© National Instruments Corporation 3 NI PXI-5600 Calibration Procedure
What Is Calibration?
Calibration is a set of operations that compares the values indicated by a
measuring instrument or measuring system to the corresponding values
realized by external standards. The result of a calibration can be used to
determine the measurement error and can correct for it in the adjustment
process.
The calibration process consists of verifying, adjusting, and reverifying a
device. During verification, you compare the measured performance to an
external standard of known measurement uncertainty to confirm that the
product meets or exceeds specifications. During adjustment, you correct
the measurement error of the device by adjusting the calibration constants
and storing the new calibration constants in the EEPROM. The host
computer reads the calibration constants and the software uses them to
compensate for errors in the data and to present calibrated data to the user.
Why Should You Calibrate?
The accuracy of electronic components drifts with time and temperature,
which can affect measurement accuracy. Calibration restores the
NI PXI-5600 to its specified accuracy and ensures that it still meets
National Instruments standards.
How Often Should You Calibrate?
The accuracy requirements of your measurement application determine
how often you should calibrate the NI PXI-5600. NI recommends
performing a complete calibration at least once every year. You can shorten
this interval based on the demands of your application.
Equipment and Other Test Requirements
This section describes the test instruments, test conditions, documentation,
software, and connections required for calibration.
Test Instruments
Table 1 contains specifications for test instruments required for calibrating
the NI PXI-5600. If you do not have the recommended test instruments, use
the specifications listed in this table to select substitute calibration
instruments.
