Definitions

Accuracy and precision

Accuracy is the difference between the actual output and the theoretical value of
that output (true value). It is usually given in absolute or relative value. The
accuracy of a position measuring instrument is the degree of reproducibility (ability
to be reproduced or replicated by others).
Accuracy is the quality or degree of a measuring instrument to give a reading close
to the true value of the measured magnitude.
Accuracy is the ability to obtain the same output when multiple readings of the
same input are made and under the same conditions, that is, it is the degree of
dispersion of them. Degree of concordance between results.
The accuracy of an instrument is a measure of the veracity of itsoutputs. Accuracy
is quantified from repeatability and reproducibility. Used to define variability
between measurements.
An instrument can have poor accuracy, but great accuracy.

Error
The error of the measurement is the deviation presented by the practical measures
of a process variable in relation to the theoretical or ideal measures, as a result of
imperfections of the devices and the parasitic variables affecting the process.
Absolut mistake. It is the difference between the measurement value and the value
taken as exact. It can be positive or negative, depending on whether the
measurement is greater than the real value or less. It has units, the same as those
of the measure.
Relative error. It is the quotient (division) between the absolute error and the exact
value. If it is multiplied by 100, the error percentage is obtained. Like the absolute
error, it can be positive or negative (depending on the absolute error) because it
can be due to excess or default. It has no units.
 Repeatability and reproducibility
Repeatability indicates proximity between successive measures performed under
equal conditions. Repeatability is the ability to reproduce the positions of the pen or
the index or signal of the instrument, by repeatedly measuring identical values of
the variables under the same conditions of service and in the same sense of
variation, traversing the entire field.
Reproducibility indicates proximity between successive measurements performed
under different conditions. They can be made by different people, different
laboratories, different instruments.
Sensitivity
Sensitivity is the slope of the calibration curve. A system will be linear if the
sensitivity is constant. It is said that a system is sensitive if it is able to notice
minimal changes in its state.
The calibration curve is the relationship between the input of the system and its
output, it is a graph of x against y, where x is the input and the output. Output
variation is produced by an input variation. Slope of the calibration curve. The older
the better.
Linearity
Closeness of thecurve. feature to a specified line. Linearity is equivalent to
sensitivity constant.
The linearity of a position measuring instrument is a measurement of the deviation
between the transducer output and the actual displacement being measured.
Expresses how constant the sensitivity of the sensor or measuring device is. A
constant sensitivity (high linearity) facilitates the conversion of the read value to the
measured value.
Resolution
Minimal difference between two next values that the sensor is able to distinguish,
is the measurement of the smallest increase or decrease in position that can
measure.
Resolution is the minimum change in the value of the input capable of producing
observable in the output. The resolution of a device is the minimum input increment
that offers a measurable change in output.
 Bibliographical sources
Areny, R. P. (2005). Sensores y acondicionadores de señal (4.a ed.). Ciudad de
México, MEXICO: Marcombo.
Fraden, J., & Knovel (Firm). (2004). Handbook of Modern Sensors. New York,
Estados Unidos: Springer Publishing.
Reproducibilidad –. (2013, septiembre 25). Recuperado 18 de mayo de 2020, de
https://instrumentacionelectronicai.wordpress.com/tag/reproducibilidad/
Mendoza, R. (2012). Sistemas de sensores y actuadores. Recuperado 18 de mayo
de 2020, de
http://www.eudim.uta.cl/rmendozag/courses/2012/sistemas_de_sensores_y_actua
dores/sistemas_de_sensores_y_actuadores_02.pdf
Celera Motion. (2019, julio 19). Precisión, resolución, repetibilidad y todo eso.
Recuperado 18 de mayo de 2020, de
https://www.celeramotion.com/zettlex/es/asistencia/documentacion-
tecnica/precision-resolucion-repetibilidad/