About Systematic Errors
About systematic errors
Systematic errors describe errors in the output readings of a
measurement system which are consistently on one side of the correct
reading, i.e. either all the errors are positive or they are all
negative. Two major sources of systematic errors are system
disturbance during measurement and the effect of modifying inputs. Other sources of systematic
error include bent meter needles, the use of un-calibrated
instruments, poor cabling practices and the generation of thermal e.m.f.s. Even
when systematic errors due to the above factors have been reduced or
eliminated, some errors remain which are inherent in the manufacture
of an instrument. These are quantified by the accuracy figure quoted
in the published specifications contained in the instrument data
sheet.
Systematic errors in the output of many
instruments are due to factors inherent in the manufacture of the
instrument arising out of tolerances in the components of the
instrument. They can also arise from wear in the instrument's
components over a period of time. In other cases, systematic errors
are introduced either by the effect of environmental disturbances or
through the disturbance of the measured system by the act of
measurement. These various sources of systematic error, and the ways
in which the magnitude of the errors can be reduced.

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Measurement System Errors
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