Measurement and testing
Measuring means better understanding.
Accurate, relevant measurements to innovate more effectively
Our goal is to understand, validate, and improve your products, processes, or environments.
We use measurement and testing as decision support tools throughout the development of a product or process. Whether in the lab or in the field, we generate reliable, actionable data that directly aligns with your innovation, performance, or go to market objectives.
When developing a product or process, physical measurements and testing are essential at every stage. They help us choose the right technology, define the right parameters, fine tune the design, and detect and correct vibration, thermal, acoustic, magnetic, and other issues. We also use them to validate performance and ensure compliance with standards, helping you reach the market faster.
Specialized expertise for non standard testing
When there is no standard or off the shelf equipment to measure a physical phenomenon in your product or production process, we design a test bench tailored to your needs.
We develop the complete measurement chain, from the sensor to data analysis, based on the information you need. Testing can be carried out on your site or in our laboratories, using a dedicated bench or equipment that meets your market requirements.
We have a wide range of sensors and measurement equipment to capture complex phenomena: magnetism, temperature, surface profile, high-speed events, and more.
Unique expertise in Eastern Quebec
With nearly 30 years of experience in electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), we help ensure your products meet regulatory requirements while maintaining performance.
We conduct electromagnetic emissions testing (to assess whether your product generates unwanted interference) and electromagnetic immunity testing (to determine whether it is affected by its environment). Our tests comply with CISPR, CAN/CSA, FCC, MIL-STD-461, IEC, EN, ISO standards.
Our facilities include a large test chamber with a three meter distance between the antenna and the equipment under test, as well as a two meter diameter turntable that can accommodate equipment weighing up to 1,000 kg.
Much more than testing: solutions
We do not just run tests. We find the solutions that will ensure your product meets standards and can be brought to market quickly.
Whether you are in the design phase or dealing with a failed certification, we identify the root causes and propose practical solutions. We can integrate them into your products, or support you so you can implement them yourself.
EMC Training
We offer hands-on training to speed up your certification process and avoid costly mistakes from the design stage onward. Custom training is also available to meet your specific needs.
Our EMC training helps you:
- design a product that can pass certification testing;
- understand and carry out EMC tests yourself.
These training courses are offered in collaboration with Extra Formation at Cégep de La Pocatière. For upcoming dates, visit the website.
Lab testing
Whether you need to validate your product’s performance against applicable standards or better understand its behavior during development, we offer a complete shock and vibration testing service.
Our laboratory is equipped with a high performance test bench, the Sentek L0111A-PAS102-LST300A, designed to evaluate small equipment exposed to repeated vibrations and shocks. This system can generate a maximum force of 3 kN, acceleration up to 980 m/s² (for a 100 g mass), with a vibration frequency range of 5 to 4,500 Hz and a maximum displacement of 40 mm. It enables testing in accordance with various standards, including MIL-STD-810, IEC 60068, and ISO 10816.
On site measurements
Using accelerometers installed on your equipment directly on site, you can monitor in real time the vibrations and shocks they experience. This field monitoring supports fast, well informed decision making.
Design and optimization
For 40 years, we have been developing techniques and measurement equipment to monitor and track shocks and vibrations. After testing, we can also optimize your product design to improve performance under shock and vibration conditions.
Power supply performance, assessed from every angle
Whether your product is battery powered or plugged in, we test its power supply performance to meet the exact requirements of your market. We assess charging, discharging, and power conversion (AC-DC, DC-AC, DC-DC) to ensure reliability and efficiency.
A versatile infrastructure
We have the infrastructure and expertise to work with both low power and high power systems. Our laboratory is equipped with three phase, single phase, and DC power sources ranging from microwatts up to 150 kW.
Testing tailored to your market requirements
The most common tests performed, on batteries or other power supplies, include:
- power output and power consumption;
- efficiency measurements (power factor, power, current, voltage, noise);
- battery or circuit lifetime;
- thermal dissipation;
- electromagnetic compatibility (EMC);
- electrical safety.
Compliant, reliable, safe products
Before going to market, it is essential to ensure your products meet electrical safety standards. We perform the tests and help you set up your own test fixtures and production testing process.
We can carry out the following electrical safety tests:
- dielectric testing;
- ground bond testing;
- leakage current measurement;
- verification of insulation distances;
- drop tests and mechanical strength testing.
Our tests comply with CAN/CSA, FCC, MIL-STD, IEC, EN, and ISO standards.
Laser diagnostics and condition monitoring
Whether for one off measurements or regular monitoring as part of preventive maintenance, we perform precise analyses of your laser beams using state of the art equipment:
- high power laser beam analysis with BeamWatch and Primes;
- pulsed laser beam analysis with WinCam D and power meters;
- calorimetry to measure delivered thermal energy.
These analyses help confirm the condition and proper operation of your equipment (laser sources, optics) and track wear caused by use.
Laser material interaction testing
With one of the best equipped laser laboratories in North America, we evaluate how materials interact with different types of laser beams. Our tests are used to determine material resistance, assess whether they can be processed using a laser beam, or characterize a laser source.
Our testing covers a broad range:
- tests with continuous wave infrared lasers at power levels up to 20 kW;
- tests with short and ultrashort pulse lasers, from UV to mid infrared;
- testing with unique lasers, in development or newly developed, on loan or through partnerships to explore new markets.
UV visible IR spectroscopy measurements
By analyzing the transmitted, absorbed, or reflected spectrum, spectroscopy can be used to identify materials, characterize the effects of a surface treatment, or detect and quantify certain elements emitted by equipment, such as smoke production or the presence of a harmful gas. These measurements can be performed in the laboratory or directly on site.
Our team specializes in optical spectroscopy across a wide wavelength range. Thanks to our fleet of laser sources, we also offer laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) testing, including tests using our 20 kW continuous wave infrared laser source.
To make results easier to use, we develop custom databases and dedicated software, incorporating interpretation tools with or without artificial intelligence.
Experts in custom acoustic solutions
Whether you want to reduce noise emitted by your equipment or optimize a product’s sound absorption, we start by measuring and precisely analyzing its acoustic behavior. This in depth understanding then allows us to improve your solutions effectively.
To address your challenges, our acoustics experts have access to an anechoic room, a reverberation room, and a wide range of measurement instruments that can be used in the lab or directly on site. We process data using physical, mathematical, and artificial intelligence methods.
Characterization
Before optimizing your installations, it is essential to understand exactly what is happening. To do so, we offer the following tests:
- sound absorption testing in accordance with ASTM C423;
- sound transmission testing;
- sound power measurement in accordance with ISO 3745 and ISO 3744;
- measurement of noise exposure levels (CNESST);
- acoustic spectrum measurement.
Design and optimization
For 40 years, we have been developing specialized techniques and equipment for acoustic measurement and monitoring. After testing, we can also optimize the design of your products and installations to improve soundproofing in your spaces or reduce equipment noise by adjusting their design or installation.
Combustion testing
In our CSA B415-compliant laboratory, we evaluate and optimize the thermal and environmental performance of combustion appliances and fuels (wood, pellets, gas, etc.). In particular, we perform:
- remote and contact thermal measurements to evaluate thermal performance;
- assessment of fine particulate emissions;
- analysis of gases emitted during combustion (CO, CO2, O2, NOx, SOx, etc.).
We design custom test benches to study combustion or its by products, based on applicable standards or requirements. We can also develop custom sensors to better assess combustion quality.
To reduce costs and maximize the value of your test campaigns, we combine measurements with numerical simulations (FloEFD). By accurately modelling your appliance or fuel, we reduce the number of physical tests required using a reliable digital model validated in the laboratory.
Thermal testing
Whether to validate the performance of a heating product or an insulating material, or to ensure proper operation of equipment exposed to thermal cycling, we offer both standards based and custom testing.
We use a climate chamber (temperature and humidity) or dedicated test benches to simulate extreme conditions. We then assess your product’s mechanical and electrical resistance and identify risks of degradation. This approach helps you prevent performance losses and in service failures, and above all their consequences (injuries, production downtime, financial losses, etc.). Testing can also be performed on site.
Kinematics
Measuring movement to optimize performance
In our laboratories or directly on your facilities, we use various measurement techniques to accurately capture changes in position and orientation in space. We also measure more subtle variations caused by compression, elongation, or torsion.
We design custom test benches and sensors, notably for instrumenting and optimizing mechanical components such as shock absorbers or other systems subjected to dynamic loads.
We also apply our physical measurement expertise to health technologies. We analyze human movement (human kinematics) to characterize a postural disorder, assess the effectiveness of an orthosis, prevent musculoskeletal disorders, or optimize the use of equipment.
Material characterization
Understanding your materials to innovate more effectively
We offer a range of characterization tests to assess the mechanical, electrical, or physical properties of your materials. This data is essential for guiding design, validating performance, or selecting the right materials for your applications.
Tests we perform include:
- electrical insulation;
- electromagnetic shielding;
- thermal conductivity;
- electrical conductivity and resistance;
- density;
- and more.
Electronic design validation
Reliable, high performing, well designed circuits
We verify that your electronic circuit performs all its functions efficiently and reliably over time, while respecting the specifications of its components. Whether you designed the product yourself or we developed it for you, we ensure it is ready for production or commercialization.
Our checks include:
- quality of communication links (wired or wireless);
- signal integrity;
- voltage, current, power, and efficiency;
- thermal dissipation.
We identify critical issues, provide you with accurate data, and suggest ways to optimize your operations as needed. In short, we make sure everything works… really well!
Magnetism
Measuring, understanding, and controlling magnetism
We measure the magnetic properties of your products, equipment, or installations, either to leverage them or to limit unwanted effects.
Magnetism can be a valuable resource (in motors, sensors, or contactless transfer systems), but it can also be a source of disruption (interference, EMC non compliance, malfunction of sensitive components). By characterizing it precisely, we help you use it effectively or eliminate it where it becomes a problem.
Our tests make it possible to:
- characterize magnetic fields emitted or experienced;
- identify sources of interference;
- assess shielding performance;
- optimize designs to eliminate magnetism.
X-rays
Seeing the invisible to better understand and correct
X-ray generators are not only used for medical imaging. They are powerful tools for quality control and non destructive analysis.
They are used in particular for:
- verifying the assembly of electronic components;
- investigating failures in electronic circuits;
- detecting porosity or cracks in welds on thin materials;
- identifying internal defects in a mechanical part.
