High Frequency S-parameter - Round 5
Aims and Scope
Proficiency Tests (PT) give participants the opportunity to demonstrate technical competence, meet accreditation requirements, and gain confidence by comparing their results with those of other laboratories. They also provide independent insight into measurement performance, strengthen quality systems, and support risk management in line with ISO/IEC 17025:2017.
VSL organizes PTs under ISO/IEC 17043:2023 accreditation with the highest care, offering:
- A suitable traveling standard;
- A clear test protocol;
- An independent assessment report;
- Anonymous comparison of results;
- Optional metrological and quality management support.
Criteria of Participation
Participation is open to any laboratory performing high frequency instruments calibration, whether accredited to ISO/IEC 17025 or seeking accreditation.
Quantities to be Measured
High-frequency S-parameter measurements of 1-port and 2-port passive devices within the following frequency ranges, depending on the connector type(s) selected by the participant:
- 9 kHz – 18 GHz (APC-type)
- 9 kHz – 33 GHz (3.5 mm)
Travelling Standard
Short, Open, Load, Adapter and Attenuator standards.
Method and Equipment
Participants are advised to use their routine methods and equipment when performing measurements and calibrations. These should be carried out in accordance with the laboratory's usual practices.
Instructions and Protocol
VSL will provide the protocol before shipping the instruments. Each participant will have at least three weeks to perform the measurements and submit the results. A report sheet will be provided for submitting the results.
Schedule
The PT will start on the date specified on our website. Instruments will be delivered by courier to each participant. Each laboratory will have three weeks to perform the measurements and submit the results before the instruments will be sent to the next participant. The aim is to release the PT report no later than six weeks after the deadline for submitting the results by the participants. Detailed instructions and contact information will be provided.
Assigned Value
Reference values will be determined by VSL using traceable calibrated standards. These assigned values form the basis for evaluating each participant's measurement results.
Performance Evaluation
The results will be evaluated using the normalized error (En-score).
Interpretation of the En-score is as follows:
|En| < 1 Satisfactory performance
|En| ≥ 1 Unsatisfactory performance
The final report presents results anonymously. Each laboratory can identify its own performance via a unique code. VSL guarantees full confidentiality and does not share individual data with third parties.
Deliverables
Upon completion of the PT, each participant will receive:
- An anonymised evaluation of your performance;
- A comprehensive PT-report.
This report may serve as supporting evidence for audits and internal reviews.
Confidentiality Statement
The identity of the participant is confidential, and so is the relationship between any participant, its submitted results and the performance evaluation. Results in the PT scheme will be collated, processed, reported and released in anonymised form. The PT reports are provided to the participants only. PT reports and calibration certificates are subject to copyright. You will receive the reference material certificates after the PT evaluation has been carried out.
Transport
VSL will arrange the shipment of instruments to all participating laboratories. Shipping costs are not included in the participation fee and will be charged separately. Detailed shipping instructions will be provided by VSL.
Payment Terms
Payment in advance, at least one month before the start.
Failure to pay on time may result in exclusion from participation, without any right to refund or compensation.
Participants
This PT is open to 5-10 participants. If fewer than 5 laboratories register, VSL may cancel or postpone the PT. In such cases, all registered participants will be notified and offered alternative options.