Accredited Multi-Product Calibration Services
In the hierarchy of metrology, the multi-product calibrator is a critical primary standard that supports an expansive workload of electrical test equipment. At DRS Technologies, we provide expert multi-product calibration services designed to verify the intricate sub-systems of these universal tools. Our laboratory ensures that your calibrator’s ability to source voltage, current, resistance, capacitance, and simulated temperature remains accurate to within parts-per-million (ppm) levels.
The Role of Multi-Product Calibrators in Global Metrology
Multi-product calibrators are engineered to calibrate everything from simple handheld multimeters to complex oscilloscopes and power quality analyzers. Because these units house multiple internal references, they are susceptible to cumulative drift across different functional boards. Regular calibration by DRS Technologies is essential to maintain the “Master Reference” status of your equipment, ensuring that every tool calibrated by your lab is traceable to national standards.
Our Technical Multi-Product Calibration Process
DRS Technologies employs high-stability long-scale multimeters and frequency standards to perform a comprehensive audit of your calibrator:
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Internal Diagnostic and Self-Test Verification: We initiate the manufacturer’s internal diagnostic routines to ensure all relays, attenuators, and gain stages are switching correctly.
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DC/AC Voltage and Current Sourcing: We verify accuracy across all ranges, testing for linearity, noise floor, and harmonic distortion to ensure the output signal is pure.
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Passive Parameter Verification (R, C, L): Our technicians test internal resistance, capacitance, and inductance modules, ensuring zero-offsets are minimized and values are stable under load.
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Oscilloscope Calibration Option: If your multi-product calibrator is equipped with an oscilloscope option, we verify the leveled sine wave up to 1.1 GHz, as well as the pulse rise-time and time-marker accuracy.
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Technical Certification: We provide an ISO/IEC 17025 compliant certificate featuring as-found/as-left data for every range, along with a detailed uncertainty budget.
Specialized Expertise for Industry-Leading Calibrators
DRS Technologies provides elite-level support for the most widely used multi-product systems in the world:
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Fluke 5500 Series: Including 5500A, 5502A, 5520A, and 5522A.
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Next-Gen Fluke Models: High-accuracy support for the 5550A, 5560A, and 5540A.
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Transmille Systems: Professional calibration for the 1000, 3000, and 4000 series.
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Oscilloscope Callibration Modules: Full verification of SC300, SC600, and SC1100 options.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Multi-Product Calibration
What is the difference between multi-product and multifunction calibration?
A multifunction calibrator is typically a portable process tool used for field work (like temperature and pressure), while a multi-product calibrator is a high-accuracy laboratory standard designed to calibrate a vast range of electrical tools (DMMs, ScopeMeters, Wattmeters). Multi-product calibration requires higher-level reference standards and a more controlled laboratory environment.
Why is 17025 accreditation vital for multi-product calibrators?
Since a multi-product calibrator is used to calibrate other instruments, its own calibration must be of the highest tier. ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation ensures that the lab (DRS Technologies) has proven technical competence and that the measurement uncertainty is low enough to maintain a proper Test Uncertainty Ratio (TUR) for your downstream workload.
How often should a Fluke 5522A or similar unit be calibrated?
The manufacturer recommends a twelve-month calibration interval. Given the complexity of the internal “as-left” adjustments required to keep these units at ppm-level accuracy, annual calibration is the only way to guarantee that the internal voltage and resistance references haven’t drifted beyond their published specifications.