Trans-conductance amplifier calibration protocol establishment – metrology ambiguities, constraints, and measurement uncertainty propagation analysis

Abstract

The primary dilemma, when establishing calibration protocol for testing of any measurement transducer, is whether the concrete unit is going to be regarded as a standalone instrument, or it will be treated as a part of an integrated measurement system. The first approach would provide results that are applicable for broader further usage. The data obtained if the unit is calibrated within the measurement system, may be further used only for performance evaluation of the overall system. The concrete ambiguity is related to the appropriate quantity selection on the basis of which the measurements will be carried out, i.e., whether the measurand is the transducer’s output signal or its transformation coefficient. The determination of the quantity, which is supposed to be recorded, opens a further debate about the appropriate selection of measurement points and the uncertainty evaluation procedure, both in terms of dominant influential factors determination, and in overall uncertainty budget distribution modelling adequacy. In the concrete contribution, an originally developed protocol for high current trans-conductance amplifier examination will be presented, taking into account both perspectives for examination.