Errors During the Measurement
Process
• Measurement and Instrumentation
Principles
• Alan S. Morris - Chapter 3
Learning Objectives
By the end of this chapter, you should be able
to:
1. Identify and understand different types of
measurement errors.
2. Explain sources of systematic and random
errors.
3. Understand methods to reduce and
quantify errors.
4. Understand how errors combine in
measurement systems.
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What are Systematic Errors?
• - Predictable, consistent errors
• - Arise from:
• - Instrument design flaws
• - Environmental factors
• - Calibration issues
• - Can be identified and corrected
Methods to Reduce Systematic
Errors
• - Careful Instrument Design
• - Method of Opposing Inputs
• - High-Gain Feedback
• - Calibration
• - Manual Correction of Output
• - Intelligent Instruments
Careful Instrument Design
• - Minimize disturbance to measured
system
• - Use materials stable with temperature
and time
• - Shield against environmental
influences
• - Precision manufacturing
Method of Opposing Inputs
• - Apply two inputs that produce
opposing effects
• - Errors cancel out
• - Example:
• - Use of differential measurement
techniques
• - Bridge circuits like Wheatstone
bridge
High-Gain Feedback
• - Amplify error signal and correct it
• - Example:
• - Servo systems for precise position
control
• - Advantages:
• - Reduces sensitivity to system
parameter changes
Calibration
• - Regular comparison against a
standard
• - Detect and correct systematic
deviations
• - Calibration steps:
• - Apply known inputs
• - Record instrument outputs
• - Adjust instrument or apply correction
factors
Manual Correction of Output
Reading
• - If systematic error known, manual
correction possible
• - Correction factors added or subtracted
from readings
• - Example:
• - Correcting thermometer readings for
known bias
Intelligent Instruments
• - Use microprocessors for
self-calibration
• - Auto-compensate for temperature,
wear, and drift
• - Examples:
• - Smart sensors
• - Self-adjusting pressure transducers
398 420 394 416 404 408 400 420 396 413 430
Measurement set A
mean D 409.0 and median D 408.
409 406 402 407 405 404 407 404 407 407 408
Measurement set B
mean D 406.0 and median D 407.
Which of the two measurement sets A and B, and the
corresponding mean and median values, should we have most
confidence in?
I n set A, the spread between the smallest (396) and largest (430)
value is 34, whilst in set B, the spread is only 6.
Example: Calculate and V for measurement sets A, and B.