Physical end-to-end calibration

 Physical end-to-end calibration is the best method of ensuring collection of valid data. As stated in the Institute of Environmental Sciences and Technology (IEST) recommended practice (RP)”, an end-to-end mechanical calibration means aa full calibration of the instrumentation from the actual physical input to the transducer to the output where the analog or digital signal will normally be analyzed.” An end-to-end calibration verifies the measurement system characteristics. Engineers perform these calibrations after installing the measurement system in the test article. A calibration source stimulates the transducer. The instrumentation engineer monitors the signal entering the data collection unit to ensure the calculated value matches the actual system transfer function. It is highly recommended that an end-to-end calibration be performed before the experiment and after the experiment is completed but before the instrumentation system is removed. The end-to-end calibration checks the measurement system (including wiring, connectors, routing, etc) installed on the test article, so that the engineer can identify and correct many potential problems early(including phasing and wiring errors).