS and JAWS systems are both primary standards – they are based on a fundamental, invariant quantum phenomenon. This service is meant to test Standard Reference Instruments (SRI 6000 and SRI 6011) to verify correct quantum-based operation.
Click here to learn more or contact the Primary NIST Technical Contact, paul.dresselhaus [at] nist.gov (Paul Dresselhaus).
Microwave devices are characterized by their reflection and transmission properties. One-port devices such as matched terminations and offset shorts are characterized by measuring their reflection properties or voltage reflection coefficient. Two-port devices such as attenuators are characterized by measuring both their reflection and transmission properties.
Click here to learn more or contact the Primary NIST Technical Contact, james.booth [at] nist.gov (James Booth).
Industries We Serve
CTL metrology and calibration services support a range of industries by ensuring precise and reliable measurement standards. In the telecommunications sector, CTL aids in the development of 5G and 6G networks through advanced RF measurement techniques. The semiconductor and microelectronics industry benefits from the calibration capabilities of CTL, which are essential for characterizing integrated circuits and electronic components. For public safety and defense, CTL provides metrology support to enhance secure and resilient communication systems. Additionally, manufacturing and aerospace industries rely on the expertise of CTL in electromagnetic compatibility testing and performance validation, ensuring their systems meet rigorous technical standards.
Learn more about the CTL Metrology and Calibration Services Roadmap:
