Understanding Calibration - The Process Explained

The word calibration is associated with the concepts of accuracy of standard or measuring instrument where measurement error and uncertainty are dealt with.

Calibration is a process where you can compare measuring instrument with a measurement standard to facilitate the relation between the values indicated by the instrument and those of the standard.

Calibration involves comparing of a measurement device that is unknown, against the better standard. Calibration is often considered as something that includes the process of adjusting the output/indication on a measurement instrument to meet the value of the applied standard within accuracy. Let's take an example of thermometer that indicates errors. This indication of errors in thermometer can be corrected and adjusted using calibration constants. As a result, it will show the true temperature in Celsius at specific points on the scale. In computing, by way of proper calibration of an interactive white board pen or other input method the relation between the physical pen position and the position of the cursor on the screen is established.

In order to provide confidence in the accuracy of calibration results, there has to be demonstrable traceability. That means the results achieved through calibrating measurement standard used has be traceable back to standards (held at a national measurement institute) through an unbroken chain of comparisons where each link has declared a kind of measurement uncertainties. Trained and authorized personnel have to use appropriate equipment and procedures in the calibration process. Traceability was greatly emphasized. Organizations, documents, measurements and techniques within a large and diverse measurement community fall into the concept of traceability. For this reason it becomes important to be systematic to interact with each other or with our clients.

Modern metrological notions normally link the topics of measurement traceability, quality assurance programs etc, to the topics of measurement uncertainty. One of essential components of all uncertainty budgets is the employment of calibrated standards or instruments. The calibration process transfers a reference value, usually an International System (IS) unit, to the instrument/artifact under calibration establishing the unbroken chain of comparisons required for traceability.

As calibration is the only process that determines the measurement capabilities of the instruments, systems or instruments usually have to be calibrated to achieve accuracy in measurement.

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This article is published by RS Calibration Services, Inc. in public interest. RS Calibration is one of the leading Northern California Calibration Services providers. They are also one of the leading Bay Area Calibration Companies.

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