Calibration Basics

Welcome to Calibration Basics!

The following is a presentation from National Instruments Test Equipment Summit that serves
as a good primer on calibration. It explains all the basic concepts and terms with respect to
incorporating calibration in best practices and ensuring product quality.
Please feel free to contact us with any questions.

What is Calibration?
Definition
Calibration is the comparison of a measurement device (an unknown) against an equal or better
standard. A standard in a measurement is considered the reference; it is the one in the comparison
taken to be the more correct of the two. One calibrates to find out how far the unknown is from
the standard.

Typical Calibration
A "typical" commercial calibration references a manufacturer's calibration procedure and is
performed with a reference standard at least four times more accurate than the instrument under
test.

Why Calibrate?
Calibration is an insurance policy.

Some people consider calibration a necessary annoyance to keep the auditor off their back. In
fact, out of tolerance (OOT) instruments may give false information leading to unreliable
products, customer dissatisfaction and increased warranty costs. In addition, OOT conditions
may cause good products to fail tests, which ultimately results in unnecessary rework costs and
production delays.

Calibration Terms
Out of Tolerance (OOT) Condition
If results are outside of the instrument's performance specifications it is considered an Out of
Tolerance (OOT) condition and will result in the need to adjust the instrument back into
specification.

Optimization
Adjusting a measuring instrument to make it more accurate is NOT part of a "typical" calibration
and is frequently referred to as "optimizing" or "nominalizing" an instrument. (This is a common
misconception) Only reputable and experienced calibration providers should be trusted to make
adjustments on critical test equipment.

As Found Data
The reading of the instrument before it is adjusted.

As Left Data
The reading of the instrument after adjustment or "same as found" if no adjustment was made.

Without Data
Most calibration labs charge more to provide the certificate with data and will offer a "no-data"
option. In any case "as-found," data must be provided for any OOT condition.

Limited Calibration
Sometimes certain functions of an instrument may not be needed by the user. It may be more cost
effective to have a limited calibration performed. (This can even include a reduced accuracy
calibration.)

Test Uncertainty Ratio (TUR)

The ratio of the accuracy of the instrument under test compared to the accuracy of the reference
standard.

ISO 9000 Calibration

ISO 9000 calibrations are crucial for many industries. The following is required for ISO 9000
compliant calibrations.

Accredited Calibration Lab

The calibration laboratory employed to perform the calibration must be an ISO 9001:2000
accredited lab or be the original equipment manufacturer.

Documented Calibration Procedures

It is critical that a valid calibration procedure be used based on the manufacturers
recommendations and that it cover all aspects of the instrument under test.

Trained Technicians
The proper training of each technician must be documented for each discipline involved in
performing the calibration.

Traceable Assets
The calibration provider must be able to demonstrate an unbroken chain of traceability back to
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

Proper Documentation
All critical aspects of the calibration must be properly documented for the certificate to be
recognized by an ISO auditor.

A Comprehensive Equipment List

For any manufacture to pass an ISO audit regarding calibration they must demonstrate that they
have a comprehensive equipment list with controls in place for additions, subtractions and
custodianship of equipment.

Calibrated and NCR Items Properly Identified

The equipment list must identify any units that do not require calibration and controls must be in
place to ensure that these units are not used in an application that will require calibration.

A Proper Recall System:

A procedure should be established with timeframes for recall notification, an escalation
procedure, and provisions for due-date extension.

Equipment Custodianship:
responsibilities for ensuring the equipment is returned to the cal lab should be assigned and
delegated.

An OOT Investigation Log:

Any instrument found out of tolerance requires that an investigation be performed to determine
the impact on manufacturing. Records and reports need to be maintained.

ISO/IEC 17025 Calibration

ISO/IEC 17025 Calibration

As a general rule 17025 calibrations are required by anyone supplying the automotive industry
and it has also been voluntarily adopted by numerous companies in FDA regulated industries.
ISO/IEC 17025 is an international standard that assesses the technical competency of calibration
laboratories. ISO/IEC 17025 covers every aspect of laboratory management, ranging from

testing proficiency to record keeping and reports. It goes several steps beyond a ISO 9001:2000
certification.
A "17025" calibration is a premium option that provides additional information about the quality
of each measurement made during the calibration process by individually stating the uncertainty
calculation of each test point.

Calibration Intervals

How Calibration Intervals are Determined

Calibration intervals are to be determined by the instrument owner based on manufacture
recommendations. Commercial calibration laboratories can suggest intervals but in most cases
they are not familiar with the details of the instruments application.
The OEM intervals are typically based on parameters like mean drift rates for the various
components within the instrument. However, when determining calibration intervals as an
instrument owner several other factors should be taken into consideration such as: the required
accuracy vs. the instruments accuracy, the impact an OOT will have on the process, and the
performance history of the particular instrument in your application.

How to Implement or Improve a Calibration

Program

Any successful calibration program must begin with an accurate recall list of your test,
measurement and diagnostic equipment.

The recall list should contain a unique identifier which can be used to track
the instrument, the location, and the instruments custodian (Often asset
management software, bar-coding systems, and physical inventories are used
to help establish accurate recall lists).
It is important when assembling a recall list that modules, plug-ins, and small
handheld tools are not overlooked. Also, you may have several home-made
measuring devices (e.g. Test Fixtures) which will also need to be captured on
your equipment list for a reliable calibration program.

The next step is to identify all of the instruments on your recall list which may
not require calibration due to redundancies in your testing process (A
commercial calibration laboratory should be able to aid you in identifying
these instruments).

After creating an accurate recall list procedures must be established for

adding new instruments, removing old or disposed instruments, or making
changes in instrument custodianship. Recall reports should be run with
sufficient time for both the end user and the service provider to have the unit
calibrated with a minimal impact on production.

A late report identifying any units about to expire or already expired will
ensure 100% conformity. A full service calibration laboratory will supply these
recall reports and will provide special escalation reporting when equipment is
not returned for service.

(Some calibration labs offer the choice of web-based equipment management systems that allow
their customer to perform recall reports, late reports and keep electronic versions of their
calibration certificates.)

Avoiding Production Delays

Obtain timely equipment calibrations without shutting down a line for days.

Look for a calibration service provider that can perform onsite (or in-place) calibrations
at your facility. Often when your volume is more than 20 calibrations, scheduling onsite
calibration saves time and lowers cost.
Make sure you find a "one-source" calibration provider that has sufficient capabilities to
calibrate nearly all of your equipment during the onsite, reducing the delays and the
expense of using an additional subcontractor.
Other options for reducing downtime include mobile Calibration lab services, scheduled
depot calibrations, calibrations during shutdowns, scheduled pick-up and delivery, and
weekend or nightshift calibrations.

Should We Calibrate Ourselves?

Most companies discover they cannot effectively perform their own calibrations for many
reasons. The most frequent issues with internal calibrations are:
Cost of standards: Often, the cost of the assets with the required accuracy to perform the
calibration is prohibitive (It could take years of calibrations to pay for one standard).
Developing Procedures: Many manufactures procedures are not readily available. Sometimes
they require research and development. This can cost hundreds of hours of labor.
Productivity of Technicians: Often a non-commercial calibration laboratorys productivity per
employee is only a fraction of what can be obtained through an external commercial calibration
laboratory who specializes in automation, efficient procedures and experienced management.
Cost of Management: Managing the employees, assets, maintenance and processes of a
calibration lab can be burdensome on existing management staff.
Not a core competency: The overall management burden of the operation distracts from the core
competency of the company.

Calibration Terms

Search Calibration
Terms:

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A/D : Analog-to digital conversion.

Aberration : An optical phenomenon resulting from the failure of a lens or mirror
to produce a good image.
Absolute Pressure : Actual pressure on a confined gas, irrespective of the
atmosphere on the outside.
Absolute Temperature : The temperature measured from absolute zero as in the
Kelvin and Rankine scales.
Absolute Zero : The lowest temperature theoretically attainable (at which the
kinetic energy of atoms and molecules is minimal).
Absorption : (1) Loss of energy traveling through a medium. (2) Internal taking up
of one material by another. (3) Transformation of radiant energy into other forms of
energy when passing through a material substance.
Acceleration : Rate of change of velocity.
Accommodation : Changes in focus of the crystalline lens to adjust the eye of
various object distances.
Accuracy : (1) The closeness of agreement between a test result and the accepted
reference value (ISO 5725-1). (2) Closeness of agreement between the result of
measurement and a true value of the measurand. Accuracy is a qualitative concept

(VIM:1993)
Adjustment (of a measuring instrument) : The operation of bringing a
measuring instrument into a state of performance suitable for its use.
Adsorption : Adhesion of one substance to the surface of another.
Alpha : The current amplification factor when connected in a common base
configuration.
Alternating Current (AC) : Current which reverses polarity at a uniform
frequency.
Altimeter : An instrument that measures the height above ground.
Ambient Temperature : Temperature of the air in the immediate vicinity.
Ammeter : A meter that measures the flow of electrical current in amperes.
Amperes : The basic unit of electric current adopted under the Systeme
International dUnites.
Amplification : The process by which ionization effects are magnified to a degree
suitable for their measurement.
Apparent Power : The power value obtained in an alternating current circuit by
multiplying the effective values of voltage and current. The result is expressed in
volt-amperes, and must be multiplied by the power factor to secure the average or
true power in watts.
Arc : A portion of the circumference of a circle.
Atmospheric Pressure : The force exerted on a unit area by the weight of the
atmosphere.
Auditee : The organization being audited
Backlash : A form of mechanical hysterysis (lag) in which there is a lag between
the application of a driving force and the response of the driven object.
Barometer : An instrument that measures atmospheric pressure.
Baud Rate : A unit of measure for data transmission speed. It represents the
number of signal elements transmitted per second.
Best Fit Straight Line : The equation of a straight line, calculated from a set of
measurement results, which attempts to minimize the differences between the line

and the measurement results. There is more than one statistical method used, each
of which may place the straight li
Beta : The current amplification factor of a transistor when connected in a
common-emitter configuration.
B H Curve : A characteristic curve showing the relation between magnetic
induction (B) and magnetizing force (H) for a magnetic material. It shows the
manner in which the permeability of a material varies with flux density.
Bifilar Winding : A method of winding transformers in which the wires are placed
side by side and wound together.
Bimetallic Element : Two strips of dissimilar metal bonded together so that a
change in temperature will be reflected in the bending of the element, as a result of
differential expansion.
Bleed Valve : A small valve to bleed off small amounts of water from container
vessel or bath.
Blowdown : Removal of liquids or solids from a process/storage vessel or a line by
the use of pressure.
British Thermal Unit (BTU) : A unit of heat equal to the amount of heat required
to raise one pound of water one degree Fahrenheit at one atmosphere pressure.
Buffer : A solution that maintains a set pH value regardless of added acids or
bases.
Buoyancy : The power to float or rise in a fluid.
Buoyant Force : The upward force which any fluid exerts on a body placed in it.
Byte : Eight related bits of information processed as a unit. Eight bits equals one
byte.
Calibrate : Check or adjust the graduations of a quantitative measuring
instrument.
Calibration Point : One particular measurement in a sequence of measurements
aimed at providing calibration.
Calibration : A set of operations that establish, under specified conditions, the
relationship between the values of quantities indicated by measuring instrument or
measuring system and the corresponding values realized by standards.
Capillarity : The characteristic of a liquid to be raised or depressed in a tube of

small bore. This action is caused by a combination of cohesive, adhesive, and

surface tension forces.
Cavitation : Process in which small bubbles are formed and implode violently. This
results in aggressive cleaning action in ultrasonic cleaners.
Celsius Temperature Scale : A temperature scale based on mercury in glass
thermometer with the freezing point of water defined at 0 degree C and the boiling
point of water defined at 100 degree C, both under conditions of normal
atmospheric pressure.
Center of Instrument : The intersect point of the vertical, horizontal, and optical
axis of a transit or similar instrument when perfectly calibrated.
Centripetal Force : The inward force on a body moving in a curved path around
another body.
Certified Reference Material (CRM) : Reference material, by a certificate, one
or more of whose property values are certified by a procedure which establishes its
traceability to an accurate realization of the unit in which the property values are
expressed, and for which each certified valu
Certify : Provide evidence for or authorize officially.
CGS System : The common metric system of units (centimeter-gram-second).
Characteristic : A property that helps to differentiate between items of a given
population. Note: The differentiation may be either quantitative (by variables) or
qualitative (by attributes).
Clinometer : An instrument used by surveyors in order to measure an angle of
inclination or elevation.
Coefficient of Linear Expansion : The change in unit length in a solid when its
temperature is changed 1 degree.
Coefficient of Volume Expansion : The change in unit volume of a solid when its
temperature is changed 1 degree.
Cohesion : The intermolecular force that holds together the molecules in a solid or
liquid.
Collimation : The process of aligning the optical axis of optical systems to the
reference mechanical axes or surfaces of an instrument, or the adjustment of two or
more optical axes with respect to each other.
Collimator : An instrument designed to produce collimated (parallel) rays of light

usually equipped with displacement and tilt graticules.

Comparator : An instrument for comparing some measurement with a fixed
standard.
Complex Vibration : The combination of two or more sinusoidal vibrations
existing simultaneously.
Compound : Two or more substances combined in definite proportions by weight
and united chemically.
Condensate : Steam which rises and cools to a liquid.
Conductivity : The transmission of heat or electricity or sound.
Conformity : Fulfillment of specified requirements.
Contacts : Elements used to mechanically make or break an electric circuit.
Continuous Duty : A device able to operate continuously with no off or rest
period.
Contract Review : Systematic activities carried out by the supplier before signing
the contract to ensure that requirements for quality are adequately defined, free
from ambiguity, documented, and can be realized by the supplier.
Contractor : Supplier in a contractual situation
Convection : Transmission of energy or mass in a medium by movement of the
medium itself.
Conversion Chart : Must be used to convert a parts per million reading to
micromho or vice versa because the ppm scales are non linear and the micromho
scales are linear. Because of the curve, there is no set ratio so one must refer to the
chart.
Correction : The value added algebraically to the uncorrected result of a
measurement to compensate for systematic error.
Corrective Action : Action taken to eliminate the causes of an existing
nonconformity defect or other undesirable situation in order to prevent recurrence.
Creep : The long term change in dimensional characteristics of a body under load,
in an elastic force measurement device. This term refers to the change in reading
which occurs when a constant load is applied for a period of time.
Critical Angle : The angle between and at which there is neither refraction or

internal reflection.
Critical Size : For fissionable material, the minimum amount of a material which
will support a chain reaction.
Cryogenic : The science of refrigeration pertaining to the methods for producing
and measuring very low temperatures.
Damping : (1) The prevention of free swinging or vibration by some means,
usually friction or resistance. (2) The dissipation of energy with motion or time.
Decay Time : The time required for the trailing edge of a pulse to decrease from
90 percent to 10 percent of its maximum amplitude.
Defect : Nonfulfillment of an intended usage requirement of reasonable
expectation, including one concerned with safety.
Degree of Documentation : Extent to which evidence is produced to provide
confidence that specified requirements are fulfilled.
Deionization : Removal of ionized minerals and salts from a solution by a two
phase ion exchange procedure.
Demineralization : Removal of mineral constituents from water.
Density : The mass per unit volume. CGS unit: gm/cm
DI Water : Deionized water.
Dial Indicator : This is a mechanical lever system used for amplifying small
displacements and measuring it be means of a pointer which transverses a
graduated dial.
Dialysate Meter : Verifies the total concentration of ionized salts in dialysate
solutions used in hemodialysis or kidney equipment.
Differential Voltmeter : A voltmeter that operates on the potentiometric
principle. The unknown voltage is compared to an adjustable calibrated voltage
developed within the differential voltmeter.
Differentiating Circuit : A circuit in which the output voltage is proportional to
the rate of change of the input voltage.
Diffraction : When light passes sharp edges or goes through narrow slits the rays
are deflected and produce fringes of light and dark bands.
Digital Voltmeter : An electronic voltmeter that gives readings in digits.

Diopter : A unit of measurement of the refractive power of a lens which is equal to

the reciprocal of the focal length measured in meters.
Direct Current (DC) : A current with a constant polarity.
Disposition of Nonconformity : Action to be taken to deal with an existing
nonconforming entity in order to resolve the nonconformity.
Distortion : Any deviation from the desired waveform.
Double Pole Double Throw (DPDT) : A term used to describe a switch or relay
output contact form. Two separate switches that operate simultaneously each with a
normally open and normally closed contact and a common connector.
Drift : Slow change of a metrological characteristic of a measuring instrument.
Dyne : The unit of force which, when acting upon a mass of 1 gm, will produce an
acceleration of 1 cm/sec/sec.

Effective Mass :
The mass of a body which is being acted upon by the buoyant forces of air. The effective mass of
a weight is its true mass minus the buoyant force of air displaced by the weight.
Effective Value (RMS) :
The alternating current value that will produce the same amount of heat in a resistance as the
corresponding direct current value.
Efficiency :
The ration of useful output energy, usually expressed as a percentage.
Effluent :
Liquid that has passed through a processing operation.
Elastic Element :
The material of which the transducer is constructed, generally selected for its good elastic
properties.
Electrical Relay :
Employs a solenoid to provide mechanical action to move a varying number of electrical
contacts back and forth or on and off.
Electronic Switch :
An electric circuit designed to cause a start and stop action or a switching action.

Electrostatic Field :
The region surrounding an electric charge in which another charge experiences a force.
Element :
A quality of product, material, or service forming a cohesive entity on which a measurement or
observation may be made.
Empirical :
Based on actual measurement, observation, or experience without regard to science and theory.
Endoergic Reaction :
A reaction which absorbs energy.
ERG :
A CGS unit of work or energy.
Error (of measurement) :
The result of a measurement minus the true value of the measurnand.
Exoergic Reaction :
The reaction which liberates energy.
Explosion Proof Motor(XPRF) :
A totally enclosed motor that will withstand an explosion of a specific vapor or gas within its
housing, or will prevent sparks or flashes generated within its housing from igniting surrounding
vapor or gas.
Factory Calibration :
The tuning or altering of a control device by the manufacture to bring it into specification.
Fahrenheit Scale :
A temperature scale that defines the freezing point of water as 32 degrees and the boiling point of
water a 212 degrees.
Fixed Point :
The point where all heat energy applies or removed is used to change the state of a substance.
Flux :
(1) A material used to promote fusion or joining of metals in soldering, welding, or smelting. (2)
A general term used to designate collectively all the electric or magnetic lines of force in a
region.
Force Measurement Device :
Any device which a quantitative determination of an applied force can be made.

Force :
A push or pull which produces or prevents motion or has a tendency to do so.
Forced Vibration :
The motion caused by some mechanical excitation.
Free Vibration :
Vibration that occurs without forcing.
Frequency Meter :
An instrument for measuring the frequency of an AC signal.
Frequency :
The number of recurrences of a periodic phenomenon.
Full Scale Output (FSO) :
The output at rated capacity minus the output at zero applied force.
Function Tests :
Function test often duplicates unit test activities sincefunction testers do not assume that unit test
is adequately done.
Fundamental Method of Measurement :
The method of measurement in which the value of a measurand is obtained by measurement of
the appropriate base quantities.
Fundamental Mode of Vibration :
The lowest natural frequency.
Gage Block :
A block of alloy steel with two gaging surfaces.
Gage :
A measuring instrument for measuring and indicating a quantity.
Gain :
Ratio of output voltage, current, or power to input voltage current or power.
Galvanometer :
Meter for detecting or comparing or measuring small electric currents.
Gamma Ray :
Electromagnetic radiation emitted during radioactive decay and having an extremely short
wavelength.

Gas :
The state of matter that has no definite shape of volume.
Gauge Factor :
The sensitivity of the strain gauge.
Gauge Pressure (psig) :
A measure of the force per area exerted by a fluid using atmospheric pressure as a zero reference.
Gauss :
Unit of magnetic induction.
Go and No Go Gages :
Gages that do not measure actual size but merely determine whether parts are within specified
limits.
Grain :
A measure of mass in the English gravitational system equal to 1/7000th pound.
Gram :
A metric unit of weight equal to one thousandth of a kilogram.
Gram Atomic Weight :
The quantity of an element whose weight in grams is numerically equal to the atomic weight of
the element.
Gram Molecular Weight (Gram-Mole) :
The relative molecular weight of a compound, expressed in grams.
Graticule :
A network of fine lines, dots, cross hairs, or wires in the focal plane of the eyepiece of an optical
instrument.
Gravitational Acceleration :
The acceleration due to the force of gravity.
Guardband :
Also called a frequency guard band, a narrow frequency band between adjacent channels in
multiplexing that is kept unused to prevent the channels from overlapping and causing crosstalk
among modulated signals.
Half Life :
The length of time during which half a given number of atoms of a radioactive element will
disintegrate.

Half Thickness :
The thickness of absorbing material necessary to reduce the intensity of radiation by one-half.
HCI :
Hydrochloric acid.
Heat of Fusion :
The amount of heat needed to melt a unit mass or weight of a substance at its normal melting
point.
Heat of Vaporization :
Heat required to vaporize a unit mass or weigh of a liquid at its normal boiling point.
Hertz :
The unit of frequency.
Hold Point :
Point defined in an appropriate document, beyond which an activity must not proceed without
the approval of a designated organization or authority.
Hunting :
The tendency of a mechanical system to oscillate about a normal condition, or about the point of
alignment.
Hydrometer :
A measuring instrument for determining the specific gravity of a liquid or solid.
Hydraulics :
Study of liquids in motion.
Hydrostatics :
Study of liquids at rest.
Hygrometer :
Measuring instrument for measuring the relative humidity of the atmosphere.
Hysteresis :
The property of a measuring instrument where its response to a given stimulus depends of the
sequence of preceding stimuli.
Impedance :
The opposition in an electric circuit to the flow of an alternating current.
Index of Refraction :
The ratio of the speed of light in a vacuum to its speed in a given substance.

Inductive Load :
Electrical devices made of wound or coiled wire.
Influence Quantity :
Any effect that may influence the uncertainty associated with a measurement value.
Inertia :
The tendency of a body to maintain is state of rest or uniform motion unless acted upon by an
external force.
Infinite :
Subject to no limitation or external determination, extending indefinitely.
Initialization :
Setting a system to a known state.
Inspection :
The process of measuring, examining, testing, gauging, or otherwise comparing the unit with the
applicable instruments.
Inspection by Attributes :
This is inspection whereby either the unit of product is classified as conforming or
nonconforming, or the number of nonconformities in the product is counted, with respect to a
given requirement or set of requirements.
Instability :
An undesired change over a period of time, which change is unrelated to input, operating
conditions, or load.
Interferometer :
Any measuring instrument that uses interference patterns to make accurate measurements of
waves.
Interpolation :
Calculation of the value of a function between the values already known.
ISO :
International Organization for Standardization.
Inversion :
The condition that exists when both axes of an image are reversed.
Inverter :
Any mechanical or electrical device for converting direct current into alternating current.

Jitter : Small, rapid variations in a waveform due to mechanical disturbances.

Joule : A unit of electrical energy equal to the work done when a current of one ampere passes
through a resistance of one ohm for one second.
Kelvin Temperature Scale : The absolute temperature scale in the CGS system. Kelvin is equal
to degrees Celsius plus 273.15.
Kilogram : One thousand grams.
Kinetic Energy : Energy due to motion.
Level : Perpendicular to the force of gravity.
LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System) : A system that manages operations of
a testing laboratory.
Linearity : The degree to which performance or response approaches the condition of being
linear.
Linear Meter : The deflection of the pointer is proportional to the quantity measured.
Load Cell : A type of force transducer designed primarily for the measurement of load or
weight.
Loading Effects : An error of measurement resulting in a change of the system under test
caused by insertion of the test instrument.
Lumen : Unit of luminous flux.
Magnetic Deflection : Method of bending electrons in a CRT by means of the magnetic field
produced by coils placed outside the tube.
Management Review : Formal evaluation by top management of the status and adequacy of the
quality system in relation to quality policy and objectives.
Mass : Measure of the quantity of matter that a body contains.
Mass Density : Mass per unit volume.
Mass Number : The number of protons and neutrons in the atomic nucleus of an element.
Mass Unit : A unit of measurement for mass.
Mcleod Gage : A primary instrument for the measurement of pressure in a vacuum system.

Megohm : 1,000,000 ohms of resistivity.

Measurand : A particular quantity subject to measurement.
Measurement : The act or process of measuring.
Measurement Standards : A material measure, measuring instrument, reference material, or
system intended to define, conserve, or reproduce a unit or one or more values of a quantity in
order to transmit them to other measuring instruments by comparison.
Measurement Uncertainty : The estimated amount by which the measured quantity may depart
from the true value.
Measuring Equipment : All of the measuring instruments, measurement standards, reference
materials, auxiliary apparatus, and instructions that are necessary to carry out a measurement.
This includes measuring equipment used in the course of that used in calibration.
Meter : The basic unit of length adopted under the Systeme International dUnites
(approximately 1.094 yards)
Metrology : The science of measurement.
MEV : The abbreviation for a million electron volts.
MHO : A unit of conductance.
Micro : Equivalence of one millionth.
Micron : A metric unit of length equal to one millionth of a meter.
Milli : Equivalence of one thousandth.
Minute : 1/60th of a degree.
MKS System : The meter-kilogram-second system.
Model for Quality Assurance : Standardized or selected set of quality system requirements
situation.
Moment Arm : The length of a torque wrench from the center of pivot to the point where force
is applied.
Momentum : The product of the mass of a body and its velocity.
National Institute of Science and Technology : An independent agency of the U.S. Department
of Commerce charged with the improvement and maintenance of standards.

Neon : An inert element which is a gas at room temperature.

Neutron : An elementary particle with 0 charge and mass about equal to a proton.
Neutrino : An elementary particle with zero charge and zero mass.
Newton : A unit of force equal to the force that imparts an acceleration of 1 m/sec/sec to a mass
of 1 kilogram.
Newtonian Fluid : A fluid whose absolute viscosity is the same for all values of shear stress.
Nominal Value : This is normally the value indicated by the manufacture.
Nonconformity : Nonfulfillment of a specified requirement.
Nonlinear : Pertaining to a response which is not directly or inversely proportional to a given
variable.
Normally Closed Switch(NC) : A switch in which the contracts are closed without any external
force acting upon it.
Normally Open Switch(NO) : A switch in which contracts are open when no external forces act
upon the switch.
Null Method : Any method of measurement in which the reading is taken at zero.
Objective Evidence : Information that can be proved true, based on facts obtained through
observation, measurement, tests or other means.
OHM : A unit of electrical resistance equal to the resistance between two points on a conductor
when a potential difference of one volt between them produces a current of one ampere.
OHMmeter : A instrument for measuring resistance.
Optical Pyrometer : An instrument designed to estimate the temperature of glowing surfaces.
Optical Tooling : The geometric method of optically establishing a precise line and/or reference
plane.
Organization : Company, corporation, firm, enterprise, or institution or part, thereof, whether
incorporated or not, public or private, that has its own functions and administration.
Organizational Structure : Responsibilities, authorities, and relationships, arranges in a
pattern, through which an organization performs its functions.

Out of Phase : Having waveforms that are of the same frequency but not passing through
corresponding values at the same instants.
Out of Round : The high and low spots in a true circle.
Overshoot : The initial transient response to an unidirectional change in input which exceeds
the steady stat response.
Packing Fraction : The difference between the atomic weight in mass units and the mass
number of an element divided by the mass number and multiplied by 10,000.
Parallax : The apparent displacement of an object as seen from two different points that is not
on a line with the object.
Parallel Transmission : Transmission of data bits over different lines, as opposed to serial
transmission.
Peak to Peak Amplitude : The amplitude of an alternating quantity measured from positive to
negative peak.
pH : A indication of the acidity or alkalinity of a solution.
PID Control : Control in which the control signal is a linear combination of the error signal, its
integral, and its derivative.
Pointer : The needle-shaped rod that moves over the scale of a meter or dial.
Potential : The amount of voltage or change between a point and a zero reference point.
Potential Difference : The difference in potential between any two points in a circuit.
Potential Energy : Energy due to position.
Pontentiometer : A measuring instrument for measuring direct current electromotive forces.
Potentiometric Measurement : Comparing the unknown voltage with a known voltage from a
calibrated potentiometer.
Precision : The closeness of agreement between randomly selected individual measurements or
test results.
Pressure : Force exerted per unit area.
Preventive Action : Action taken to eliminate the causes of a potential nonconformity defect or
other undesirable situation in order to prevent recurrence.

Primary Standard : A unit established by some authority or developed through practical

application of a formula.
Probability : A measure of how likely it is that some event will occur.
Proportional Control : Control in which the amount of corrective action is proportional to the
amount of error.
Psychrometer : A instrument for measuring relative humidity.
Pyrometer : A device for measuring high temperatures.
Qualification Process : Process of demonstrating whether an entity is capable of fulfilling
specified requirements.
Qualified : Status given to an entity when capability of fulfilling specified requirements has
been demonstrated.
Quality : The totality of features and characteristics of a product or service that bears on its
ability to satisfy given needs.
Quality Assurance : All those planned or systematic action necessary to provide adequate
confidence that adequate or service will satisfy given needs.
Quality Audit : A systematic and independent examination to determine whether quality
activities and related results comply with planned arrangements and whether these arrangements
are implemented effectively and are suitable to achieve objectives.
Quality Audit Observation : Statement of fact during a quality audit and substantiated by
objective audience.
Quality Control : The operational techniques and the activities that sustain a quality of product
or service that will satisfy given needs; also, the use of such techniques and activities.
Quality Evaluation : Systematic examination of the extent to which an entity is capable of
fulfilling specified requirements.
Quality Losses : Losses caused by not realizing the potential of resources in processes and
activities.
Quality Management : The totality of functions involved in the determination and achievement
of quality.
Quality Manual : Document stating the quality policy and describing the quality system of an
organization. See Davis Calibration Quality Manual.

Quality Plan : Document setting out the specific quality practices, resources, and sequence of
activities relevant to a particular product, project, or contract.
Quality Policy : Overall intentions and direction of an organization with regard to quality, as
formally expressed by top management.
Quality related costs : Those costs incurred in ensuring satisfactory quality, as well as the
losses incurred when satisfactory quality is not achieved.
Quality Surveillance : Continued monitoring and verification of the status of an entity and
analysis of records to ensure that specification requirements are being fulfilled.
Quality System : Organizational structure procedures, processes and resources needed to
implement quality management.
Requirement for quality :
Expression of the needs or their translation into a set of quantitatively or qualitatively stated
requirements for the characteristics of an entity to enable its realization and examination.
Radiation :
A method of transmission of energy.
Range :
(1) Extent of coverage of effectiveness. (2) Measure of distance.
Ratio Bridge :
A bridge circuit that uses a calibrated resistive or calibrated inductive voltage divider for one side
of the bride.
Reference Line :
A line from which all other measurements are taken.
Reference Plane :
A reference lie that has been rotated through 360 degrees.
Repeatability :
Same reading each time for the same solution.
Resonance :
An excited state of a stable particle causing a sharp maximum in the probability of absorption of
electromagnetic radiation.
Restoring Force :
The constant mechanical force provided.

RHO :
The magnitude of the reflection coefficient.
Scale :
(1) Something graduated when used as a measure or rule. A series of spaces marked by lines to
indicate the magnitude of some quantity. (2) A weighing device.
Scintillation Counter :
A device used for the detection of radioactivity.
Secondary Emission :
Electron emission that is the direct result of the impact of electrons against a surface.
Seeback Effect :
The EMF produced in a circuit containing two contacting conductors of different metals having
two junctions at different temperatures.
Sensitivity :
Full scale output divided by the rated capacity of a given transducer / load cell.
Sensor :
Element of measuring instrument or measuring chain that is directly or indirectly affected by the
measurand.
Servo System :
A electromechanical system which is used for positioning one element of a system in relation to
another.
Shear :
A deformation of an object in which parallel planes remain parallel but are shifted in a direction
parallel to themselves.
Solenoid Valve :
A valve actuated by a solenoid for controlling the flow of gases or liquid in pipes.
Span :
Modules of the difference between the two limits of a normal range.
Solid :
The state in which a substance has no tendency to flow under moderate stress.
Specifications :
The range of values or numerical value which ties the performance of the product parameter.

Spectrum :
(1) The entire range of wavelengths within which electromagnetic radiations occur. (2) A
segment of wavelengths which has a special function or possesses special properties.
Stability :
The ability of a measuring instrument to maintain constant metrological characteristics with
time.
Standard :
(1) Conforming to or constituting a standard of measurement or value. (2) a basis for
comparison. (3) the ideal in terms of which something can be judged.
Standard Deviation :
A mathematical quantity used to characterize the dispersion of results.
Standard Operating Conditionsstandard temperature and pressure (STP) :
Defined temperature and pressure to which all values are referenced for comparison.
Standard Pressure :
The pressure exerted by a column of mercury exactly 760 mm high.
Standard Uncertainty :
Uncertainty of the result of a measurement expressed as a standard deviation.
Strain :
Deformation of a material body under the action of applied forces.
Straightness :
The uniformity of direction throughout the extent of that feature.
Stress :
Force that produces strain on a physical body.
Stroboscope :
Scientific instrument that provides a flashing light synchronized with the periodic movement of
an object.
Subcontractor :
Organization that provides a product to the supplier.
Supplier :
Organization that provides a product to a customer.
Surface Tension :
The tendency of the surface of a liquid to contract.

Tachometer :
An instrument for measuring rotational speed in revolutions per minute.
Temperature Coefficient :
The change in measured value per unit change in temperature.
Temperature Compensation :
The method of reducing the effect of a change in temperature on a force measuring instrument.
Terminal Linearity :
Ratio of the actual error voltage in the output to the total input voltage.
Termination :
The load connected to the output end of a circuit or transmission line.
Testing :
A means of determining the capability of an item to meet specified requirements by subjecting
the item to a set of physical, chemical, environmental or operation actions and conditions.
Test Instrument :
The device being compared with the calibration standard.
Test Line Limit :
The pass or fail limit.
Theodolite :
A optical instrument used for measuring horizontal or vertical angles.
Thermistor :
A semiconductor device made of materials whose resistance varies as a function of temperature.
Tilt Graticule :
A graduate reticule used in Collimators for measuring vertical and horizontal tilt, or angular
deviation.
Time :
Measurement of duration.
Torque :
Cause of rotary motion. It is equal to the applied force multiplied by the distance from the center
of rotation.
Torr :
1/760 of and atmosphere.

Total quality management :

Management approach of an organization, centered on quality based on the participation of its
member and aiming at long-term success through customer satisfaction and benefits of all
members of the organization and to society.
Traceability :
Ability to trace the history, application, or location of an entity by means of recorded
identification.
Transducer :
A device that provides an output quantity having a determined relationship to the force.
Transfer :
Standard used as in intermediary to compare standards.
True Mass :
Mass as measured in a vacuum.
Uncertainty :
A parameter, associated with the result of a measurement that characterizes the dispersion of the
values that could reasonably be attributed to the measured.
Unit :
A value, quantity, or magnitude of which other values, quantities, or magnitudes are expressed.
Vacuum :
Any pressure below atmospheric.
Velocity Constant :
The time rate of change of position.
Velocity Constant :
The ratio of the velocity of propagation in a transmission line to the velocity of light.
Verification :
Confirmation by examination and provision of objective evidence that specified requirements
have been filled.
Vibration :
Mechanical oscillations or motion about a reference point or equilibrium.
Viscosity :
Resistance of a liquid to sheer forces (and hence to flow).
VSLI :
Very Large Scale Integration.

Volatile :
Readily vaporizable at a relatively low temperature.
Volume :
The amount of space which matter occupies.
Wave Front :
A surface composed at any instant of all the points just reached by a vibration disturbance in its
propagation through a medium.
Weight :
The force of gravity acting on an object.