Abstract :
Traditionally a closed loop calibration transfer, usually between two sites, involves the use of a transfer standard to carry the required measurement quantity. Measurement apparatus usually resides at both the source and remote sites and the closed loop is effected by measuring at the source site before and after the transfer process to determine if the transfer device has shifted. A paper certificate records and guarantees the measurement quantity contained within the transfer artifact. More recently more complex, multi-function, transfer devices have become available, for example the DVM and specialised derivatives. These enable the measurement apparatus to be transferred along with the artifact, thus eliminating a potential source of error both in apparatus and in its human operation. Also, since such devices include microprocessors and memory, there are opportunities to carry and transfer calibration data, certification and measurement history in electronic format. With newly commonplace universal access to the Internet, a further opportunity exists to report on, certify, monitor or even control calibration remotely using the Internet to transfer the required data. This paper considers the traditional methods, their multi-function counterparts and possible future opportunities using the Internet
