Dictionary · Instruments
Stability of a measuring instrument
The property of an instrument whereby its metrological properties remain constant in time — quantified by the time taken to drift a stated amount, or the change over a stated time.
Related terms
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Resolution
The smallest change in the quantity being measured that causes a perceptible change in the corresponding indication. Digital resolution contributes a rectangular uncertainty component of (δ/2)/√3.
VIM (JCGM 200:2012) 4.14
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
Sensitivity of a measuring system
The quotient of the change in an indication and the corresponding change in the value of the quantity being measured.
VIM (JCGM 200:2012) 4.12
Reference operating condition
An operating condition prescribed for evaluating the performance of an instrument or for comparing results — the 23 °C ± 1 °C line at the top of a datasheet.
VIM (JCGM 200:2012) 4.11
Instrument bias
The average of replicate indications minus a reference quantity value — the instrument-level counterpart of measurement bias.
VIM (JCGM 200:2012) 4.20
Indicating measuring instrument
A measuring instrument providing an output signal carrying information about the value of the quantity being measured — voltmeters, thermometers, balances.
VIM (JCGM 200:2012) 3.3