In an earlier OptoNews we defined the terms accuracy and resolution as they apply to analog I/O modules.
These specs help you choose the right module for the job, so you get the results you need.
Some applications require highly accurate values or very fine resolution, while others do not. Choosing the right module for your application will save you time and money.
Now here's a hands-on demo for you to really see how accuracy and resolution work.
You can review the definitions, see what happens when an analog value is morphed into a digital value for computers to use, and check out the example of a temperature probe.
AND you can use the demo's calculator to put in your own values and see the results...
- Enter the signal range and units of your field device, or enter Engineering units.
- Choose whether to calculate accuracy and resolution based on signal or percent, and enter the value.
- Then in the Signal In field, enter the value you expect to read or write, and click Calculate.
Results appear just below.
Try changing one of your entries and see what the difference is. What if the percent of accuracy is larger or smaller, for example? See how your results change.