Electronic Measuring

Instruments - Errors
 Types of Measurement Errors

We can classify the measurement errors into the

following three types.
• Gross Errors
• Random Errors
• Systematic Errors
 Gross Errors

• The errors, which occur due to the lack of experience of

the observer while taking the measurement values are
known as gross errors. The values of gross errors will
vary from observer to observer. Sometimes, the gross
errors may also occur due to improper selection of the
instrument. We can minimize the gross errors by
following these two steps.
• Choose the best suitable instrument, based on the range
of values to be measured.
• Note down the readings carefully
 Systematic Errors
If the instrument produces an error, which is of a constant uniform
deviation during its operation is known as systematic error. The
systematic errors occur due to the characteristics of the materials
used in the instrument.
Types of Systematic Errors
The systematic errors can be classified into the following three types.
• Instrumental Errors − This type of errors occur due to shortcomings
of instruments and loading effects.
• Environmental Errors − This type of errors occur due to the changes
in environment such as change in temperature, pressure & etc.
• observational Errors − This type of errors occur due to observer
while taking the meter readings. Parallax errors belong to this type
of errors.
 Random Errors
• The errors, which occur due to unknown sources
during measurement time are known as random
errors. Hence, it is not possible to eliminate or
minimize these errors. But, if we want to get the
more accurate measurement values without any
random error, then it is possible by following these
two steps.
• Step1 − Take more number of readings by different
observers.
• Step2 − Do statistical analysis on the readings
obtained in Step1.
Following are the parameters that are used in
statistical analysis.
• Mean
• Median
• Variance
• Deviation
• Standard Deviation
Mean
 Median
• If the number of readings of a particular measurement are
more, then it is difficult to calculate the mean or average
value. Here, calculate the median value and it will be
approximately equal to mean value.
• For calculating median value, first we have to arrange the
readings of a particular measurement in an ascending order.
We can calculate the median value by using the following
formula, when the number of readings is an odd number.
 Deviation from Mean
• The difference between the reading of a particular
measurement and the mean value is known
as deviation from mean. In short, it is
called deviation. Mathematically, it can be
represented as
Di=xi−m
 Standard Deviation
• The root mean square of deviation is
called standard deviation. Mathematically, it can be
represented as

• The above formula is valid if the number of

readings, N is greater than or equal to 20. We can
use the following formula for standard deviation,
when the number of readings, N is less than 20.
Variance