Using the ISO 'Guide to the Expression of Uncertainty in Measurements' to determine calibration requirements.

摘要

Calibration is often performed without technical justification regarding the attributes that get calibrated and the resulting calibration uncertainty. Worse yet, calibrations are sometimes based solely on whatever auditors demand. This approach leaves companies with the cost of excessive calibration in some areas, while leaving them exposed in other areas where they "undercalibrate". The paper presents an uncertainty budget driven technique, which determines what attributes of each standard and instrument should be calibrated and to what uncertainty. The technique provides clear, data based documentation of the real calibration needs to management and auditors. The underlying concept is that the purpose of calibration is to limit the maximum error of the metrological characteristics of calibrated standards or instruments, that enters into the uncertainty budgets of subsequent measurements.