Designing for improved performance and reduced calibration costs

Instrument manufacturers have a considerable responsibility to their customers, because an inaccurate calibration can lead to claims for consequential loss as well as a damaged reputation. The manufacturer is of course aware of this responsibility, and will ensure that the instrument is correctly calibrated when it leaves the factory. The calibration and testing performed will be extensive, and cover all of the parameters specified in the manufacturer's technical literature for the product. In order to give products access to the widest possible market, instrument manufacturers provide more and more functionality in the instruments they produce. It is in the manufacturer's interest to ensure that the functionality of the instrument covers as many applications as possible. It follows then that such wide functionality must be fully tested and calibrated. However, the customer's application may utilize only a fraction of the instrument's capabilities. Careful consideration must be given to the test requirements in order to satisfy the customer.< >