Calibration of Pressure, Temperature and Flow Measuring Instruments

Introduction

The course commences with a brief review of some basic terminology, systems of units, measurement standards, traceability and types of error. The course then covers calibration standards and documents affecting the calibration of electrical items. A brief review is made of measurement uncertainty.

The course then covers calibration equipment and techniques in detail, starting with a discussion of electrical instrument calibration with precision instruments such as VOM devices, oscillators, counters, function generators, power supplies, RF power instrumentation, temperature simulation and measuring equipment, and fiber-optic instruments.

Electrical working standards are discussed, such as meter calibrators, oscilloscope calibrators, multifunction calibrators, distortion analyzers, counters, LF Spectrum Analyzers, RCL Meters and substitution boxes, and more.

The instructor presents the course aided by overhead PowerPoint slides. Students are expected to participate in classroom discussions and exercises.

Objectives

Attention will focus more on generic processes and theory of individual measurements than on how to calibrate a specific instrument. We will explore the background and theory of precision measurements in voltage, current, resistance, capacitance, inductance, frequency, and LF/RF power. Further discussion of measurement and theory in noise, total harmonic distortion, phase angle, modulation, and the rise time will be pursued in detail.

Training Methodology

This is an interactive course. There will be open question and answer sessions, regular group exercises and activities, videos, case studies, and presentations on best practice. Participants will have the opportunity to share with the facilitator and other participants on what works well and not so well for them, as well as work on issues from their own organizations. The online course is conducted online using MS-Teams/ClickMeeting.

Who Should Attend?

This course is intended for personnel involved in metrology, instrumentation and various testing activities.

Course Outline

Introduction and Focus

• Metrology Terminology
• Scope of Metrology
• Measurement Processes
• Units
• Measurement error
• Classification of Error
• Error vs. Accuracy

Measurement Standards and Traceability

• Measurement Standards
• Traceability
• Definition of the Second
• Coordinated Universal Time (UTC)
• Definition of the Ampere
• Voltage Reference
• Josephson junction
• Standard Resistor

Technical Requirements in Calibration Standards

• US Government Agencies
• Calibration Program-Operations
•  Historical requirements
• MIL-STD 45662A
• ANSI Z540-1-1994
• Compliance Documents
• NIST
• Calibration Procedure Template
• Handling, Records, Certificates & Reports
• Accreditation
• Technical and Calibration requirements in ISO 9000

Types of Standards

• Oscilloscope Calibrators
• Multifunction Calibrators
• Distortion Analyzers
• Counters
• LF Spectrum Analyzers & FFTs
• RCL Devices

Measurement Uncertainty

• Purpose of a Measurement
• Accuracy Concept
• Error types
• Random
• Instrumentation
• Environmental
• Observational
• Reduction of Observer Bias (exercise)
• Estimating Measurement Uncertainty of a Calibration Process

Example: Estimating Electrical Uncertainty

• Calibration of a Hand-Held Digital Multi-meter at 100 V dc
• Resolution
• Uncertainty Budget
• Expanded Uncertainty

Electrical Calibration

• VOM Devices
• Digital Multi-Meters
• DMM Data Sheet
• Tolerances
• Terminology
• Two Wire and Four Wire Ohms
• Processes
• Synthesizers/Sweepers
• DBM and DBU Power
• Synthesized Sweep Oscillator Specifications
• Level Specs
• Output Level Flatness
• Frequency Specifications
• Harmonics
• Phase Noise Display
• Modulation
• Measuring Power
• Mismatch Calculation and Conversions
• Frequency Meter
• Harmonic Test with Spectrum Analyzer
• Phase Noise Test
•  Counters
• Frequency Standards
• Counters-Functions
•  Function and Pulse Generators
• Pulse Characteristics
• Power Supplies
• Grounding of Power Supply
• Temperature/ Humidity Simulation & Measurement
• Thermocouple
• SPRT
• RTD
• Data Logging Types
• Humidity Calibration
• Chilled Mirror Concept
•  Spectrum and Network Analyzers
• The Frequency Domain
• Calibration and Validation Kits
• Impedance Bridges
•  Amplifiers
• Logic Analyzers
• Angle Position Indicators
• RF Power Measurement
• RF Power Meter Use
• RF Power Meter and Sensor Calibration
• Fiber Optic Calibration
• Overview
• Optical Specifications
• Optical Devices
• Optical Power Meter
• Optical Sources
• Optical Spectrum Analyzers
• Wave Meters
• OTDR and Back Reflection
• Optical Attenuator

Calibration of Vibration Measuring Instruments

• Transducers
• Strain Gages
• Accelerometers
• Comparison Method

Oscilloscopes

• Analog
• Digital
• High Bandwidth
• Specifications
• Calibration Procedures

Overview of ISO 17025

• Material Review Boards
• Corrective Action
• Preventive Action

Class Project

Summary, Final Review

Award of certificates for successful completion