Quality Assurance
Elite’s Quality System History
Elite has been an early adopter of standardized quality management systems. In 1986, Elite engineers developed a quality program around the requirements of ISO Guide 25. Guide 25 was initially the quality assurance standard required by the FCC for testing of digital devices and intentional transmitters. It was also the quality system requirement specified by the US Navy for testing avionic systems. Elite’s quality system has since evolved to meet the present day requirements of ISO 17025.
ISO 17025 encompasses the primary documentation and QA process management elements of the ISO 9002 quality standard. It is adapted for the testing industry to address the technical competence, facilities, and resources that are required for testing and calibration. Elite’s quality system accreditation provides the assurance that testing follows a structured process which is independently evaluated and continually improving.
In 2000, Elite developed a product certification quality system in accordance with ISO Guide 65. This certification quality system is required in order to perform radio transmitter certifications for manufacturers petitioning compliance with the FCC and Industry Canada regulations. This certification quality system outlines Elite’s structured certification process and defines procedures, records, forms, and personnel responsibilities associated with the certification process. It also defines procedures which assure that Elite maintains impartiality and objectivity between its testing and certification duties.
Elite’s Quality System Today
Elite’s QA accreditations provide a third-party assessment of our test and certification services. These credentials establish a benchmark of performance for efficiency, repeatability, accuracy to the ISO quality standards. Presently, Elite has ISO based quality system accreditations through two organizations. They are A2LA and NVLAP.
Third Party Accreditation
A2LA- The American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA) is a nonprofit, non-governmental, public service, membership society. As of January 1, 2008, A2LA has over 1,900 accredited laboratories in 48 States in the US and several foreign countries. Laboratory accreditation is based on internationally accepted criteria for competence ISO/IEC 17025:2005. A2LA also offers programs for accreditation of inspection bodies, proficiency testing providers, reference material producers and product certification bodies.
- Elite’s Scope of Accreditation through A2LA
NVLAP-The National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP) provides third-party accreditation to testing and calibration laboratories. The program was established by NIST (US Department of Commerce) in 1976 to serve the needs of the government and private sector (industry, consumers, and other stakeholders) NVLAP currently offers accreditation in 17 fields of testing involving thousands of test methods; eight fields of calibration covering more than 90 parameters; and two fields of chemical calibration.
- Elite’s Scope of Accreditation through NVLAP
DSCC- Commercial Laboratory Suitability Program
The Defense Supply Center, Columbus (DSCC-VQ Division) establishes and maintains a supplier base of products and suppliers that meet the specified performance, quality, and reliability levels of the DoD Product Qualification Program. The VQ Division manages supplies of microelectronics, hybrid microcircuits, passive electronic and construction items and semiconductors, printed wiring boards, and electron tubes. These products and suppliers are listed on the Qualified Product List (QPL), Qualified Manufacturers List (QML), or Qualified Product Database (QPD).
The VQ Division also manages the Commercial Laboratory Suitability Program. Commercial laboratories such as Elite, are evaluated by DSCC to ensure they have the capabilities and quality systems necessary to perform certain tests on QML/QPL devices. Elite has been approved by DSCC to conduct the following tests on VQP passive components:
MIL-STD-1344: 1001, 1002, 1003, 1004, 1005, 1011, 1015, 1016, 2004, 2005, 3000, 3002, 3003, 3004
MIL-STD-202: 101, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 201, 202, 204, 207, 211, 212, 213, 214, 215, 301, 302, 303, 304, 305, 306, 307, 308, 310
MIL-STD-462: CS02, RE02, RE03
VCA- The Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA) is part of the United Kingdom Department for Transport and is the U.K.s national approval authority for road vehicles. European Union EMC compliance requirements for automobiles, trucks, buses, agricultural tractors and their electronic components mandate a strict type approval process which includes the intervention of Notified Bodies like VCA. The EMC testing facilities of Elite have been approved by VCA for the purpose witnessed testing to the European Union vehicle EMC directives.
Automotive OEM Third Party Laboratory
Elite is one of a select few test laboratories which has achieved the recognition from all the big three domestic automotive manufacturers. Chrysler, Ford, and GM have established significant requirements for EMC test laboratories that submit EMC validation test results on electrical and electrical sub assemblies. Based on our recognition status with the big three, you can count on your results being accepted.
- Chrysler Approved Third Party Test Laboratory
- Ford Recognized Third Party Test Laboratory
- GM Approved Third Party Test Laboratory
