Round robin tests

The foundation for competence and reliability.

Along with procedures to ensure internal quality, accredited testing laboratories must monitor their performance by comparison with the results of other laboratories. Regular participation in interlaboratory comparisons (also known as round robin tests or intercomparisons) is one way of meeting these requirements.

In accordance with the DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025 standard, this comparison of performance can also be made by participating in interlaboratory or bilateral comparisons. The purpose of this is to secure constant and high quality of results and to offer reliable proof of competence to both customers and authorities.

SPEKTRA is accredited in accordance with the ISO/IEC 17025 standard and regularly participates in interlaboratory comparison (ILC) programs for different measurands or calibration methods.

Round robin tests with SPEKTRA: everything from a single source

We are accredited and regularly participate in interlaboratory comparisons and round robin tests
We have worked hand-in-hand with renowned national meteorological institutions (NMIs) for decades
We constantly set new standards – in calibration, quality and reliability
Systems and components with the lowest possible measurement uncertainty are developed and manufactured by us in Germany

Implement your round robin tests with SPEKTRA. In our DAkkS-accredited calibration laboratory and with more than 30 years of experience.

Would you like to initiate a round robin test or take part in an interlaboratory comparison? For whatever challenges you are facing, put your trust in our metrology experts. Ensure that your measurement system is equipped with high-precision and properly calibrated material – let SPEKTRA support you.

With components such as exciters, controllers and amplifiers. From hardware and software to complete system solutions from a single source. With accredited calibration service in our laboratories... and much more!

What is a round robin test?

A round robin test or interlaboratory comparison (ILC) is a type of performance test for accredited calibration laboratories. It is a method of external quality assurance for laboratories and their measurement procedures. During the trial, identical devices under test are examined by different research institutions, each laboratory using similar or different methods.

The comparison of measuring results between the participating institutions makes it possible to form conclusions about measurement uncertainty in general and also about the quality of the measurements of each of the participants.

Additionally, an ILC can be used to validate measurement procedures.

Image: A typical ILC with SPEKTRA as the pilot laboratory and a series of comparison laboratories

What are the benefits of such a comparison?

Round robin tests, also known internationally as interlaboratory comparisons (ILC) or intercomparisons, are used in the following situations:

Quality assurance of laboratory investigations and measurements
Verification of measurement uncertainty of a measurement procedure
Comparison of calibration processes with other laboratories
Fulfilment of requirements under ISO 17025:2018
Proof of competence for customers, superiors and authorities

Our ILC service range

ILC vibration secondary

Round robin test for the measurand vibration in low, medium and high frequency ranges.

Round robin test in the frequency range

CS ILC VLF – 0.2 Hz…160 Hz
CS ILC MF – 3 Hz…10 kHz
CS ILC HF – 5 Hz…20 kHz

(VLF = very low frequency / MF = medium frequency / HF = high frequency)

ILC vibration primary

Primary laser round robin test for the measurand vibration in the high and low frequency ranges.

Round robin test in the frequency range

CS ILC Primär HF – 5 Hz…20 kHz
CS ILC Seismic – 1 Hz...160 Hz

(HF = high frequency / In the field of seismology, we can offer on demand the round robin test in the frequency range 0.05 Hz…400 Hz)

ILC shock secondary

Secondary calibration of shock accelerometers

Round robin test in the amplitude range:

CS ILC LMS – LS: 200 m/s²…2 000 m/s²oder MS: 2 000 m/s²…100 000 m/s²
CS ILC DTI – LS: 200 m/s²…2 000 m/s²

(LS = low shock / MS = medium shock / LMS = low medium frequency / DTI = digital transducer interface)

ILC acoustic secondary

Interlaboratory comparison for acoustic measurands and measuring equipment.

Round robin test in the frequency range

CS ILC MicP – 31,5 Hz…16 kHz
CS ILC MicFF –125 Hz…20 kHz
CS ILC for sound calibrators and pistonphones, depending
on the operating point of the reference device under test

(MicP = pressure chamber calibration / FF = free field)

ILC signal conditioners

Round robin test for signal conditioners from low to very high frequency ranges in alignment with the client or participant.

CS ILC ESC – 0.2 Hz…50 kHz
or in alignment with the operating range of the customer

(ESC = electrical signal conditioner)

Who can participate in an ILC?

Any number of laboratories can take part in a round robin test. Research institutions with multiple measurement systems can also take part in a round robin test. Individual laboratories are also welcome to compare themselves directly with SPEKTA in a bilateral comparison.

Participants in the comparisons may be accredited for the metric of interest, but this is not a requirement. ILC participants can be accredited for the measurand in question, but this is not requirement. In addition, unaccredited businesses with calibration or testing systems can participate if they wish to compare their measurements and measurement systems or procedures.

SPEKTRA organizes round robin tests and can answer your questions!

Call us now or write to us.

SPEKTRA Sales Team
sales@spektra-dresden.de

Comparison between your laboratory and SPEKTRA

1. Selection of a suitable SPEKTRA device under test for the comparison measurement
2. Calibration at SPEKTRA and subsequent return to you
3. On-site calibration in your laboratory

4. You send your log data to SPEKTRA
5. Control calibration of DUT at SPEKTRA after return shipping
6. Evaluation and transmission of ILC report

Background and standards

The initiatives and process for an interlaboratory comparison are defined in the following standards:

DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025 (2018–03): General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories
As per DAkkS governing document 71 SD 0 010: “Inclusion of suitability tests in the accreditation”, participation in round robin tests as a suitability test is essential at least once per accreditation period and per measurand