Range Accuracy and Range Sensitivity

[PKP]

Hello,

How does one calculate Range Accuracy and Range Sensitivity?

E.g., if full scale voltage is -10V_+10V and it is a 16 bit DAQ card, resolution would be 20/(2^16)=0.305mV

However, for the PCI-6133 card https://www.ni.com/en-us/support/model.pci-6133.html

the range accuracy is listed as 4660 microV. How is this calculated?

And what is Range Sensitivity?

Thank you for your help.

Philip

[Elizabeth W]

Hello Philip,

I would suggest you take a look at Understanding Instrument Specifications -- How to Make Sense Out of the Jargon.

Accuracy is a measure of the capability of an instrument to faithfully indicate the value of the measured signal.  Sensitivity is a measure of the smallest value of an input signal that an instrument can detect.

The spec you saw for range accuracy with the PCI-6133 is calculated using a formula which takes into account gain error, offset error, and noise uncertainty.  This calculation is shown on page 3 of the NI 6132/6133 Specifications.  Take a look and let me know if you have any questions about the calculation.

I hope this helps!  Please let me know if you have any questions about this.

[PKP]

Thank you very much. They are excellent references. They answered my questions.

Philip