Al Majmaah University

College of Applied Medical Sciences

Department of medical equipments technology

Unit 2 :

ERRORS IN MEASUREMENTS
Contents: 1- Definition.
2- Types of errors.
3- Error propagation.
4- Exercises.
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1- Definition
A Error is The deviation of a reading or set
of readings from the expected value of the
measured variable.

2- Types of errors (1)

There are various types of error in
measurement:
1- absolute error.
2- gross error.
3- systematic error.
4- random error.
5- limiting error.
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2- Types of errors
2-1. Absolute error.

Absolute error maybe defined as the

difference between the expected value of the
variable and the measured value of the
variable.
e = Yn - Xn

where: e = absolute error.

Yn = expected value.
Xn = measured value

2- Types of errors
To express error in percentage

% error = (e . 100) / Yn
We also derived relative accuracy, A;

A = 1 (Yn Xn) / Yn
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2- Types of errors
Example 1.
The expected value of the voltage across a
resistor is 5.0 V. However, measurement
yields a value of 4.9 V. Calculate:
- absolute error.
- % error.
- relative accuracy.
- % accuracy.
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2- Types of errors
2-2. Gross error.

Generally the fault of the person using the

instruments, such as incorrect reading,
incorrect recording, incorrect use etc.

2- Types of errors
2-3. Systematic error.

Due to problems with instruments/

environmental effects/or observational errors.
Examples:
Parallax error,
Wrong estimation reading scale,
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2- Types of errors
2-4. Random error.
Generally the accumulation of a large number

of small effects
Maybe of real concern only in measurements
requiring a high degree of accuracy.
Such errors can only be analyzed statistically.

2-Example of Random and systematic errors

f (x)

Mean measurement result

2s
True value

6s
(0.14%)

(0.14%)

Systematic error

Uncertainty

Inaccuracy

Measurements
Measurements

Amplitude, 0-p rms

Maximum
random error

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2- Types of errors
2-4. Limiting error.
Manufacturers of instruments state that an

instrument is accurate within a certain

percentage of a full-scale reading.
For example, a voltmeter is accurate within
2% at full-scale deflection. This
specification is called the limiting errors.
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2- Types of errors
Example 2:
A 300V voltmeter is specified to be accurate
within 2% at full scale. Calculate the
limiting error when the instrument is used to
measure a 120V source?

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3- Error propagation
If the final result x of a series of measurements
is given by :
x = f(a, b, c, )
where a, b, c , are independent, individually
measured physical quantities,
then the absolute error of x is:
x = f(a, b, c, ) - f(a0, b0, c0, ).

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3- Error propagation
Example 3
A voltmeter and an ammeter are to be used
to determine the power dissipated in a
resistor. Both instruments are guaranteed to
be accurate within 1% at full scale. If the
voltmeter reads 80V on its 150V range and
the ammeter reads 70mA on its 100mA
range, calculate the limiting error for the
power calculation.
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3- Error propagation
Example 4
A voltmeter and an ammeter are to be used to determine the
value of a resistor. Both instruments are guaranteed to be
accurate within 1% at full scale. The voltmeter reads
20V on its 50V range and the ammeter reads 3mA on its
10mA range.
a- Calculate the value measured R m of the resistance.
b- Calculate the limiting error for the resistance.
c- The expected value of this resistance is R e = 6k,
determine the absolute error R.
d- Find the total error on R and his accuracy A.
e- Is this measurement correct?
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