5730A
Operators Manual
1-10
Use of Absolute and Relative Accuracy Specifications
To evaluate the 5730A Calibrator coverage of the calibration workload, use the Absolute
Accuracy specifications. Absolute accuracy includes stability, temperature coefficient,
linearity, line and load regulation, and the traceability to external standards. It is not
necessary to add anything to absolute accuracy to determine the ratios between the
Calibrator specifications and the tolerance requirements of the calibration workload.
Relative accuracy specifications are provided for enhanced accuracy applications. These
specifications apply when range constants are adjusted (see “Range Adjustment” in
Chapter 7). To calculate absolute accuracy, combine the uncertainties of the external
standards and techniques with relative accuracy.
The accuracy specifications can be used to determine the component of instrumental
uncertainty for a particular measurement condition at time of use. When the Calibrator is
correctly calibrated, the specifications may be applied to subsequent uncertainty analyses
as a Type B evaluation of measurement uncertainty. This is estimated as a normal
distribution with a coverage factor of K=2.58. Instrumental measurement uncertainty is
one of many contributors that must be considered in a thorough uncertainty analysis.
Use of Secondary Performance Specifications
Secondary performance specifications and operating characteristics are included in
uncertainty specifications. They are provided for special calibration requirements such as
stability or linearity tests.