Comparative research of quality indicators of measuring instruments: practical aspects

The main purpose of modern measuring instrument MI is to perform accurate and reliable measurements in order to obtain complete and reliable measurement information. The MI must be of proper quality, which must be reliably assessed. For technical means, traditional quality indicators have been established, some of which are common to MI. The metrological characteristic is unique to a MI and can be considered one of the most important of MI indicators. The quality of MI is characterized by a certain system of quality indicators. Depending on MI group, the system of quality indicators can differ. The target indicators are specific for each type of product. These indicators require additional analysis. The main metrological characteristics should be referred to the target indicators of MI. For some MI categories, additional indicators can be established, and for others, they are excluded. The methodology of evaluation of MI quality indicators and algorithm of its realization are offered. The digital multimeters as category of MI have been selected for practical comparative evaluation of MI quality indicators. The ten indicators for this category of MI have been refined. Comparative expert evaluation of quality indicators of 12 multimeters was carried out with the involvement of a group of 34 metrology experts. The weight of each of the 10 selected MI quality indicators was determined. The results of expert evaluation of multimeter are presented.