Calibrating M-Series Analog Inputs using a secondary standard to measure voltage source

[TimER]

I have a question related to verification/calibration of the analog inputs on M-Series 16-bit multifunction devices.

We have a Fluke 5500A in house, but it is only 50ppm accurate. Would it be acceptable to use it, or another voltage source, along with a DMM that is 0.001% accurate? The DMM would be used to verify the voltage that is applied to the analog input during the calibration procedure.

Thanks,

Tim

[BROhan]

Hi Tim,

As per the Calibration Procedure manual, National Instruments recommends using at least a 10 ppm calibrator for 16-bit devices. With a less accurate calibrator, you will not be able to ensure that your device is calibrated up to spec.

[TimER]

Thanks for the reply Rohan. I realize that I need the 10 ppm accuracy. My question was can I use a secondary standard in order to obtain the required accuracy. I'm only talking about verifying analog inputs. As an example if I use a bench power supply and adjust the voltage to the desired level and verify this level with a DMM that has the required accuracy, won't this fulfill the accuracy requirement?

[BROhan]

Hi Tim,

Sorry for the misunderstanding. You will be able to use the 5500A with a 0.001% accurate DMM as long as you use the voltage from your DMM as the reference voltage during calibration. Please let me know if you have any further questions.