The normal procedure for initiating the use of iEMSL instrumentation is as follows:
- You will need to request to become a user of the lab by following the instructions on this page and paying the membership fee. These fees provide the funds for the many items that are needed to operate iEMSL such as supplies, cables, connectors, software upgrades, maintenance and calibration.
- You can schedule the mandatory training through the iEMSL app, to go through the lab capabilities, safety, policies and previous training you received.
- Based on the list of equipment you plan to use and your level of training, the iEMSL staff will propose a training plan.
- After the appropriate training, you will become an authorized user of the equipment that you received training for and you will be able to reserve the equipment and accessories as described on this page through the iEMSL app. Please note that some equipment will carry hourly charges. The invoices will be sent to you (or your supervisor) on a monthly basis.
Membership Fees
| External Users | $300 per day or $2500 per month |
| TAMU Users | Fees may be established in the future on the basis of usage data |
To become a user go to this link.
Training Fees
| External Users | $225 per hour |
| TAMU Users | Fees may be established in the future on the basis of usage data |
The user has to be trained to use the equipment. To request a training visit this link.
Assisted Measurements Fees
An Assisted Measurement is where a staff member of the iEMSL operates lab equipment to take a measurement or perform a test on your behalf and provides you with the data.
To request an assisted measurements, go to this link.
| External Users | $225 per hour |
| TAMU Users | $75 per hour |
Fees for hourly use is in addition to membership fee. The use of all equipment not listed above are included in the membership.
Minimum 1-hour charge per use. Use over one hour will be rounded to the nearest 15-minute increment.
Anechoic Chamber Radiation Pattern Measurement Services
The iEMSL offers precision antenna radiation pattern measurements using our state-of-the-art Fully Anechoic Chamber for a variety of antenna types. Visualize your antenna’s performance in both 2D and 3D, and gain valuable insights into beamwidth, gain, and directional coverage. For more information visit this page.
| 2D Standard Precision | 2D Advanced Precision | |
|---|---|---|
| Step Size (degrees) | 2 | 1 |
| Price/pattern | $500 First + $300 add’l TAMU: $100 First + $50 add’l | $825 First + $500 add’l TAMU: $150 First + $100 add’l |
| 3D Standard Precision | 3D Advanced Precision | |
|---|---|---|
| Step Size (degrees) | 10 | 5 |
| Price/pattern | $500 First + $300 add’l TAMU: $100 First + $50 add’l | $825 First + $500 add’l TAMU: $150 First + $100 add’l |
For custom tests, users are charged $500 Setup fee in addition $450/hour and TAMU users are charged $100 Setup fee in addition $100/hour. Fees for hourly use is in addition to membership fee. Minimum 1-hour charge per use. Use over one hour will be rounded to the nearest 15-minute increment.
Material Characterization Measurement Services
Unlock precise electromagnetic properties of your materials with our advanced characterization services. Utilizing a combination of industry-leading commercial software and our own specialized tools, we deliver accurate control and extraction of critical material parameters tailored to your needs. For more information, visit this page.
| Transmission Line WR-90 Waveguide | Split Post Dielectric Resonator (SPDR) | Fabry-Perot Open Resonator (FPOR) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frequency | 8.2 – 12.4 GHz | 10 GHz | 10 GHz – 50 GHz |
| Tests | Shielding Effectiveness (SE) testing Permittivity of high-loss solids and bulk materials | Standardized Complex permittivity Tests (IPC-TM-650 2.5.5.15, IEC 61189-2-721) | Complex permittivity over wideband |
| Price/Sample | $250 First + $100 add’l TAMU: $100 First + $25 add’l | Room Temperature: $250 first + $100 add’l TAMU: $100 First + $25 add’l Up to 100°C: $300/sample TAMU: $150/sample | 10.2 – 52.2 GHz: $450 first + $250 add’l TAMU: $250 first + $100 add’l 20 – 52.2 GHz: $350 first + $150 add’l TAMU: $150 first + $50 add’l |
Frequently Asked Questions
I want to use the iEMSL for an experiment, measurement, or test. How do I get started?
There are two methods for utilizing the iEMSL for experiments:
- Requesting an Assisted Measurement.
- Becoming an iEMSL User (Requires your supervisor or Principal Investigator to be a member of the iEMSL. Approval from the iEMSL executive committee is necessary for internal Faculty and external memberships).
What is an Assisted Measurement?
An Assisted Measurement is where a staff member of the iEMSL operates lab equipment to take a measurement or perform a test on your behalf and provides you with the data.
Assisted Measurements carries a fee. To request an assisted measurements, go to this link.
After you complete the form, we will discuss the nature of your experiment to determine several things:
- Is the iEMSL capable of performing the test or measurement that you need?
- The iEMSL is not capable of performing certain types of material tests, due to needing very specialized equipment, which can vary depending on the data being sought after. An iEMSL staff member will determine whether we have the equipment necessary to perform your test and obtain the data you are seeking.
- What equipment will be needed to perform your experiment?
- To conduct your experiment effectively, the required equipment depends on the frequency range you’re investigating. Our Vector Network Analyzers cover various frequency ranges, ensuring accurate results. If your experiment involves frequencies of 2 GHz, 20 GHz, or higher, we can assist in selecting the appropriate analyzer.
- If you need an anechoic chamber for precise measurements or custom components for integration with our lab equipment, our team is here to help.
- How long will the experiment take, and how much will it cost?
- Depending on the complexity of your experiment, it may take us a significant amount of time to set up the computers, analyzers, waveguides, and/or cables to begin your experiment.
- You’ll be provided with an estimate for how long it will take to set up and perform your experiment, so you can decide whether the cost is right for you.
After that, we will schedule the assisted measurement. The invoices will be sent to you (or your supervisor) on a monthly basis.
What is iEMSL membership? Should I become a member?
An iEMSL Member has open access to the laboratory and lab equipment based on their membership position. Training is required for using the equipment. Even if you have previous experience with the equipment, it’s essential to ensure that your skills align with iEMSL training standards. Upon training, members can set up experiments and operate lab equipment on their own schedule, with the exception of the anechoic chamber.
iEMSL Membership has a fee for each semester that the membership is active. If you are planning on making several measurements or require a much longer amount of time in the lab, a membership will be the right choice for you.
What is an Anechoic Chamber? How do I use it?
An anechoic chamber for electromagnetic (EM) measurements is a specialized room designed to minimize the reflections of EM waves. It has walls, ceilings, and floors lined with materials that absorb electromagnetic radiation, thereby preventing reflections. This results in an environment where electromagnetic measurements can be conducted with minimal interference from external signals.
The iEMSL’s anechoic chamber can be used by appointment only as an Assisted Measurement (even for Members). Due to the delicate and highly specialized nature of operating the chamber, a qualified Chamber Operator must be present at all times when it is in use.