More Efficient Solving Calibration Issues by Automated and Semi-Automated Calibration Systems

Abstract

From year 2015, owing to National Space Organization (here shorted by NSPO) internal a great quantity of requirements for instruments calibration, automated and semi-automated calibration systems started to build up, writing by computer programs C# to control and retrieve data from varies instruments and modules, in brand of instruments for example: Agilent, FLUKE, HP ,Keithley, Keysight, National Instruments and Tektronix. In order to solve issues of automatically generating uncertainties and calibration reports, templates using Microsoft Word according to the characteristics of the instrument have been classified and created. It benefits in calibration efficiency and precision because data retrieving and calibration reports can be created only one button. At the same time, calibration records can be found including uncertainty and degree of freedom of each component, expanded uncertainty and effective degree of freedom. After 2 years calibration experience, NSPO started to apply accreditation of Taiwan Accreditation Foundation (TAF) and have been accredited from April 10, 2017 by TAF. In order to satisfy requirements of TAF, for example: calibration report’s format, the logic of computer program by C# have been modified and validated by TAF. Therefore, NSPO can issue a report with both TAF logo and ILAC-MRA logo after calibrated instruments for customers. Owing to customers trust, NSPO stated to service external customers from May of 2017. Nowadays, NSPO have set up systems including Power Supply, Multi-Functions Meters, NI-4431 module series, Multi-functions Signal Generator, Current Probes, Electric-Load and Thermo-couple Meters. Systems in building and planning are Oscilloscope (building), Signal Conditioner (docs building) and Ionizing-gage/meters (planning, for High-Vacuum chambers). The main purpose to join this workshop is to share benefits of automated and semi-automated calibration system and to understand requirements from end-users.