The article discusses the importance of legal metrology in maintaining measurement accuracy and trust in the United States. Legal metrology combines metrology (the science of measurement) with legal control to ensure measurement results are reliable. This system is crucial for daily life and transactions, regulating measuring instruments like gas pumps, grocery scales, and transportation devices.
The security of measuring instruments is vital to maintain trust in measurement results. A “Chain of Trust” model is followed in electronic measuring instruments, where each step from sensor detection to presentation must be secured. However, with modern digital and multifunctional measuring instruments, field inspections alone are insufficient to verify all aspects of device security.
The type evaluation program (VCAP) developed by NCWM helps address this challenge by incorporating both manufacturer-testing and audit mechanisms to ensure instrument accuracy and secure functions. The legal metrology system, with supportive programs like NTEP and VCAP, plays a vital role in maintaining measurement accuracy, reliability, and trust, which are essential for a strong and thriving U.S. economy.
Source: https://www.nist.gov/news-events/news/2025/01/legal-metrology-maintaining-our-trust-measurements
Keywords: Spectroscopy, Traceability, Calibration
