1. What are the main elements in a measurement system and what are their functions?

Which
elements are not needed in some measurement systems and why are they not needed?
Main elements in measurement system
-Primary sensor = gives output that is a function of measurand
-Variable conversion element = needed when the output variable of a primary transducers in an
inconvenient form and has to be converted to convenient form
-Signal processing element = improve the quality of output
Elements not needed in some measurement systems
-Signal transmission element = uses of fibre optic

2. Name and discuss three application areas for measurement systems.

- barometer allows us to decide whether we should take our umbrellas if we are planning to go out for
a few hours
- The gardener uses a thermometer to determine whether he should turn the heat on in his greenhouse
or open the windows if it is too hot
- Experimental engineering analysis, part of engineering design, development, and research that
relies on laboratory testing of one kind or another to answer questions.

3. Briefly explain four ways in which measuring instruments can be subdivided into different classes
according to their mode of operation, giving examples of instruments that fall into each class.
Passive
- no components inside need to be powered
-pressure measuring device
Active
- the quantity to be measured activates the magnitude of external power input source that produces the
measurement
- float-type petrol-tank level indicator
Null-type
- A measuring device that balances the measurand against a known value, thus achieving a null
condition
-Deadweight pressure gauge
Deflection-type
- The instruments in which the measured quantity produces physical effects which deflect or displace
the moving system of the instruments
-pressure gauge

4. Explain the difference between static and dynamic characteristics of measuring instruments.
- Static characteristics where the performance criteria for the measurement of quantities that remain
constant. Or vary only quite slowly.
- Dynamic characteristics on the other hand, shows the relationship between the system input and
output when the measured quantity is varying rapidly.

5. Briefly define and explain all the static characteristics of measuring instruments.
Accuracy:
It is the degree of closeness with which the reading approaches the true value of the quantity
to be measured.
Sensitivity:
The sensitivity denotes the smallest change in the measured variable to which the instrument
responds. It is defined as the ratio of the changes in the output of an instrument to a change in the
value of the quantity to be measured.
Linearity:
The linearity is defined as the ability to reproduce the input characteristics symmetrically and
linearity. The curve shows the actual calibration curve and idealized straight line.
Reproducibility:
It is the degree of closeness with which a given value may be repeatedly measured. It is
specified in terms of scale readings over a given period of time.
Repeatability:
It is defined as the variation of scale reading & random in nature Drift:
Drift may be classified into three categories:
a) zero drift:
If the whole calibration gradually shifts due to slippage, permanent set, or due to undue warming up
of electronic tube circuits, zero drift sets in.
b) span drift or sensitivity drift
If there is proportional change in the indication all along the upward scale, the drifts is called span
drift or sensitivity drift.
c) Zonal drift:
In case the drift occurs only a portion of span of an instrument, it is called zonal drift.

Resolution:
If the input is slowly increased from some arbitrary input value, it will again be found that
output does not change at all until a certain increment is exceeded. This increment is called resolution.
Threshold:
If the instrument input is increased very gradually from zero there will be some minimum
value below which no output change can be detected. This minimum value defines the threshold of
the instrument.
Stability:
It is the ability of an instrument to retain its performance throughout is specified operating
life.
Tolerance:
The maximum allowable error in the measurement is specified in terms of some value
which is called tolerance.
Range or span:
The minimum & maximum values of a quantity for which an instrument is designed to
measure is called its range or span.
6. Draw sketches to illustrate the dynamic characteristics of the following:
7. Define sensitivity drift and zero drift. What factors can cause sensitivity drift and zero drift in
instrument characteristics.

Zero drift or bias describes the effect where the zero reading of an instrument is modified by a
change in ambient conditions. This causes a constant error that exists over the full range of
measurement of the instrument.
Sensitivity drift (also known as scale factor drift) defines the amount by which an instrument's
sensitivity of measurement varies as ambient conditions change.
Heating is the main concern. Our main reason behind this zero drift . So he thinks of the electronic
circuits that causes zero drifts. And when we talk about the sensitive with the drift, this is basically
caused due to the indication of instrument along the upper scale. It can cause significant change in the
upper scale of instrument. The main reason we can see for this sensitivity drift, we can sum it up as
this drift being cost because of are caused due to the significant change and the indication of
instrument. So the significant change in indication of instrument along the upper scale that causes the
sensitivity drift.