Analysis of calibration adjustment policies for electronic test equipment.

摘要

To assure optimal performance, test equipment (TE) are calibrated and adjusted on a periodic basis. Calibration and adjustment practices, however, are not done based on a single methodical approach. Various methods are being used to adjust/renew test equipment to nominal value during calibration. Traditionally, the Navy Metrology Calibration (METCAL) policy has always been to adjust the test instrument to nominal value only when an out-of-tolerance condition is observed during calibration. Another policy that is being practiced in many Navy calibration labs today, however, is to always adjust the test instrument regardless of the calibration outcome.;In this paper, a statistical metrology method is employed to develop a baseline understanding of the adjustment methods' effectiveness using two complementary techniques: a limited physical experiment in an environmentally controlled laboratory, and a Monte Carlo simulation.