The sensitivity denotes the smallest change in the measured variable to which the Instrument responds. It is defined as the ratio of the changes in the output of an instrument to a change In the value of the quantity to be measured. Mathematically itis expressed as, infinitesimal change in output Sesiivity = “pfnitesimal change Smiiviy = Ade ‘Thus, if the calibration curve is linear, as shown in the Fig, 1.3 (a), the sensitivity of the instrument isthe slope of the calibration curve. Fig. 1.3 Sensitivity Electronic Measuremens & Insirumentation + 12 Theory of Measurement If the calibration curve is not linear as shown in the Fig. 13 (b), then the sensitivity varies with the input. The sensitivity is always expressed by the manufacturers as the ratio of the magnitude of quantity being measured to the magnitude of the response. Actually, this definition is the reciprocal of the sensitivity is called inverse sensitivity or deflection factor. But manufacturers call this inverse sensitivity as a sensitivity. Inverse sensitivity = deflection factor Deflection factor The units of the sensitivity are millimeter per micro-ampere, millimeter per ohm, counts per volt, ete. while the units of a deflection factor are micro-ampere per millimeter, ohm per millimeter, volts per count, ete. ‘The sensitivity of the instrument should be as high as possible and to achieve this the range of an instrument should not greatly exceed the value to be measured.1.7 Linearity ‘The instrument requires the property of linearity that is the output varics linearly, according to the input. The linearity is defined as the ability to reproduce the input ‘characteristics symmetrically and linearly. Graphically such relationship between input and output is represented by a straight line. ‘The graph of output against the input is called the calibration curve. Key Point: The linearity property indicates the straight line nature of the calibration curce. ‘The linearity is defined as the maximum deviation of the actual calibration curve (output) from the idealized straight line, expressed as a percentage of full scale reading or a percentage of the actual reading. ‘The Fig, 1.4 shows the actual calibration curve and idealized straight line. a ltealized straight ino ‘Actual uve output Maximum Gevation £ Input Fig. 1.4 Linearity Thus, the linearity is defined as, ‘maximum deviation of output from idealized straight line % Linearity = ™2*mum deviation or output from idealized staig x full scale deflection It is desirable to have an instrument as linear as possible as the accuracy and linearity are closely related to each other. 1.4.8 Zero Drift The drift is the gradual shift of the instrument indication, over an extended period during which the value of the input variable does not change. ‘The zero drift is defined as the deviation in the instrument output with time, from its zero value, when the variable to be measured is constant. The whole instrument calibration may gradually shift by the same amount, ‘There are many environmental factors which affect the drift. These factors are stray electric field, stray magnetic field, temperature changes, contamination of metal, changes in the atomic structure, mechanical vibrations, wear and tear, corrosion, etc. ‘The drift is undesirable and cannot be easily compensated for. It must be carefully guarded against by continuous inspection. 100