What We Do

The Division carries out a broad range of technical programs focused upon the precise realization and measurement of physical quantities throughout the radio spectrum. Key directions include:

The development of artifact reference standards, services and processes with which industry can maintain internationally recognized measurement traceability
The advancement of technology through the development of new measurement techniques that are theoretically and experimentally sound as well as relevant and practical
The assessment of measurement uncertainties
The provision of expert technical support for national and international standards activities

Our programs cover the following technical areas:

Fundamental Microwave Quantities

develops standards and methods for measuring scattering parameters, attenuation, power, thermal noise, and provides essential measurement services to the nation.

High-Speed Microelectronics

develops on-wafer measurement techniques for the radio-frequency electromagnetic characterization of microelectronic structures and devices.

Electromagnetic Properties of Materials

develops theory and methods for measuring the dielectric and magnetic properties of bulk and thin-film materials throughout the radio spectrum.

Wireless Systems

develops methods for the characterization of wireless systems that include nonlinear elements and leads the open development of standards for broadband wireless access.

Antenna and Antenna Systems Metrology

develops theory and techniques for measuring the gain, pattern, polarization of advanced antennas, for measuring the gain and noise of large antenna systems, and for measuring radar cross section.

Electromagnetic Compatibility

develops theory and methods for measuring electromagnetic field quantities and for characterizing the emissions and susceptibility of electronic devices and products.