Precision Measurement Techniques

Improving Calibration Test Ratios Using a Reference Multimeter
1 hour duration

This seminar presents two case studies about improving the test specification accuracy of a precision resistance calibrator. In the first case study, the calibrator's resistance specification was initially only 1.5 times better than the test requirement. Using output characterization and ratio measurement techniques resulted in an improvement to levels of 3 to 6 times better than the test requirement.

The second study presents two techniques for characterizing a calibrator using a precision reference multimeter. These techniques help to solve problems when using existing calibrators to calibrate the last generation of precision DMMs, where many test ratios are less than 2:1. The solutions provide improved ratios to better than 5:1.

These topics are included in the seminar:

• Basic improvements by traditional accuracy enhancement through characterizing measurements with a precision DMM
• Additional improvements by using ratio techniques between a standard resistor and the calibrator's resistance at the test point.
• Instrument specification and measurement uncertainties are studied
• Measurement error budgets of the different techniques are analyzed and compared

Who should attend: Calibration laboratory managers, engineers, and technicians who use precision calibrators in their work and are interested in techniques for improving accuracies and minimizing test uncertainties should consider attending. Additionally, persons who are considering a purchase of a reference multimeter and want to learn more about its capabilities to enhance accuracies of precision sources should also consider attending.

Seminar schedules and registration

Replacing Analog Null Detecting Meters in Voltage Reference Intercomparisons
1 hour duration

Voltage reference comparisons are critical to traceability in electrical metrology. Standards labs have long used the older technology Analog Null Detecting Meters to make such precise voltage reference comparisons. But now these are often replaced with modern digital meters. This session discusses how make voltage reference comparisons with a reference multimeter. The meter's technical considerations, measurement techniques, and the analysis of the instrumentation errors are reviewed in this session.

These topics are included in the seminar:

• The analog null detector used in comparing voltage standards
• Voltage reference comparisons using a DMM
• Best recommended practices for voltage intercomparisons
• Measurement error and uncertainty details
• Working with multiple voltage reference standards
• A summary comparison of digital meters vs. analog null detectors

Who should attend: Calibration and standards laboratory managers, engineers, and technicians who must certify or maintain voltage reference standards should consider attending. Additionally, persons who are considering implementing these practices and understanding these techniques should also consider attending.

Seminar schedules and registration

The Reference Multimeter and Ratio Measurements
An economical and easy-to-use alternative for Kelvin-Varley dividers
1 hour duration

Voltage ratio measurements are critical to electrical metrology. Standards labs have long used the Kelvin Varley Divider to make voltage comparisons over a wide range of ratio values. Learn how a reference multimeter with ratio measurement capabilities can be an economical and easy-to-use alternative for Kelvin-Varley Dividers.

These topics are included in the seminar:

• Comparisons of differing voltages at approximately a 10:1 ratio. Comparing techniques using both a Kelvin-Varley Divider and a ratio-capable dmm.
• A practical application of calibrating a 1.018 volt reference standard with a certified 10 volt reference standard
• A comparison summary of the ratio capabilities of Fluke's 8508A Reference Multimeter, 720A Kelvin-Varley Divider and 752A Reference Divider
• Measurement uncertainty and error budgets will be studied for the various example applications.

Who should attend: Calibration and standards laboratory managers, engineers, and technicians who make voltage ratio measurements of variable ratio values should consider attending. Additionally, persons who are considering alternative methods to Kelvin-Varley dividers for ratios should also consider attending.

Seminar schedules and registration

Monitoring the Performance of Laboratory Standards 

A study of techniques for the intermediate checking of standards as required in ISO 17025 with the reference multimeter as a tool for monitoring precision sources

1 hour duration

Measurement assurance in metrology, supported through lab accreditation and the general application of the ISO 17025 standard for technical competence of a laboratory, requires the practice of monitoring the standards within a laboratory between the formal certifications. 

Who should attend: Calibration laboratory managers, engineers, and technicians who use or consider using precision electrical calibrators in their work should attend. This seminar is directed to those who have or require having regular QA practices to support measurement assurance in the lab. Additionally, persons who own electrical calibrators as precision sources will see how similarly precise electrical measurement instruments can support an ongoing measurement quality program for a lab and should consider attending.

Seminar schedules and registrations

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RF Calibration

Precision RF Sourcing
How to Cut RF Calibration Time in Half for Spectrum Analyzers and RF Measurement Instrumentation
1 hour duration

This seminar examines RF calibration and measurement methodology. It focuses on applications of calibrating complex instrumentation such as spectrum analyzers and other RF measurement devices. The existing compromises that require extensive signal level characterization to obtain the necessary high accuracy of signal sourcing are studied (often resulting in multi hundreds of separate measurements). Then the benefits of using a new precision source are shown, eliminating the need for characterization, and simplifying the calibration process in both manual and automated methods. Finally real time saving of up to and exceeding 75% are shown to be readily achievable.

Seminar schedules and registrations

Temperature Calibration

 Introduction to Temperature Calibration
1 hour, 30 minutes duration

This seminar covers the key concepts behind temperature calibration, followed by a discussion of primary, secondary, and industrial temperature calibrations and the typical equipment used to perform them.

Seminar schedules and registration

Secondary Temperature Calibration Equipment Requirements and Financial Justification
1 hour, 30 minutes duration

Setting up a secondary temperature calibration process does not need to be complicated. This course describes a simple automated temperature calibration system over the range -80° C to 300 °C, how to use it and how to financially justify it. Learn what factors you should consider, how to analyze them and present a compelling argument for management approval.

Seminar schedules and registration

Temperature Uncertainty Budgets and How to Use Them
1 hour, 30 minutes duration

Learn to read, use and assemble a temperature uncertainty budget. Find out how to meet metrological targets within financial budget constraints. We'll talk about uncertainties related to temperature sensors, indicators and sources, how to evaluate them and how to combine them.

Seminar schedules and registration

Metrology Software

Perfect Calibration Reports
Making procedures and reports work together for perfect reports
1 hour 30 minutes duration

During this session we discuss how to build attractive, comprehensive calibration results reports.

These topics are included in the seminar:

• Procedure tips and tricks
• Calibration results data fields
• Raw results data viewing tools
• Standard results reports
• Stored procedures
• Report formulas
• Forensic procedures and reports

Who should attend: MET/CAL software users who want to improve their ability to create reports

Seminar schedules and registration

Understanding and Using the Manual MET/CAL Utility Program
1 hour, 30 minutes duration

This session will cover the theory and operation of Manual MET/CAL.

These topics are included in the seminar:

• Creating datasheets
• Performing calibration
• Creating and running Manual MET/CAL reports
• Creating and running Crystal run-time reports
  

Seminar schedules and registration

General Metrology and Business Topics

Applying Measurement Uncertainty to Digital Multimeter Calibration
1 hour, 30 minutes duration

This seminar is an introductory study of measurement uncertainty and its application to digital multimeter calibration. It studies measurement uncertainty from the perspective of the formally documented Guides to Uncertainty in Measurement (GUMs). Both general and detailed examples are provided. Fluke's MET/CAL software is introduced as a tool to assist in calculating measurement uncertainty during calibrations. Finally a list of different references are cited to assist in further study of the topic.

Seminar schedules and registration

Tools to Financially Justify Calibration Equipment
1 hour, 30 minutes duration

Discusses how to analyze and present a compelling argument to justify purchasing calibration instrumentation. Learn what factors you should consider and how to pull them together for management review and approval. Acquire analytical tools to use when doing the financial analysis required to justify a purchase. Examples for justifying both doing in house calibration, and upgrading calibration equipment are studied.

Seminar schedules and registration

Oscilloscope Calibration

Techniques for Oscilloscope Calibration Using Dedicated or Multi-Product Calibrators
1 hour duration

Oscilloscope calibration verifies a number of instrument performance characteristics, including:

• Accuracy of vertical deflection
• Range of variable vertical controls
• Vertical channel switching
• Accuracy of horizontal deflection
• Accuracy of any internal calibrator
• Pulse edge response
• Vertical channels bandwidth
• Z-axis bandwidth
• X-axis bandwidth
• Horizontal timing
• Timebase delay accuracy
• Time magnification
• Delay time jitter
• Standard trigger functions
• X-Y phase relationship

This seminar examines the usual techniques and requirements for calibrating these parameters. Additionally it considers the calibration instrumentation used for doing these tests.

Seminar schedules and registration