Dictionary · Instruments
Measuring instrument
A device used for making measurements, alone or in conjunction with supplementary devices.
Related terms
More from Instruments
Sensor
The element of a measuring system directly affected by the phenomenon, body, or substance carrying the quantity being measured — the Pt resistance element in an SPRT, the seismic mass in an accelerometer.
VIM (JCGM 200:2012) 3.8
Resolution of a displaying device
The smallest difference between displayed indications that can be meaningfully distinguished — for a digital display, one count of the least significant digit.
VIM (JCGM 200:2012) 4.15
Limiting operating condition
An extreme operating condition an instrument is required to withstand without damage and without degrading specified properties when subsequently operated under rated conditions — survival limits, not working limits.
VIM (JCGM 200:2012) 4.10
Range of a nominal indication interval
The absolute difference between the extreme values of a nominal indication interval — 200 V for the −100 V to +100 V setting.
VIM (JCGM 200:2012) 4.5
Maximum permissible error (MPE)
The extreme value of measurement error, with respect to a known reference value, permitted by specifications or regulations for a given instrument. Verification confirms indications fall within ±MPE.
VIM (JCGM 200:2012) 4.26
Measuring system
One or more measuring instruments and often other devices, assembled and adapted to give measured values within specified intervals for quantities of specified kinds.
VIM (JCGM 200:2012) 3.2