In measurement technology, sensor calibration refers to the tasks that serve to determine – under defined conditions – the relationship between the values of a measurand output by a measurement instrument, such as a sensor or measuring system, with corresponding measurement uncertainty and the corresponding values of a measurand established with standards with corresponding measurement uncertainty.
The term 'calibration' of a measurement instrument (sensor) or measuring system is sometimes confused with 'adjustment.' When adjusting, the parameters of a measuring system are adjusted so that the desired measurand is displayed correctly.
Calibration verifies the precision and reproducibility of measurement instruments, such as sensors and measuring systems. Sensors that are calibrated are the prerequisite for precise, reliable and reproducible measurement results. Calibration is one of the key prerequisites for effective quality assurance.
The result of the calibration is documented by means of a calibration certificate or calibration report. By specifying the standards, these documents can verify traceability to national and international standards. The result of calibration is expressed by means of a specification, a calibration function, a calibration curve, a calibration table or a calibration diagram.
The accuracy of even the most precise and most sensitive measurement instrument or measuring system can deteriorate through wear, aging and environmental influences. It should, therefore, be recalibrated at regular intervals. DIN EN ISO 9001 specifies that a process for test equipment monitoring should be introduced and that the measuring equipment must be calibrated. For this reason, many companies have quality assurance systems that stipulate calibration at regular intervals.
Sensors are calibrated in different ways depending on the measurand. Different calibration processes and calibration machines are used for pressure sensor calibration, force sensor calibration, torque sensor calibration and accelerometer calibration.
Such a calibration is performed in an accredited laboratory in accordance with DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025 and always includes specification of the measurement uncertainty. This standard implements the specification of the International vocabulary of basic and general terms in metrology and ensures the quality of the calibration laboratories. Traceable calibrations are performed in calibration laboratories that are accredited in accordance with DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025. Only such a calibration guarantees the full metrological traceability to national standards.
