Meterbereich

Meterbereich, in the context of measurement technology, denotes the range of values that a measuring instrument can quantify and display with the specified accuracy. It comprises the lower and upper bounds within which the device delivers reliable results. The term is closely related to, but distinct from, the device’s resolution and its overall accuracy.

The meterbereich is determined by the instrument’s sensor, electronics, and, for digital devices, the analog-to-digital converter. A wider range may reduce resolution, while a narrower range can improve precision for small signals. Measurement range is often complemented by a stated accuracy, which may be expressed as a percentage of the reading or as a percentage of full scale. In addition, dynamic range describes the ratio between the largest and smallest detectable signals that the instrument can handle.

In practice, many instruments offer selectable ranges, such as auto-range or manual range settings. Auto-range automatically selects a suitable range for the input signal, while fixed ranges require the user to choose the most appropriate one to optimize accuracy and resolution. If a signal exceeds the upper boundary, an overrange or overload indication may appear, signaling that the measurement is unreliable.

Examples include digital multimeters and voltmeters that present ranges like 200 mV, 2 V, 20 V, or 200 V. Understanding the meterbereich is essential for proper measurement planning, calibration, and interpretation of results, ensuring that measurements stay within the device’s capable and specified operating conditions.