Experimental design techniques for optimising measurement chain calibration

This paper tackles the design of a calibration using experimental design techniques. In particular, the optimum calibration plan for measurement chain is identified by suitably elaborating the error propagation law suggested by the ISO Guide. The main advantages of the proposed approach consist in: (i) calibration plans with a reduced number of calibration points; (ii) calibration curve applicable to the whole operating range; (iii) linear rather than complex regression technique always usable. Two different cases were analysed in order to show the efficiency of the proposed optimisation procedure: a psychrometer and an heat meter. The obtained theoretical results are verified on a number of real calibrations. © 2001 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.