Manufacturers of equipment designed for operation in hazardous areas and explosive atmospheres can simplify the process of marketing their products internationally, using the services of test house TRaC, which is now qualified under the IECEx System.

IECEx is an internationally-recognised Conformity Assessment System that runs under the auspices of the IEC; it deals with equipment that operates in any environment where there is a risk of explosion due to the materials used within it.  Under a designation accepted in, currently, 31 countries, all such locations are known as Ex Areas, and products tested and found to be safe for use in those areas, as Ex Equipment.  Using an electronic certification scheme, equipment that has passed all the required tests is listed on a single database, and is accepted as the basis for national approval in any of the participating countries: manufacturers can reduce costs and time-to-market using this effective short-cut.

TRaC now offers IECEx services, including the capability to test and certify equipment, enabling it to be sold in any IECEx participating countries - which include the UK, USA, and Canada, and also emerging markets such as Russia, China, Brazil and India. IECEx operates alongside existing certification schemes such as the European ATEX product directive for hazardous location equipment.  While there are detailed differences between certification regimes, TRaC - as a facility qualified in both ATEX and IECEx systems – can construct a single test programme that accommodates any additional testing.

Ex Equipment certification applies to a much wider range of equipment than might at first be thought.   In addition to the obvious hazardous-areas such as oil refineries, fuel stations and sugar processing facilities, Ex Areas include such diverse environments as paint spray booths (due to the presence of flammable solvents) and wood- and metal-workshops (where there can be highly flammable dust residues).

By adding the IECEx qualification to its range of services, TRaC now offers a solution to a potential bottleneck in the process of bringing a wide range of Ex Equipment to market.  While the number of certificates issued under the IECEx System has multiplied by a factor of six in just five years, the number of facilities authorised to test and certify products has not even doubled, leading to extended lead times in provision of testing services.

For a certificate to be issued under the IECEx System, not only must a product successfully undergo a rigorous test programme, but an on-going audit process of the manufacturer's own systems and methodologies must also be put in place. TRaC can now offer a comprehensive service comprising all of the elements an Ex Equipment manufacturer needs to take a product into global markets.

For equipment designers and manufacturers new to the IECEx system, TRaC has produced a White Paper, "Guide to EX Certification" that explains the process in detail for project managers and test engineers. The White Paper is available on request from TRaC by emailing iecex@tracglobal.com

Products that have been certified for electrical safety in Canada will need to make some changes to the certification mark that is applied to their products. Certification marks indicate or confirm that a product or component meets standards for safety performance. Some of the marks issued for products sold in Canada include MET, UL, CSA.

Which ever certification mark you are applying, whether it is the MET mark, UL, CSA or another, if the approval covers Canada, you will have to make some changes. A new ruling by the Standards Council of Canada has required that the type of certification is clearly indicated on the mark (label) used to indicate certification. This can be achieved by either indicating the actual standard to which the product has shown compliance or using the following terms "Electrical Safety" or if applicable "Electrical Safety and / or Hazardous Location Safety". This requirement will be in effect 1st April 2012.

Certification of electrical / electronic product is mandatory for a number of product categories in the USA and Canada.

There has been a call by industry since the introduction of the various CE marking directives to take action when  a product is found not to be CE Marked, illegally CE Marked and do not satisfy the CE Mark requirements, therefore non-compliant.

In response to this the 'New Legislative Framework' was agreed and published in 2008 and now at the start of 2010, things are starting to be implemented.

Any manufacturer or supplier of products can not have missed the fact that compliance costs money, and if unscrupulous suppliers can increase profit margins or undercut the competition by non-compliance, a level playing field across the EU hasn't been achieved. This in turn undermines the point of CE marking which has prompted the European Commission to take this action.

In essence the summary of the new requirements are as follows:

• Improved market surveillance
• Reinforces conformity assessment bodies and accreditation requirements
• Clarifies the meaning of CE marking
• Establishment of a common legal framework

It will be the improved market surveillance activities which will be of most interest to manufacturers of product and the supply chain.

In the UK the new regulations are being taken seriously and the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS, formerly BERR, DTI) has set out their objectives for 2010 through the development of a National Market Surveillance Programme.

The UK position on enforcing regulations is largely based on encouraging industry to comply through education and information sharing however the 2010 programme sets out specific activities that will be undertaken to ensure that it complies with its obligations under the Framework agreement.

In addition to the activities of government and associated agencies, the product directives will also be modified to take into account the requirements of the directive. For some directives this will be minimal however there others that will need a comprehensive review to ensure that their requirements are aligned with the others.

Impact assessment will be performed over the months ahead and amended directives issued as soon as possible. Whilst the directives numbers should largely remain the same (i.e. not affect Declarations of Conformity) there will inevitably be changes that industry needs to be aware of and cost for accordingly.

As the changes are implemented in the product directives TRaC will continue to monitor the changes and inform you accordingly.

TRaC, the leading testing, certification and validation company, announces plans for a major investment of £1 million in a new test facility in Up Holland, Lancashire.

The investment, which is supported by the North West Regional Development Agency, will create the largest comprehensive test facility in the North West of England and generate new jobs for the region. The new facility will provide convenient local test services, simplifying the certification process and helping companies in the region reduce the time to market of their products.

TRaC is the largest British test and certification company, providing a comprehensive service at seven locations across the country, as well as offering global reach through worldwide partnerships. The new facility will be much larger than the company's existing Up Holland site that it will replace, strengthening the company's presence in the North and complementing the existing Hull facility, which itself is the largest in the North East. The investment supports the continued growth of TRaC's business in the region.

TRaC ensures and certifies that its clients' products comply with EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility) regulations; wireless, radio and telecoms standards; and environmental and safety requirements, as well as providing consultancy and support throughout the development cycle that reduce the risk of products failing certification test. The company holds a comprehensive range of accreditations to issue product approvals to national and international standards, providing services that allow customers to certify products for sale in more than 150 countries.

Watch out for regular updates on our brand new TRaC North West Facilities »

TRaC, the leading provider of equipment test and certification services, has extended its capabilities in testing products against the requirements of the Noise at Work Directive.

The Directive sets out the legal maximum noise levels to which workers may be exposed; it imposes a duty on employers to protect their employees' hearing. Employers can meet their obligations either by ensuring that none of the equipment that workers use, or have around them, subjects them to noise levels above the permitted thresholds; or, if that is not feasible, by providing effective hearing protection.

Most people will be familiar with the second case and will know that workers who use, for example, pneumatic drills or machine tools must be issued with ear defenders. Less well understood is that commonly-used items of office equipment, such as the headsets that call-centre staff must wear for long periods, can also impair hearing if they are not manufactured, set up and used correctly.

TRaC operates a facility and service, unique in the UK, with the resources to ensure that the noise emitted by any product, tool or item of equipment is within the specified limits. The Directive's limits are defined in terms of noise that actually reaches the human ear; therefore, TRaC has invested in facilities such as a standardised simulator representing the human head and torso as its model for every test. To ensure that measurements are made in precisely controlled conditions, the company’s site at Hull is equipped with an anechoic chamber; a sealed room that allows no sound in from the outside world while tests are carried out.

Employers can protect their workers' hearing, and themselves from possible legal consequences, by ensuring that key items of equipment issued to their staff have been tested as complying with the regulations. TRaC's testing service is built on long experience in interpreting acoustic measurements. Insisting on proper testing provides the equipment purchaser with confidence that they have carried out all due diligence in fulfilling their legal obligations to their workforce.

TRaC Global operates laboratories on a number of sites, offering a comprehensive range of testing, certification and approvals spanning a wide range of safety and performance standards.

Tremors below ground in Bristol are being used to help design buildings and equipment better able to withstand the forces of nature. Of all the harsh environments that products and structures have to be designed to withstand, an earthquake is one of the most extreme. The unpredictability, the repetition and the sheer scale of the forces unleashed in earthquakes makes them uniquely dangerous and difficult to prepare for.

Read more »

source: Environmental Engineering, volume 22 NO 4

TRaC, the largest UK-based provider of testing, validation and certification, announces that Fujitsu General EMC Laboratory Limited has joined the TRaC Partner Laboratory Programme, enhancing services offered to manufacturers wishing to certify products for sale in the UK and Europe. This programme enables Fujitsu to provide CE certification to Japanese manufacturers with the support of TRaC's expertise.

The TRaC Partner Laboratory Programme helps test facilities based outside the EU to provide a reliable and efficient certification service. TRaC helps partners draw up test plans, verifies testing meets European legislation, generates reports and produces the technical file that demonstrates compliance. TRaC also ensures that other documentation such as Declarations of Conformity, approvals listings, labelling and instruction manuals meet the stringent requirements of their intended markets. The programme eliminates the risk of incomplete or inaccurate interpretation of standards by overseas laboratories, a particular problem if regulations need to be translated, as well as speeding the approvals process by providing a European project management service to ensure any problems can be resolved quickly.

"This partnership ensures that Japanese manufactured equipment and products for the export market can be tested in country at first class facilities, providing the test data and reports to support the documentation needed to prove compliance in world markets," commented Mark Heaven, TRaC CEO. "I am delighted to welcome the Fujitsu General EMC Laboratory into the TRaC Partner Laboratory Programme."

The new service is available now, and will be offered by Fujitsu General EMC Laboratory and PSC Corporation, TRaC's partner consulting firm in Japan.

Mr Hiroyuki Shimanoe, president of Fujitsu General EMC Laboratory Limited, stated "Fujitsu General EMC Laboratory performs efficient and precision testing and provides suitable consulting for modification of products by skilled EMC engineers. We are very pleased to have and keep a partnership with TRaC and PSC."

Fujitsu General EMC Laboratory Limited, based in Kawasaki, Japan, is a world class EMC facility accredited to ISO/IEC 17025:2005, offering two 10m Semi anechoic Chambers supported by smaller anechoic and shielded rooms. These comprehensive facilities are a perfect match to TRaC's testing requirements in Japan.

28 Products Now Certified for Smart Home Use to Support Expanding Market. The ZigBee^® Alliance, a global ecosystem of companies creating wireless solutions for use in energy management, commercial and consumer applications, today announced the certification of 11 devices from five different companies using ZigBee Home Automation. There are now 28 products certified to help consumers and professional installers create smart homes that control home appliances, lighting, heating and cooling, energy use and security.

According to ABI Research, home automation system shipments will approach 2.8 million in 2011 as standards-based mainstream home automation systems and home automation as a service expand rapidly in 2010. New standards-based wireless technologies such as ZigBee mean that many mainstream home automation installations are decreasing in price, while the segment is further driven by the growing availability of peripheral components, according to the same report.

"ZigBee Home Automation is generating new opportunities for companies and consumers to create smart homes," said Bob Heile, chairman of the ZigBee Alliance. "With this newest group of certifications, it’s clear that our members and the marketplace see ZigBee as a key driver in making home automation systems reliable and more accessible for consumers everywhere."

The following ZigBee Home Automation certified products are fully interoperable. They will be branded with the ZigBee Certified logo and the ZigBee Home Automation icon on product packaging and advertisements to clearly communicate interoperability to the marketplace. For a full list of features and product photos, please visit www.zigbee.org/homeautomation.

1. adhoco – adhoco.S1 is a small, combined light on/off actuator and light switch sensor fitting behind light control switches of any type at 230 VAC operation. It features an indicator LED and a multi-purpose pushbutton.
2. Develco - ZHWR201 – ZigBee Wallplug Meter Relay HA is a wall mounted on/off switch with submetering capability offering control of equipment remotely via ZigBee.
3. Develco - ZHDR201 – ZigBee DIN Meter Relay HA is an on/off switch with submetering capability for DIN rail mounting offering control of equipment remotely via ZigBee allowing users to control home appliances in groups versus separately.
4. Develco - ZHGG101 – ZigBee-GSM Gateway HA is a combined interface device serving as GSM gateway and data concentrator for meters with the ability to configure and control other ZigBee Home Automation devices.
5. Develco - ZHEG101 – ZigBee-Ethernet Gateway HA is a combined interface device serving as Ethernet gateway and data concentrator for meters with the ability to configure and control other ZigBee Home Automation devices.
6. Freescale Semiconductor – MC13202 + QE128 is an RF transceiver + MCU platform providing a flexible, low-power solution for ZigBee Home Automation devices including lighting and HVAC control.
7. Freescale Semiconductor – MC1322x is a hardware and software platform providing a complete out-of-box ZigBee Home Automation experience for lighting and HVAC devices controlled through a Freescale PC-based GUI.
8. Ubilogix – Ubiqua CI is a combined USB dongle and software package allowing users to control and monitor a wide variety of ZigBee Home Automation devices from your PC or through the Internet.
9. SimpleHomeNet – ZBLC15 is a medium power dual-relay (15A) load controller featuring a compact size allowing it to be placed inside a single-gang box to provide intelligent control to a regular AC outlet.
10. SimpleHomeNet – ZBLC30 is a versatile dual-relay load controller capable of smartening high current appliances such as air conditioners, water heaters, pool pumps, and more.
11. SimpleHomeNet – ZBWS 3-Button Key Pad Switch is a versatile keypad switch that brings low-cost control of ZigBee on/off devices.

ZigBee Home Automation: Control for Smart Homes

ZigBee Home Automation provides a global wireless standard for the control of HVAC systems, power outlets, motorized devices, security, window shades, doorbells and other devices. Product manufacturers will benefit from this standardized approach that makes devices reliable, affordable, easy-to-install and operate. Products using ZigBee Home Automation are ideal for new construction, do-it-yourself and retrofit markets.

ZigBee: Control your world

ZigBee is the global wireless language connecting dramatically different devices to work together and enhance everyday life. The ZigBee Alliance is a non-profit association of more than 340 members driving development of ZigBee wireless technology. The Alliance promotes world-wide adoption of ZigBee as the leading wirelessly networked, sensing and control standard for use in consumer electronic, energy, home, commercial and industrial areas. For more information, visit: www.ZigBee.org.

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TRaC, internationally recognised as a test, certification and approvals expert, has received customer praise for its role in assisting CSR plc gain worldwide approval for one of the world's smallest PC Bluetooth® modules. The module is called BlueSlim.

Unlike many other test facilities, TRaC's extensive accreditations mean it is able to provide all of the testing and certification for all countries of sale, worldwide, in a single process. Not only does this drastically simplify the approvals process, but it also cuts the time and cost to launch new products into a global marketplace.  

Miguel Bravo-Escos, CSR's Technical Programme Manager said: "CSR appreciates TRaC's excellent work on this project and for getting our Bluetooth module qualified quickly and efficiently."

Through its worldwide accreditation and integrated project management services, TRaC is able to provide a single site solution for product approval, comprising its Bluetooth Qualification Test Facility (BQTF) for RF performance and Bluetooth Qualification Expert (BQE) services. These services, together with TRaC's ability to manage approvals in over 150 countries worldwide, enable customers such as CSR to place new products on worldwide markets quicker and more effectively. TRaC's comprehensive accreditation status also means that gaining approvals for additional countries at a later date can be achieved quickly and efficiently.

Using Agilent's N4010A Wireless Connectivity Test Set as a foundation, TRaC engineers have created a bespoke Bluetooth test system, which provides a fast, seamless and cost effective test solution for chipset vendors, module manufacturers and system integrators.

Furthermore, the personalised service offered by TRaC means each project is managed by a single, consistent TRaC representative throughout the process, eliminating complicated communication paths and streamlining the approvals process.

TRaC is unique in providing its customers a single site solution for worldwide certification, whereby product testing, qualification and approval is handled entirely in one location under the control of a single TRaC contact. This is possible because TRaC's testing services are accredited by UKAS to ISO/EN 17025, and it is a recognised National Certification Body (NCB) and Certification Body Test Laboratory (CBTL) by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) for Conformity Testing and Certification of Electrical Equipment, under what is more commonly known as the CB scheme.

To guide you in your product development, TRaC are hosting a Technology Insight Briefing that will both explain the concept, and provide a practical demonstration of HALT (Highly Accelerated Life Test) and HASS (Highly Accelerated Stress Screening).

Mr. Bob Page of Reliability Plus, an industry expert in this field, will lead the presentation being held at the TRaC Environmental & Analysis facility in Warwick on Tuesday 16th March from 9am to 4pm. This seminar will be particularly useful to Engineers who are managing new product development programmes.

HALT is rapidly emerging as a recognised means to dramatically cut development timescales through a process of accelerated aging. This is achieved by employing high levels of multi-axial vibration and rapid temperature cycling, either separately or in combination. Whilst the test does not mimic a particular reality, it very effectively employs environmental conditions commonly experienced in service, and so exposes design features and manufacturing defects which could lead to premature failure.

The registration fee (including lunch, refreshments, and set of seminar notes) is £110 (excl. VAT) per delegate. Attending delegates will also benefit from a 25% discount on HALT chamber hire for their company’s next HALT order at TRaC Warwick.

Places on the seminar are strictly limited to enable the interests of the individual delegates to be satisfied, so early registration is recommended. To register your interest, please contact astrid.morgan@tracglobal.com or telephone 01926 478478.

We look forward to seeing you at TRaC Warwick on the 16th March.

A Presentation to the Engineering Integrity Society. TRaC, leading providers of environmental testing and finite element analysis (FEA) is delighted to be part of the Engineering Integrity Society (EIS) upcoming "Instrumentation, Analysis & Testing Exhibition" at Silverstone Race Track on 23rd February 2010.

The exhibition provides visitors with an opportunity to see and evaluate the latest industry developments within the Instrumentation, Analysis and Testing environment.

Dr. Peter Moir, TRaC's Technical Director, will deliver a paper on "Stress Analysis and Physical Testing - Complementary Processes or Alternatives". Finite Element Analysis is a commonly used means for de-risking the reliability and robustness of a design against its mechanical performance specification, particularly given the demands of faster times to market, cost reduction, etc.  Despite its widespread use, belief in computer simulation is still seen as a leap of faith by many technical and non technical decision makers when planning the development of new products, ultimate trust being commonly placed in validation testing.  Drawing on case studies, this presentation by TRaC looks at benchmarks between analysis and physical test outcomes and illustrates the sophistication that computer simulation offers.

In addition, TRaC's experts will be on hand at our exhibition stand to discuss any of your testing and analysis needs.

The event runs from 10am to 4pm on Tuesday 23rd February in the Jimmy Brown Centre. Admission to the presentation and exhibition is free to visitors and includes complimentary lunch and refreshments. Information on registration and visiting the event is available from the Engineering Integrity Society at events@e-i-s.org.uk.

We look forward to seeing you at Silverstone on 23rd February.

TRaC, your partner for worldwide market access, has reached a major milestone, by now providing a turn-key test approvals management service for accessing over 150 countries.

The process of gaining test approvals for worldwide markets is complex; every region requires its own unique demonstration of compliance, making a 'one certificate fits all' approach impossible. Just as the CE mark applies to all goods traded in any European Member State, including those produced outside the zone, other worldwide markets impose their own compliance requirements. In developed countries such as the Americas, the requirements may be familiar to OEMs successfully trading in the European market. For developing regions, such as the CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States) or the Africas, the process is much more complicated.

Gaining access to the developing regions of the world is viewed by many as essential for growth. As traditional markets become saturated, forward-looking OEMs are moving into these relatively new markets in order to achieve financial growth. A significant part of that strategy is gaining product approvals as quickly and efficiently as possible. TRaC’s comprehensive approvals management service is built on its expertise and its reputation as a recognised Notified Body for a range of European directives, accreditation by UKAS to ISO/EN 17025 and approval to BS EN ISO 9001:2008.  

Achieving compliance in CIS countries and developing regions quickly requires the combination of standard testing procedures with the flexibility to accommodate a differing list of requirements and, perhaps most importantly, a good working relationship with the relevant governing bodies. TRaC has developed the necessary relationships, experience and flexibility to successfully help its customers achieve compliance in over 150 countries worldwide with speed and efficiency.

"Managing the approvals process in the European Union (CE), is simplified through a common approvals scheme", commented Joe Lomako, TRaC's Business Development Manager. "However, managing that same process for, say, African countries such as Kenya or the Ivory Coast, or CIS countries such as Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan or Belarus is vastly more complex and needs the skills of a management team familiar with the market, the approvals process and its demands."

Through its extensive experience with worldwide markets, TRaC has built a reputation with test associations around the world, and has the knowledge and skills to expedite the approvals process for its customers in almost all of the trading world's countries.

HMS Dauntless, the second of the Royal Navy's class of air defence destroyer arrived at Portsmouth Naval base for the first time in December. Dauntless is one of six new Type 45 destroyers which will provide the backbone of the UK's naval air defences for the next three decades.

The impressive Sampson Radar from BAE Systems Integrated System Technologies is a striking feature, and was a particularly interesting project for TRaC in supporting BAE Systems Integrated System Technologies with qualification through means of vibration testing, finite element analysis and modal testing.

Image courtesy of BAE Systems Integrated System Technologies

Owing to the size of the unit under test (7m and 6 tonnes), the process for qualification went beyond conventional testing, and TRaC Employed a number of physical and theoretical methods to support BAE Systems Integrated System Technologies validation of the structure, including:

• Conventional Vibration of sub-sections at TRaC's Warwick and Wimborne laboratories
• Modal testing at BAE Systems on the Isle of Wight, using an electrodynamic shaker suspended from a crane to drive the natural frequencies of the system.  TRaC engineers conducted Finite Element Analysis to prove the testing technique, de-risking the methodology in advance of carrying out the study. BAe engineers then compared the predicted modal results with those measured.
• Data was captured during the vibration testing and submitted to BAe Systems for qualification purposes.

The analyses was conducted in Nastran. The 3D model of the Raydome assembly was supplied by BAE Systems Integrated System Technologies. TRaC engineers extended the model to include the excitation system, repeating the analysis to replicate the test arrangement.

TRaC engineers have carried out a wide range of Modal test studies using alternative techniques.  In addition to conventional hammer testing, structures have been mounted on fixtures and excited by a conventional electromagnetic shaker or driven by a suspended shaker as in the case of the Sampson project.  Structures tested include a whole railway engine system in addition to a wide range of Aerospace and commercial products.

The customer needed our assistance to undertake the modal testing and TRaC's innovative approach was fundamental in solving the issues poised.  The contract worth in excess of 200K was awarded to TRaC.

A combination of Finite Element Modelling and Modal Testing was used to determine the local vibration environment of the Sampson Radar sub-assemblies that were deemed critical or significant by BAE Systems Integrated System Technologies. These sub-assemblies were then subjected to classical sinusoidal and random vibration qualification testing but to spectra modified, as a result of the Modelling and Modal Testing process.

The full Radar Array, a two-dimensional structure 3m x 3m was tested in a bespoke fixture, designed and manufactured by TRaC, which enabled the Array to be maintained in its in-service configuration whilst transmitting the vibration to the specified mounting locations.  The Array was tested using one of TRaC's two LDS 964 electrodynamic shakers and successfully demonstrated the integrated approach of combining modelling, experimental testing and qualification testing - all of which are carried out in-house by specialist engineers with extensive experience of these theoretical and practical disciplines.  

TRaC provides leading engineering services in static and dynamic structural analysis using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) techniques.  A typical stress analysis will involve finding accurate stress values either by hand calculations or FEA. Detailed fatigue assessments can be carried out to determine the components durability. TRaC can also perform physical testing of a component and correlate this back to the FEA model. This can be invaluable when developing a new component and understanding how it's performance will compare to the in-service component which has been physically tested. Our analysis team are able to apply their many years of experience in solving complex engineering problems to assist in the development of your products.

TRaC have expertise in the following market verticals:

Aerospace, Defence, General Engineering, Energy, Automotive, Rail, F1, Nuclear, Oil and Gas and Traffic Management

TRaC has purchased new automotive transient test equipment. TRaC customers can now benefit from testing automotive Electronic Sub-Assemblies (ESAs), with a continuous high current rating to the latest automotive transient specification ISO7637-2:2004, complementing the existing equipment.

Vehicles are in a very different environment from a house or office where large voltage transients are caused from the vehicle during a typical journey. These transients include cranking the engine, switching of large inductive loads (e.g. air conditioning), cables being disconnected inadvertently and other forms voltage spike.

ISO7637-2:2004 forms the basis of almost all the specific manufacturer specifications as well as the automotive directive 2004/104/EC (used for e-marking) and also products that are used in this environment to the EMC Directive (2004/108/EC).  The new NSG5000 system enables all the core pulse parameters to be adjusted to meet an individual manufacturer specification if required.

In addition to meeting transient immunity legislative requirements, this system will enable TRaC customers to benefit from an increased scope of manufacturers test specifications with most of the main vehicle manufacturer specifications covered, Ford, BMW, GM, Toyota to name but a few.

To complement our growing military testing scope this additional test equipment also enables us to offer testing to DEF STAN 61-5 part 6: 2009 for equipment fitted to military vehicles. This enables very specialised high power products used in these vehicles to be tested thoroughly before entering active service.

ISO7637-2 forms just part of the overall technical challenges presented to engineers designing products for automotive use. Other requirements (covering both military and civil) include conducted and radiated emissions and radiated susceptibility tests.

In addition to being UKAS accredited, TRaC is appointed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA) in the UK as an approved test house and Technical Service providing a complete solution for automotive products.

TRaC performs vehicle testing on a wide range of products and whole vehicles for both civil and defence customers in our specialised EMC test chambers which are installed with rolling roads and fume extraction. Using our EMC expertise and our partners facilities we are able to provide a complete solution for virtually any product used on the highway.

Read more about the pulses contained within ISO7637-2:2004 here »

TRaC, a leading provider of FEA services to the Aerospace, Defence, Automotive  and general engineering industries, announces the appointment of Graham Andrews as Commercial Manager of its Analysis division.

Through stress analysis, OEMs are able to refine existing products and develop new products that are more robust, reliable and ultimately competitive, in an accelerated timeframe. "FEA is now an important part of product development, necessary to maintain overall competitiveness," said Andrews. "Engineers face ever shortening time to market and product lifecycles, whilst the demand for innovation increases. TRaC provides a service which ensures your products meet your performance goals; handling weight reduction, fatigue, stress and overall product performance issues, so your engineering teams can focus on innovation."

Having almost 20 years of experience in computer aided engineering services, solutions and consultancy, Graham has built a strong reputation within aerospace, defence and blue-chip engineering companies. Previously Andrews has occupied sales roles for Onward Technologies, Annex Technology and Structural Dynamics Research Corporations. The expertise Andrews brings will significantly strengthen TRaC’s analysis division. His industry experience will help ensure customers benefit from analysis and test solutions that meet the technical needs of their application within time and budget constraints.

Brendan Wall, TRaC Sales Director, commented: "TRaC's stress analysis services incorporate vibration, impact and multi body dynamics analysis; highly specialised services that require a level of expertise that is hard to find. We are delighted to welcome Graham to the company, who brings a wealth of knowledge and customer experience."

As a UKAS accredited test laboratory, TRaC is uniquely positioned to offer a fully integrated analysis and test service; providing a complete solution from analysis to validation of the theoretical model through testing. Customers currently benefiting from TRaC's analysis services span the aerospace, defence, oil & gas, off-highway, rail and general engineering sectors.

TRaC - testing consultancy of choice for major telecoms operators around the world - is today (10 December 2009) set to become one of the first laboratories in the world to offer testing against new standards announced yesterday by the Broadband Forum.

TRaC will be utilising its newly extended Hull, UK-based test laboratory to offer its global customer base testing against the new Broadband Forum Technical Reports (TRs) TR-114 and TR-115.

"We have been offering VDSL2 testing for two years but without specific industry-defined standards. Now we have new Broadband Forum recommendations which allow our customers to test their products against a recognised benchmark, in order that they can respond to operator RFPs anywhere in the world where VDSL2 is deployed," said TRaC Telecoms & Radio managing director Paul Russell.

"We have already got a queue of customers who have been waiting for these TRs to be announced. Work on shortening that queue starts today."

The new standards are set to play major roles in supporting telecoms operators throughout the world with VDSL2 deployments and TRaC is unique in offering VDSL2 interoperability and regulatory testing in addition to other compliance requirements such as EMC, safety and radio.

TR-114 provides a set of performance requirements for VDSL2 (ITU-T G.993.2) modems and test methods that will provide operators guaranteed performance between the DSLAM and the CPE for the first time - giving them high confidence levels when deploying advanced service delivery. TR-115 will boost chipset interoperability to create improved interworking and increase competition in the market.

Only last month TRaC opened the most advanced and comprehensive independent DSL testing capability anywhere in the world at its UK headquarters in Hull following re-location from Santa Clara, US.

TRaC – testing consultancy of choice for major telecoms operators around the world – has unveiled its expanded flagship DSL test facility during an official opening ceremony at its UK headquarters.

Image caption: (left to right) Paul Russell, managing director of TRaC Telecoms & Radio with the Broadband Forum COO, Robin Mersh.

The opening follows the re-location of TRaC's Santa Clara test operation back to the UK and has created the most advanced and comprehensive independent DSL testing capability anywhere in the world today.

Robin Mersh said: "The growth of broadband around the world has created a phenomenal change in how people communicate, and an absolutely vital component in making it all possible are test laboratories that ensure products can work successfully – and easily – with each other."

"What TRaC has created here in Hull is a truly world class facility – one of the flagship laboratories at the very heart of the broadband revolution. I feel very privileged to have been invited here today to see it for myself and to formally open it for the benefit of telecommunications network operators and equipment and chipset vendors across the world."

Among the equipment and services open to chipset manufacturers, equipment vendors and telecoms operators at the new facility will be access to nine test rigs and over 25 DSLAMS, the availability of two dedicated interoperability laboratories, access to both European and US DSLAMS and 24/7 working with remote capability.

The technologies covered at the centre will be ADSL, SHDSL, ADSL2plus and VDSL2, as well as worldwide regulatory testing covering EMC, Radio, Safety and DSL.

"We have a proud heritage in testing that goes back 25 years and our expanded test facility offers a truly world-class capability for anyone needing to carry out this type of work in the DSL sector," said TRaC Telecoms & Radio managing director Paul Russell.

"The broadband explosion of the past few years has heaped enormous pressure on everyone concerned with all aspects of DSL delivery as bandwidth expectations have continued to increase. Now, everything people need in the testing, interoperability or regulatory fields is here under one roof, ready to support them as we move into an exciting new era where 'super-fast' broadband becomes the norm."

TRaC's extensive range of telecoms testing and consultancy services is already utilised by many of the world's largest telecoms manufacturers. TRaC also assists telecoms operators worldwide with interoperability testing, test plan development and demonstrating compliance with the essential requirements of the European RTTE Directive.