Using Fluke MET/CAL® to Implement a Flexible Measurement Driver Model with Expanded Measurement Uncertainties and Error Checking
Abstract: Writing one or two automated procedures is easy; however, automating an entire calibration lab is not an easy undertaking. Even with today’s software tools built specifically for metrology, a significant effort must to be put into designing an architecture that will foster the reuse of code, flexibility of standards and incorporate expanded measurement uncertainties. Companies and/or developers who skip this crucial step are quickly overwhelmed with rework that ultimately hinders long-term productivity. After more than 15 years of MET/CAL® procedure development trial and error, we believe we have found the balance between productivity and architecture. This paper outlines the structure and development methodologies we use to write more robust code, with a greater emphasis on quality and testing with less refactoring of our procedures. At the heart of our development principles is an interchangeable flexible driver model complete with expanded measurement uncertainties. Measurement based drivers provide the bases for interchangeability and reuse of code; it is what allows our developers to take full advantage of the principals of Rapid-Application-Development, while simultaneously providing higher quality and shorter development cycles with minimal rework.