1966
With the specific goal of providing students with the practice needed for courses in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, one of the first initiatives established was the creation of the Electronics Laboratory (LAB ELO), by planning didactic activities, designing and implementing infrastructure.
1970
In 1970, LAB ELO widened its activities by implementing a Telecommunications Sector to cater to the area of Radio Frequency. Diversification of the services continued and in 1971, maintenance activities began to be performed on the scientific equipment at the University. The task was extended in 1975 with the inclusion of equipment at the São Lucas University Hospital.
1978
To assist broadcasting companies, LAB ELO receives authorization from the Ministry of Communications to provide services to broadcasters, issue reports and conducts inspections and tests. In partnership with the National Telecommunications Department (DENT EL) and Rio Grande do Sul Radio and Television Broadcasters Association (AGERT) a program was created to evaluate the technical conditions of the broadcasting facilities in the state of Rio Grande do Sul in conjunction with technical feasibility projects of government agencies.
1986
LABELO underwent restructuring with the aim of rationalizing the services provided. Maintenance activities were delegated to the Institute of Scientific Research and Technology (IPCT) and the Center for Biomedical Engineering, with the Laboratory of Electronic teaching absorbed by the Polytechnic School. Based on this reorganization, LABELO intensified its Telecommunications and Metrology activities in the field of Electrics, with the goal of becoming a Center of Excellence and Specialization. Within this focus, it became a Specialized Electro-Electronics laboratory and changed its location to meet the growing demand for its services, leaving building 10 and moving to building 30 of the PUCRS Engineering Department. This same year, LABELO received a visit from the illustrious Dr. Dieter Kind, president of the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB) in Germany, intensifying its interest in metrology.
1988
As a result of the implementation of new services in the area of electric metrology to cater to the needs of the southern region of Brazil, the Electric Metrology Laboratory is born. Its work is carried out under the guidance of the National Institute of Metrology (INMETRO), with the support of PUCRS administration and the Support Program for Scientific and Technological Development (PADCT). Within its policy of Basic Industrial Technology (TIB), some of the program’s goals were to adapt and extend the scope of infrastructure services in metrology, standardization and conformity assessment in the country.
1991
The first calibration laboratories were accredited by the Brazilian Calibration Network (RBC). First to be accredited was the time and frequency laboratory, with Quartzo standards and frequency meters with measurement traceable to the National Observatory. This was followed by accreditation for the electricity laboratory in providing calibration services for measurements such as voltage and current, as well as accreditation for the broadcasting laboratory in partnership with Wandel & Goltermann, enabling measurements for a frequency spectrum of up to 300MHz. This laboratory currently operates with measurements up to 26.5GHz.
1997
Due to its presence in the area of metrology and recognition by national industry, demand begins to grow for conformity assessment of electrical and electronic products, complementing the calibration activities performed up to this point. This led to the creation of the testing laboratory for electromedical equipment, stabilizers, no-breaks and reactors. With the support of PADCT, testing methods and laboratory infrastructure were created that allowed LABELO to achieved accreditation in the Brazilian Network of Testing Laboratories (RBLE). In this same year, LABELO received its first international recognition, with accreditation for the High Frequency Laboratory from Deutscher Kalibrierdienst (DKD) of the Physikalisch-Technische (PTB), the first Latin American laboratory to receive such recognition. This accreditation lasted until 2007, when INMETRO began to perform in this area at national level through mutual recognition with ILAC.
2001
A testing laboratory was created for Telecommunications products to operate in the certification process of ANATEL products. The lab was accredited by Cgcre in early 2003 and became the first laboratory with ANATEL testing to receive accreditation. International recognition came this same year with accreditation from Underwriters Laboratories (UL) to join the Third-Party Data Program Test (TPDPT). This allowed Brazilian industries to test their products in Brazil and obtain the necessary UL grading for exportation to the North American market.
2003
The Testing Laboratory for Telecommunications products becomes the only lab with Anatel testing to receive Cgcre accreditation.
2005
Eight testing laboratories were opened in an area of 1200m² geared towards evaluating the conformity and energy efficiency of products. The laboratory complex was equipped by ELETROBRAS with funds donated by GEF-Global Environment Facility through BIRD – Banco Mundial and the support of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), and is a national benchmark in quality, credibility and productivity for the area in which it operates. Through a project supported by the Basic Industrial Technology (TIB) program, the electroacoustic and vibration laboratory was developed and accredited by RBC to meet the demand for calibrating equipment used in the area of occupational safety and noise level inspection.
2006
Two more calibration laboratories are accredited by the RBC. The photometry laboratories for the calibration of lux meters and photometers, with the support of the TIB program and traceability to international standards, and the force, torque and hardness laboratory for calibrating impact hammers. In this same year the high frequency laboratory begins providing calibration services to Cuban energy and telecommunications companies, bringing metrological traceability to the country in this field.
2008
In keeping with one of its trademarks and in accordance with the new Digital TV standard established for Brazil, LABELO creates the first Brazilian laboratory qualified in testing for this technology, making it possible to run tests for both the national and international market. Additionally, a system was developed to assess and identify fraud in electricity meters. Work was carried out in partnership with power companies from the state of Rio Grande do Sul to analyze these measurements and characterize their conformity.
2011
In line with the market trend of strengthening product control for health and environmental awareness, a Chemistry Laboratory was created specializing in the analysis of needles, syringes, dental equipment, catheters and harmful substances in products such as batteries and cells, according to ANVISA and CONMER standards.
LABELO reaches 20 years of accreditation with seven calibration laboratories and thirty-three testing laboratories. It provides a wide range of services to meet calibration needs in the following areas: electricity, time and frequency, telecommunications, temperature, relative humidity, force, acoustics and photometry. Its testing laboratories are accredited for more than 750 national and international standards in addition to versatility in meeting the specific needs of its clients.
