Available Resources
BIPM Documents
Core international standards and guidelines including the SI Brochure, GUM, and VIM from the International Bureau of Weights and Measures.
View BIPM Documents →NIST Documents
Calibration procedures, technical requirements, and comprehensive guides from the National Institute of Standards and Technology.
View NIST Documents →NPL Guides
Practical measurement guides and best practices from the UK's National Physical Laboratory, including beginner guides and technical publications.
View NPL Guides →UKAS Publications
Technical publications and guidance from the United Kingdom Accreditation Service, focused on laboratory accreditation and measurement uncertainty.
View UKAS Publications →MSL Guides
Technical guides and best practices from New Zealand's Measurement Standards Laboratory covering various measurement techniques.
View MSL Guides →BIPM Documents
The International System of Units (SI)
The definitive guide to the SI system, including the definitions of the seven base units and their practical realization.
Document Overview
The SI Brochure is the official documentation of the International System of Units (SI). It defines and explains:
- The seven base units of the SI system
- Derived units and their relationships
- Prefixes and their usage
- Rules for writing unit symbols and names
- Practical realization of units
This document is essential for anyone working in metrology, calibration, or scientific measurement.
Key Updates in Latest Version
- Revised definitions of all SI base units
- New approach based on fundamental constants
- Updated practical realizations
- Expanded uncertainty considerations
Guide to the Expression of Uncertainty in Measurement (GUM)
The internationally accepted guide for evaluating and expressing uncertainty in measurement.
Document Overview
The GUM provides a framework for evaluating and expressing measurement uncertainty that is applicable to a wide range of measurements. Key topics include:
- Basic concepts and definitions in uncertainty evaluation
- Type A and Type B uncertainty evaluations
- Determining combined standard uncertainty
- Calculating expanded uncertainty
- Reporting uncertainty in measurements
Supplementary Documents
- GUM Supplement 1: Propagation of distributions
- GUM Supplement 2: Extension to any number of output quantities
- GUM Supplement 3: Modeling
- GUM Supplement 4: The role of measurement uncertainty in conformity assessment
International Vocabulary of Metrology (VIM)
The authoritative source for terminology in measurement science and technology.
Document Overview
The VIM establishes a common vocabulary for metrology, covering:
- Quantities and units
- Measurement
- Devices for measurement
- Properties of measuring devices
- Measurement standards (etalons)
Key Features
- Comprehensive definitions of metrological terms
- Multilingual equivalents
- Cross-references between related terms
- Examples and notes for clarity
NIST Documents
Calibration Procedures
A collection of procedures for calibrating mass, length, and volume standards.
Document Overview
NIST provides detailed calibration procedures for various measurement standards:
- Mass standards calibration
- Length measurement procedures
- Volume calibration methods
- Step-by-step instructions
- Quality assurance guidelines
Key Features
- Detailed procedural steps
- Equipment requirements
- Environmental considerations
- Uncertainty evaluation guidance
NIST Handbook 143
Technical requirements and guidelines for calibration laboratories.
Document Overview
NIST Handbook 143 provides comprehensive guidance for calibration laboratories:
- Laboratory quality system requirements
- Technical requirements for calibration
- Personnel qualifications
- Equipment specifications
- Documentation requirements
Key Topics
- Quality management systems
- Measurement traceability
- Uncertainty evaluation
- Calibration certificates
NIST Calibration Services Users Guide
Comprehensive guide detailing NIST's calibration services and procedures.
Document Overview
This guide provides detailed information about NIST calibration services:
- Available calibration services
- Technical procedures
- Measurement capabilities
- Quality system
- Service request procedures
Key Features
- Detailed service descriptions
- Technical specifications
- Uncertainty statements
- Ordering information
MSL Technical Guides
Calibration of Thermocouples (TG1)
Comprehensive guide for thermocouple calibration including methods, procedures and uncertainty evaluation.
Guide Overview
This technical guide covers all aspects of thermocouple calibration:
- Calibration methods and procedures
- Reference junction compensation
- Temperature measurement techniques
- Uncertainty evaluation
- Documentation requirements
Calibration of Resistance Thermometers (TG2)
Detailed procedures for calibrating platinum resistance thermometers and other resistance temperature devices.
Guide Overview
Comprehensive guidance for resistance thermometer calibration:
- Calibration methods for PRTs
- Fixed point calibrations
- Comparison calibrations
- Self-heating effects
- Uncertainty analysis
Calibration of Digital Multimeters (TG3)
Guide for calibrating digital multimeters covering DC/AC voltage, current, and resistance measurements.
Guide Overview
Complete guidance for digital multimeter calibration:
- DC and AC voltage calibration
- Current measurement calibration
- Resistance measurement
- Environmental considerations
- Uncertainty budgets
Additional MSL Resources
MSL provides many more technical guides covering various measurement techniques including:
- Pressure calibration
- Mass measurement
- Dimensional measurement
- Electrical calibration
- Temperature measurement
Visit the MSL Resources page for the complete collection of technical guides and publications.
NPL Guides
Beginner's Guide to Measurement (GPG118)
A comprehensive introduction to measurement concepts and best practices for beginners.
Document Overview
This guide provides a fundamental introduction to measurement concepts:
- Basic measurement principles
- Understanding measurement units
- Common measurement techniques
- Good measurement practice
- Introduction to uncertainty
Key Features
- Clear explanations for beginners
- Practical examples
- Illustrated concepts
- Step-by-step guidance
A Beginner's Guide to Uncertainty of Measurement (GPG11)
Essential guide for understanding and calculating measurement uncertainty.
Document Overview
A practical guide to understanding and evaluating measurement uncertainty:
- Basic concepts of uncertainty
- Step-by-step uncertainty evaluation
- Types of uncertainty sources
- Combining uncertainties
- Reporting uncertainty
Key Topics
- Standard uncertainty
- Coverage factors
- Uncertainty budgets
- Practical examples
Introduction to Temperature Measurement (GPG125)
Comprehensive guide to temperature measurement principles and practices.
Document Overview
Essential guide for understanding temperature measurement:
- Temperature scales and units
- Types of temperature sensors
- Calibration methods
- Best measurement practices
- Uncertainty considerations
Covered Topics
- Contact thermometry
- Radiation thermometry
- Temperature calibration
- Environmental effects
Additional NPL Resources
NPL provides numerous additional measurement guides, technical notes, and reference materials covering a wide range of topics including:
- Dimensional metrology
- Electrical measurements
- Humidity calibration
- Pressure measurement
- And many more...
Visit the NPL Resources page for the complete collection of measurement guides and technical publications.
UKAS Publications
The Expression of Uncertainty and Confidence in Measurement (M3003)
Comprehensive guide for evaluating and reporting measurement uncertainty in testing and calibration laboratories.
Document Overview
M3003 provides detailed guidance for laboratories on evaluating and expressing measurement uncertainty:
- Step-by-step procedures for uncertainty evaluation
- Common sources of error in various calibration types
- Practical examples and case studies
- Reporting uncertainty in calibration certificates
- Confidence levels and coverage factors
Key Features
- Aligned with GUM principles
- Specific guidance for testing and calibration labs
- Worked examples for different measurement types
- Templates and worksheets for uncertainty calculations
Additional UKAS Resources
UKAS provides numerous technical publications covering various aspects of laboratory accreditation and quality management:
- Laboratory management requirements
- Method validation
- Proficiency testing
- Equipment calibration
- Quality assurance
Visit the UKAS Technical Publications page for the complete collection of guidance documents.
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