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National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP)

Electromagnetic Compatibility and Telecommunications LAP

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A room with grid-like walls of white boxes. Blue cone-shaped objects line the floor. An American flag is painted on the back wall.

NIST’s state-of-the-art communication anechoic chamber. 

Credit: NIST

The purpose of the Electromagnetic Compatibility & Telecommunications (ECT) LAP is to accredit testing laboratories found capable and competent to perform EMC conformance testing to FCC, MIL-STD, IEC, EN, CISPR and other test method standards that have been and may be added to the program.

The program includes test methods for the testing of both intentional radiators (i.e., radio transmitters) and unintentional radiators (i.e., digital devices), as well as wireless and wired telecommunications products. The program also includes various test methods for conformance, performance and/or interoperability. In addition, the program envelopes test methods that are part of the FCC regulatory requirements associated with radio frequency (RF) safety including specific absorption rate (SAR) and maximum permissible exposure (MPE).

The NVLAP ECT test method standards are grouped into one or more of the following categories. Laboratories may seek accreditation in ECT test methods in any of the areas listed below:

  • Electromagnetic emissions;
  • Electromagnetic immunity;
  • Mil-Stds electromagnetic compatibility (emissions and immunity);
  • Energy Star for Computers;
  • Telecommunications;
  • Radio conformance;
  • Product Safety;
  • RF Exposure.

For information on the requirements for accreditation see NIST Handbook 150 as well as NIST Handbook 150-11.

Proficiency Testing Requirements

At the present time, there are no required proficiency testing programs for ECT testing.

Requirements Documents

References and Information

 

Standards, Accreditation and Conformity assessment

Contacts

Created February 19, 2019, Updated March 29, 2024