STATE-OF-THE-ART ASSESMENT OF IN SITU CALIBRATION EQUIPMENT

Abstract

Automated Calibration Systems (ACS) represent the state-of-the-art in calibration of test measurement and diagnostic of equipment (TMDE). The features and capabilities of two systems in use by the U.S. Navy are discussed in this paper. The Centrally Operated System for Metrology Information Control (COSMIC) and the Metrology Equipment Calibration and Control Analysis (MECCA) system are being developed to greatly reduce the cost of calibrating a very large inventory of test equipment at sites around the world. The benefits of an in situ calibration capability has been demonstrated at the Naval Calibration Laboratory, Tustin, California, where these calibration systems have been integrated with online databases. Future advances are anticipated through simpler human interfaces and higher throughput rates. The in situ systems now coming into use offer significant material, calibration and repair cost savings. Improved calibration support will benefit most telemetry, communication, and weapon systems.