Calibration Services

Calibrator or Calibration Tool

A calibrator, or calibration tool, is a standard reference instrument to which the device under test is compared.

A calibration tool will provide a very accurate output that matches a quantity the sensor or device might receive. For example, if it’s a pressure sensor under test, the calibration tool must have a very accurate pressure. The sensor output signal (perhaps 4-20 mA or 0-10 V) is measured to verify the signal matches with the measured quantity.

Calibration is a process of comparing the output of measuring instruments and devices against the input signal of a standard, verified instrument. It detects and identifies any error in the device under test. If the difference between the calibration tool signal and the device under test lies within established limits, the calibration is said to be in a pass condition; otherwise, it will fail.

If the device passes the calibration process, it can be used for measurement. But if calibration fails, the instrument or device must be rectified or replaced. If repair or replacement is necessary, it must be recalibrated. Only after successful calibration can the device or instrument be returned to the system process.

After the calibration process, its documentation must be filed and made part of the facility record since regulatory and standardization bodies such as the FDA and ISO review these documents during their routine inspection.