Mitauslaite

Mitauslaite is a Finnish term used to describe any device that provides measurements of physical quantities. In general usage, it refers to measuring instruments that determine values such as length, mass, temperature, electrical signal, time, or flow. Mitauslaite can be handheld or installed as part of a larger system, and its design ranges from simple analog scales to complex digital sensors.

Common categories include mechanical instruments (calipers, micrometers, balances), electrical instruments (multimeters, wattmeters, oscilloscopes), temperature devices (thermometers, RTDs, thermocouples), and specialized laboratory instruments (spectrometers, chromatographs, interferometers).

Key performance characteristics are accuracy, precision, resolution, and measurement range. Uncertainty estimation and traceability to metrological standards are essential, with calibration against national or international reference standards and documentation of calibration certificates.

Proper use requires following documented procedures, appropriate environmental conditions, and regular maintenance. Regular calibration, sensor replacement, and protection from shock, dust, and moisture help ensure reliable measurements over time. In regulated or safety-critical contexts, mitauslaite readings are typically accompanied by traceability data and compliance records.

See also: Metrology, Calibration, Measurement uncertainty, SI units, Data logging.