Mittausherkkyys

Mittausherkkyys, often translated as measurement sensitivity or just sensitivity in a metrological context, refers to a sensor's ability to detect small changes in the physical quantity it is designed to measure. A high mittausherkkyys means that a small change in the input signal will result in a noticeable and measurable change in the output signal. Conversely, low mittausherkkyys implies that a significant change in the measured quantity is required to produce a detectable output variation.

This property is crucial for the performance of any measuring instrument. For example, a thermometer with high mittausherkkyys can accurately detect minute temperature fluctuations, while one with low mittausherkkyys might only register larger temperature shifts. The sensitivity is often expressed as the ratio of the change in the output signal to the change in the input signal. Different applications demand varying levels of mittausherkkyys. Scientific research, medical diagnostics, and precision manufacturing typically require instruments with very high sensitivity to capture subtle details, whereas in some industrial processes, a less sensitive instrument might suffice. The concept is closely related to resolution, which describes the smallest increment that a measuring instrument can display or record.