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370268B-01
©
2000, 2001 National Instruments Corp. All rights reserved.
September 2001
CALIBRATION PROCEDURE
SCXI -1120/D
Introduction
This document contains information and step-by-step instructions for
calibrating the National Instruments (NI) SCXI-1120 and SCXI-1120D
modules.
What Is Calibration?
Calibration
consists of verifying the measurement accuracy of a module
and adjusting for any measurement error.
Verification
is measuring the
performance of the module and comparing these measurements to the
factory specifications. During calibration, you supply and read voltage
levels using external standards, then you adjust the module calibration
circuitry. This circuitry compensates for any inaccuracies in the module,
and returns the accuracy of the module to the factory specifications.
Why Should You Calibrate?
The accuracy of electronic components drifts with time and temperature,
which can affect measurement accuracy as a module ages. Calibration
restores these components to their specified accuracy and ensures that the
module still meets NI standards.
How Often Should You Calibrate?
The measurement requirements of your application determine how often
the SCXI-1120/D module needs to be calibrated to maintain accuracy.
NI recommends that you perform a complete calibration at least once every
year. You can shorten this interval to 90 days or six months based on the
demands of your application.
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