Overview

The highest quality, most up-to-date, most accurately calibrated and most carefully selected sensor can still give totally erroneous data if it is not correctly applied. This section will address some of the issues that need to be considered to assure correct application of any sensor.

The following check list is derived from a list originally assembled by Applications Engineering at Endevco in the late 1970s. It has been sporadically updated as additional issues were encountered. It is generally applicable to all sensor applications, but many of the items mentioned will not apply to any given specific application. However, it provides a reminder of questions that need to be asked and answered during selection and application of any sensor.

Often one of the most difficult tasks facing an instrumentation engineer is the selection of the proper measuring system. Economic realities and the pressing need for safe, properly functioning hardware create an ever-increasing demand to obtain accurate, reliable data on each and every measurement.

On the other hand, each application will have different characteristics from the next and will probably be subjected to different environments with different data requirements. As test or measurement programs progress, data are usually subjected to increasing manipulation, analysis and scrutiny. In this environment, the instrumentation engineer can no longer depend on his general-purpose measurement systems and expect to obtain acceptable data. Indeed, he must carefully analyze every aspect of the test to be performed, the test article, the environmental conditions, and, if...