Column Control DTX

Language of Specifications

White Papers

What do Specifications Mean?

 

Hitting the mark

 

Specifications describe a product’s capability but some basic terms are often misunderstood. Has this dart been thrown accurately, or precisely? Is there a difference? This article explains some of the arcane language used in describing a product’s characteristics. Thumb through any instrument specification and you are presented with a whole host of technical terms describing the product’s capability. There are some basic ones which are often misunderstood, though — accuracy, precision, resolution and sensitivity spring to mind.

 

Basic terminology

 

Experience has shown that some basic metrological terms are often confused. What is the difference between accurate and precise, resolution and sensitivity, instability and noise? We’ll use some graphics to illustrate. Firstly, there are some archery or shooting targets. Four marksmen were aiming for the center “bulls-eye”. This is analogous to making a perfect measurement with the “bulls-eye” being the conventional, “true value”.

×

Please have a salesperson contact me.

*Indicates required field

Preferred method of communication? *Required Field
Preferred method of communication? Change email?
Preferred method of communication?

By clicking the button, you are providing Keysight with your personal data. See the Keysight Privacy Statement for information on how we use this data.

Thank you.

A sales representative will contact you soon.

Column Control DTX