ERROR DEFINITIONS AND EXAMPLES
Linearity:
Linearity error is the deviation of the output from a straight line.
Many transducers for measuring physical phenomena have outputs
that do not vary linearly with the phenomena being measured.
Sometimes the deviation from linear is slight and is accepted as part of
the error of the device, in other cases manufacturers attempt to
"linearize" the output. Usually when this done through an analog
means, there will be a residual non-linearity, i.e., the non-linearity is
not completely removed. The following non-linearity graph illustrates
why a two point calibration (zero and full scale) is many times
insufficient and ensures that the maximum error is achieved. A best-fit
straight line decreases the maximum error by ensuring that the errors
fall evenly on both sides.
Example of Linearity Error
-20
0
20
40
60
80
100
0
20
40
60
80
100
Input
Non-linear Output
Ideal Output
Best Fit
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