Basic measurement concepts

Abstract 

Sensors are transducers that convert physical phenomena into electrical signals. The relationship between input and output signals is affected by sensor characteristics (transfer function, dynamic range, sensitivity, resolution, dynamic range, signal-to-noise ratio) and dynamic response (frequency response, lag time, resonance and damping). Systematic and random errors may affect the accuracy and precision of the measurement. Systematic errors may be compensated for by the process of one-point, two-point or more calibration. The conversion of a continuous analogue signal into a digital signal will result in an approximation of the analogue signal, and quantization error may occur.

Keywords: accuracy, calibration, damping, equipment, error, measurement, physics, precision, resonance, sensors