Measurement Errors: Undetected Defects and False Alarms

During checkout of space or weapon systems, two types of errors can occur. These are (1) not detecting an existing defect and (2) calling a non-defective system defective. Equations are developed which relate the two error types to test equipment accuracy and specification limits of system parameters. The problem is considered on both the individual measurement level and the total system test level. The results of the paper can be used to specify test equipment accuracy design criteria, or to determine the probabilities of the two types of errors when test equipment design is already fixed.