Calibration of Analog Measurement and Telemetry Systems

Abstract

A basic requirement of modern telemetry and instrumentation is a reference or standard to measure against. A brief survey of early flight tests and missile measurement systems shows the development of analog calibration. Frequency Modulation (fm), telemetry, Pulse Amplitude Modulation (PAM), and commutator calibration will be discussed, as well as measurement resistance calibration comparison and the newer actual instrument stimulation techniques. Factors influencing calibration stability and accuracy will be reviewed with a qualitative discussion of accuracy and frequency of calibration as a function of system requirements and measurement accuracy. Digital techniques and components now allow greater accuracy, stability and minaturization of calibration systems. Low power Schottkey transistors, transistor logic (TTL) and Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) circuitry allows ease of design of calibration systems. With these newer calibrators, no measurement system should suffer from a lack of accurate calibration.