Determine How Calibration Limits Are Established

Updated Jul 30, 2026

Reported In

Hardware

  • Calibration

Software

  • Calibration Executive

Issue Details

I want to understand how calibration limits are determined for NI products.

Solution

Calibration limits are based on a product's warranted specifications and the measurement methods used to verify those specifications. 
 
When establishing calibration limits, NI considers the following factors:
  • Published warranted specifications that define the expected performance of the product.
  • Measurement methodologies used to verify the specification.
  • Measurement uncertainty associated with the calibration process.
  • Traceability of measurements to recognized standards.
  • Validation of the calibration procedure to ensure it is suitable for the intended measurements.
  • Tolerance testing used to determine whether the device meets the specified performance requirements.

During a product's development, R&D and Metrology will determine the following:

  • Identify critical specifications that should be validated
  • Develop and document calibration procedure required to verify and adjust product
  • Perform appropriate Uncertainty/TUR analysis on critical specifications
  • Develop adjustment API for test solution and customer use
  • Validate measurement methodologies required to verify/adjust product

The specifications and limits that get validated during calibration will vary by product.

 

Additional Information

The International Vocabulary of Metrology (VIM) defines calibration as an operation that establishes a relationship between measurement standards and the indications produced by a measuring system, taking measurement uncertainty into account. Verification provides objective evidence that specified requirements have been fulfilled.
 
Some products may contain both warranted and typical specifications.