Understanding Instrument Accuracy Specifications
Instrument accuracy specifications
Instrument accuracy specifications refer to an instrument’s ability to provide measurements that accurately reflect the measured property. Accuracy is expressed as a percentage of the measured value or as a +/—value in the unit of measurement.
Different accuracy specifications depend on the instrument and the measurement being taken. Some common accuracy specifications include:
- Absolute accuracy is the difference between the measured property’s true value and the instrument’s indicated value. It is often expressed as a percentage of the full scale (Span) or as a fixed value in the unit of measurement.
- Relative accuracy is the difference between two measurements taken with the same instrument. It is often expressed as a percentage of the reading or as a fixed value in the unit of measurement.
- Linearity refers to how well an instrument’s response follows a straight line when measured over its entire range. Non-linearity can result in inaccuracies in the measured values.
- Repeatability refers to the consistency of measurements when the same property is measured multiple times using the same instrument. It is often expressed as a fixed value in the unit of measurement.
- Reproducibility refers to the consistency of measurements made using different instruments or by different people. It is often expressed as a fixed value in the unit of measurement.
It is essential to carefully evaluate an instrument’s accuracy specifications before using it for measurements. Understanding the type of accuracy specification and its measurement range can help ensure accurate and reliable results.
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