Automated DC Voltage and DC Resistance Real-time Multiple Standard for Artifact Calibration of Calibrators and multimeters

TL;DR

This paper presents an automated, temperature-controlled DC voltage and resistance reference standard with real-time calibration display, enhancing accuracy and reliability for calibrators and multimeters in electrical measurements.

Contribution

Introduction of a novel automated reference standard with real-time calibration display and high stability, supporting improved artifact calibration and interlaboratory comparisons.

Findings

Standards meet calibration uncertainty requirements.

The system enables reliable long-term use with minimal drift.

Suitable for laboratory and interlaboratory calibration use.

Abstract

An automated temperature-controlled electrical DC voltage and DC resistance multiple reference standard (MRS) has been developed by Measurements International (MI) with the scientific support from the Istituto Nazionale di Ricerca Metrologica (INRIM). The MRS includes a 10 V, a 1 {\Omega}, and a 10 k{\Omega} standards selectable via a switch unit. This setup allows the artifact calibration of high-end calibrators and multimeters used in low-frequency electrical measurements. The two resistors are high-stability standards from MI, while the 10 V standard is based on a low-noise circuit developed by INRIM in collaboration with MI. A key innovation is the internal real-time clock calendar, which displays the calibration values of the MRS standards and their updated values internally calculated. This ensures reliable use of the MRS standards over extended periods between calibrations, effectively minimizing uncertainties due to their drift. The standards are housed in a thermal box, minimizing temperature variations. The MRS standards meet the uncertainty requirements defined by calibrators and multimeters manufacturers for artifact calibration and can also serve as laboratory references or travelling standards for interlaboratory comparisons (ILCs). MI is currently commercializing the MRS.