Radio Frequency Engineering
About us
Radio frequency engineering with metrological expertise and application experience
- Our role/Competence/Our claim
- Technical equipment
- Quality Management & Accreditation
Radio frequency engineering at Seibersdorf Laboratories
Metrological competence and application experience
The radio frequency engineering unit at Seibersdorf Laboratories stands for precise, accredited RF measurements and sound metrological expertise. We combine metrological fundamentals with many years of practical experience from industry, research and regulatory applications.
Our goal is to provide technically robust measurement results that serve as a reliable basis for development, quality assurance and conformity assessment.
As part of Seibersdorf Laboratories, we are embedded in an organization that has represented scientific competence, independent testing and application-oriented research for decades. This connection also shapes our approach to radio frequency engineering: we do not view measurement tasks in isolation, but in the context of systems, processes and normative requirements—with the aim of ensuring results that are reproducible and traceable in the long term.
Radio frequency engineering
Equipment for precise and traceable RF measurements
The radio frequency engineering unit at Seibersdorf Laboratories has extensive and versatile technical equipment for calibrations, test site validations, reference measurements and research tasks in the RF domain. The measurement systems and facilities used are designed to enable reproducible and standards-compliant measurement results over a wide frequency range.
The technical infrastructure is continuously maintained, further developed and adapted to new metrological requirements. This allows the unit to reliably support both standardized measurement tasks and complex or novel RF applications.
Measurement environment and reference systems
For RF measurements and calibration tasks, Seibersdorf Laboratories utilizes specialized measurement environments designed specifically for precise and traceable procedures. These include one of the world’s largest anechoic chambers, which was designed specifically for the calibration of EMC measurement antennas. This infrastructure is complemented by a reference open area test site that serves as a primary standard for antenna calibrations and ensures defined propagation conditions.
For special applications, a TEM cell with a 1.4 m septum height—among other uses for calibrating loop antennas—as well as multiple anechoic chambers and reverberation chambers are available. The latter, in particular, enable probe calibrations at very high field strengths under controlled conditions.
The combination of these facilities enables precise characterization of antennas, field probes and reference systems across different frequency and level ranges. This is supported by modern RF instrumentation such as measuring receivers, spectrum analyzers, signal generators and power amplifiers, which are combined as required for each measurement task. All measurement chains are checked and calibrated regularly to ensure suitability for demanding measurement tasks. This keeps results comparable in the long term, standards-compliant and suitable for audit-ready documentation.
Software, evaluation and documentation
The technical equipment also includes specialized software solutions for measurement control, data collection and evaluation. These support the structured execution of measurements, statistical evaluation and GUM-compliant determination of measurement uncertainties. The results are comprehensibly documented and form the basis for calibration certificates, validation reports or technical statements.
Radio frequency engineering
Quality Management & Accreditation
The radio frequency engineering unit at Seibersdorf Laboratories operates on the basis of an established quality management system that ensures reliable, traceable and reproducible RF measurements. All services are provided under clearly defined organizational and technical conditions to meet the high requirements of industry, research and accredited test environments.
Quality management forms the foundation for consistent measurement processes, transparent documentation and continuous development of the procedures used. It ensures that measurements are performed independently, objectively and in accordance with recognized engineering practice.
Accreditation and normative basis
Calibrations and selected measurement services in the RF domain are performed within the scope of accreditation to ISO/IEC 17025. This standard defines internationally recognized requirements for the technical competence of testing and calibration laboratories and for the quality of the measurement methods applied.
The accredited scope covers those procedures and measurands that are regularly reviewed and assessed during evaluations. The currently valid accredited measurement ranges, procedures and uncertainties are documented in the official scope of accreditation and constitute the binding basis for accredited services.
In addition, non-accredited services also follow the same quality-assured processes, methods and documentation standards.
Measurement assurance and traceability
A central element of the quality management system is the metrological traceability of all relevant measurands. This is ensured through the use of traceably calibrated reference standards, regular verification of measuring equipment and clearly defined measurement chains.
Measurement uncertainty is determined in accordance with the Guide to the Expression of Uncertainty in Measurement (GUM). Uncertainties are analyzed and documented in a traceable manner and—where relevant—stated in the calibration certificate or measurement report. This provides customers with a transparent basis for evaluating and further using the measurement results.
Documentation, traceability and audits
All measurements, calibrations and validations are documented in a structured manner. The measurement methods used, the measurement equipment used and relevant boundary conditions are recorded in a comprehensible manner. This documentation enables customers to reuse measurement results internally, integrate them into quality processes or prove them to third parties.
The quality management system is regularly reviewed internally and evaluated as part of external assessments. Findings from audits, customer feedback and technical developments are continuously incorporated into the optimization of processes.
Distinction of accredited and non-accredited services
To ensure transparency and clarity, a clear distinction is made for all services between accredited and non-accredited activities. This distinction is made both during the quotation phase and in the results documentation.
For accredited services, only the conditions defined in the scope of accreditation apply. Non-accredited services are clearly identified as such, but likewise follow the established quality and documentation standards of Seibersdorf Laboratories.
