Overview
IEC TR 62967:2018 - Methods for calculating the main static performance indicators of transducers and transmitters is a Technical Report from the IEC that gives practical guidance for assuring and presenting reliability data of automation devices. The document covers how to obtain reliability data by calculation, observation or laboratory test, and defines the format for presenting that data. It targets static performance indicators used in calibration, measurement and specification of transducers and transmitters.
Key Topics and Requirements
- Scope and definitions: clear terminology for inputs, outputs, static calibration characteristics and performance indicators.
- Methods for calculating individual static performance indicators, including:
- Span and full-span output
- Resolution and sensitivity
- Hysteresis and repeatability (including statistical treatment and coverage factors)
- Linearity (multiple forms: absolute, terminal‑based, zero‑based, independent, least‑squares)
- Conformity (various conformity measures and fitting-curve procedures)
- Drift and thermal shifts (zero drift, upper-range drift, thermal zero/upper-range shift)
- Combined performance indicators: combined linearity + hysteresis and combined linearity + hysteresis + repeatability, with calculation methods and working characteristic determination.
- Data presentation and pre‑treatment: recommended form to present reliability data (Table 1), detection and handling of suspect/unreasonable data points.
- Examples and annexes: numerous numerical examples for calculating linearities, conformities, combined indicators, and procedures for uncertainty evaluation of transducers.
- Measurement uncertainty: fundamentals and methods for combining uncertainty components to obtain total uncertainty at calibration points.
Practical Applications
IEC TR 62967:2018 is practical for any activity that requires rigorous static performance assessment and transparent reporting:
- Preparing calibration reports and datasheets for sensors, transducers, and transmitters
- Defining vendor specifications and acceptance tests for automation and process instrumentation
- Performing laboratory testing and statistical evaluation in calibration laboratories and R&D
- Supporting quality assurance, procurement specifications and conformity assessment
- Calculating measurement uncertainty and combining multiple error sources for traceable metrology
Who Should Use This Standard
- Instrumentation and sensor manufacturers
- Calibration laboratories and metrology institutes
- Test engineers, system integrators and automation specialists
- Quality, compliance and procurement professionals working with measurement devices
Related Standards
IEC TR 62967 complements other IEC publications on calibration, measurement uncertainty and device reliability. For implementation, consult the latest IEC calibration and instrumentation standards and guidance from national metrology institutes.
Keywords: IEC TR 62967:2018, transducers, transmitters, static performance indicators, calibration, linearity, hysteresis, repeatability, measurement uncertainty, automation devices.