Hotline Berlin

+49 - 30 - 46 70 90 26

Hotline Frankfurt

+49 - 6172 - 59 67 240

FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions



Automobile manufacturers and their suppliers, in particular, have been demanding that calibration service providers be accredited in accordance with ISO 17025.

Fundamentally, however, what is required is proof of competence: accredited laboratories are such which have proven their capabilities to an independent assessor.
imc is not an accredited calibration service provider. However, by definition we possess the capabilities and the regulations pursuant to TS16949 / QS 9000 do not apply to us.

imc performs calibration with instruments calibrated to the national standards in accordance with ISO 9001. Our service comes standard with a (manufacturer’s) calibration certificate.

The optional calibration reports which include records of measured values conform to the requirements of ISO 17025.

DIN EN ISO 9001 only requires a declaration (manufacturer’s calibration certificate) of traceability of the reference equipment used to national standards.

By default, we pass the benefit of lower costs to our customers as price savings (extra charge for optional "Certificate with Protocol as per ISO 17025"). The traceability of equipment, archiving of measurement values etc. are governed by ISO 9001:2008, and are regularly monitored by TÜV TÜV Cert Rheinland GmbH.

All calibration reports along with measurement values are automatically archived at imc and are optionally available for release (up to 10 years later).

According to what standards do you calibrate your instruments?


At the moment, adjustment and calibration operations by imc are steps within an overall production process or a service; this means we have no separate inspection laboratory but rather so-called adjustment and inspection stations. The processes and procedures are set out in a protocol in the test instructions and test planning as elements of our Integrated Management System. All the processes are procedures developed by imc itself.

All calibration and adjustment procedures used at imc within the framework of our type testing are developed, validated and optimized for serial inspection with the goal of achieving the greatest precision economically justifiable. In this context, the reports of measurement values are at the same time a certificate and an inspection plan (manufacturer’s specification). It is easy to develop customer-specific inspection plans on this basis; imc is happy to provide support in doing so.

In designing the measuring amplifier, the procedures for its adjustment and calibration are also developed at the same time and verified in the type inspection. One part of the procedure is to adjust various parameters due to their dependence on properties of components and on the running temperature; additional parameters such as the sampling rate selected or the selected filtering may not affect the measurement precision according to design targets.

The resulting acceptance tests include procedures for the serial production and servicing, which reflect an optimum balance of test precision, standards conformity and economic viability.

In our “Calibration” type test, we use the following standards, among others:
The series of standards VDI/VDE/DGQ/DKD 2622: Calibration of measurement equipment for electrical quantities, describes fundamental calibration procedures.

DKD 2622 Blatt 5 describes calibration of function generators
DKD 2622 Blatt 11: Calibration guidelines for spectrum analyzers
DKD 2622 Blatt 20 describes the calibration of DC voltage measuring amplifiers

Additional standards and guidelines:

DKD-R 5-5 regulates the calibration of temperature indicator devices
DKD-R 6-1 regulates the calibration of pressure measurement modules
Power network quality, voltage quality: EN 50160 and DIN 61000-4-30


Turn on the imc measurement device and simulate a power failure.





Network device designation and MAC address



1. Determining the network name of the device


2. Determining the MAC address of a TCP/IP device











Download this article as PDF

How does imc perform on-site service?




For receiving a quote, the following information is required:

  • Serial numbers of the devices, and any other individual modules
  • On-site contact
What does calibration entail?

In calibration, the relationship between the measured value of an output quantity and the corresponding value of the measured input quantity is determined under specified conditions. Simply put: comparison with a reference having the same units, which in measurement engineering means determining the measurement deviation returned by measurement equipment. Calibration does not entail technical intervention – such as adjustment – in the measurement equipment. With indicator measurement equipment, calibration determines the deviation between the measured value indicated and the correct value – or the reference value considered correct.

Calibrations are performed in order to ensure that the measurement equipment used indicates values having a known and documented proportionality to an internationally accepted standard for the quantity measured. The goal is that when measurements of the same quantities are performed by different parties, e.g., customer and supplier, comparable results are obtained. The prerequisite for this is that the measurement uncertainty—which is inherent in any measurement—must be known.

Performing calibration leads to results and findings which provide a guide in better understanding and assessing the tolerances of measurement equipment.

What is a second activation?

A second activation is a license for using imc software on a second computer of a person, for example, a laptop.

It should be noted that the software must never be running on both computers at the same time.

The second activation behaves as a single-user license and is tied to a computer.
When you uninstall the software or change computers, the second activation must be disabled in the License Manager. Then it will be ready for a use on another computer.

If the second activation could not be disabled, please contact the imc hotline.

Second activations are always bound to single-user or network licenses.



Geben sie folgende Zeilen in Online FAMOS mit Steuerkonstrukten ein:

VC_Satellites = CreateVChannelInt (Channel_001, pv.GPS.satellites)

VC_Longitude = CreateVChannelInt (Channel_001, pv.GPS.longitude)

VC_Latitude = CreateVChannelInt (Channel_001, pv.GPS.latitude)

VC_Speed = CreateVChannelInt (Channel_001, pv.GPS.speed)


When working with multiple FAMOS entities, how will they be shared among the available cores?

The distribution of the entities among the existing cores is carried out by the system.  Here, imc FAMOS itself doesn’t have any specifications.

What is a network license?

Network licenses are not tied to a specific PC. The network license allows imc software to be used on all computers assigned to the license server.

The license server has a pool of licenses. All computers that access the server work dynamically through the same license and give it back when not in use. Thus, e.g., 30 computers can be connected to the license server, and with only 15 network access licenses, only 15 computers can use the imc software simultaneously.

The network licenses are activated on the license server and must be disabled when changing the license server again.

If a network license could not be disabled, please contact the imc hotline. Each network license also contains a second activation, for example, for use on a second Laptop.

What is a single-user license?

A single-user license authorizes the licensed imc software product on a single PC. It is then bound to this PC.
A single-user license includes a second activation, e.g., for use on a laptop computer.
When you uninstall the imc software or change computers, the single-user license must be disabled through the License Manager.
Then it is ready for a use on another PC. If a single-user license could not be disabled, please contact the imc hotline.

What licenses are there?

There are two ways to license imc software: As a single-user license or as a network license.
Both single-user licenses and network licenses come with a second activation.
Single-user licenses can also be used with the imc dongle. In this situation, the second activation is not necessary.
Network licenses require a license server and cannot be used with the imc dongle.

My computer doesn’t have internet access, how can I activate the license anyway?

In this situation, the Activation can occur by following the next three steps:

Step 1:

Export Activation File: The computer, even without internet access, exports (saves) an activation file. This file contains information specific to the PC and to the license.

Step 2:

Activation with activation file: The computer with internet access, opens the activation file and follows the activation assistance in a manner analogous to activation “with the internet”. The activated licenses are included in the same activation file. If you do not have a PC available where activation can take place, you can send the activation file by e-mail to the imc hotline.

Step 3:

Import Activation File: The activated Activation Files by the computer with internet access opens the activation file again. The Activation Files from the computer without internet access are transferred over. It is transferred There is the assumption of the activated licenses on the computer without Internet access. It will only accept the licenses that the computer data is in agreement with. An import on a 3rd computer is not possible.

My PC is broken. How can I activate my new license on my new PC?

In this situation, please send an e-mail to the imc hotline with the following information:


  • Due to a defect (e.g., possibly theft, or reinstalling the operating system), I cannot deactivate my license. I would therefore like the following license to be deactivated by imc:
    • License key
    • Which license should be deactivated? (imc STUDIO, imc FAMOS, imc LINK,…)
    • PC name
    • User information (if any): user name, e-mail address, company name (will be specified during the activation in the imc LICENSE Manager)


How can I export the Curve Window in imc FAMOS? (PDF, JPG, PNG, BMP)?

When exporting the Curve Window, it will be displayed without a frame. It is possible to export it in PDF-format, JPEG-format, Portable Network Graphics or Windows Bitmap.

To export data, first, in the menu go under “Edit“, then click on “Graphic export”. Under the menu “Edit”, it is possible to make a copy of the graphic to a clipboard, then transfer it to another program or page via the command “insert”.

The settings for the graphics export can be accessed via "Settings" menu then "handling". Under the item "Graphics Export" you can set the resolution, append pages to an existing pdf file or change the orientation of the PDF page and the file format. With the storage format "exact screen display when copying and exporting" the representation of the curve window will be exported exactly as it is shown on the screen.

Which version of imc CANSAS supports Kvaser Leaf SemiPro HS?

The interface is supported by the imc CANSAS Version 1.9 R4.





In the last step, the interface in the imc CANSAS software can be found under Extras -> Interface Activate. Then, click on “board”:






In imc FAMOS, how can I change the Curve Window from black & white to color?

Once you have opened the Curve Window, click in the menu on “options”, the “colors”.

On the right side, under “properties”, then “colors for display / printer”, you have the option to change the colors for display and for printing. The display for printing is also responsible when copying to the clipboard.

With a right mouse click, open the context menu. In the context menu, under “set colors to default values”, click on the “gray” selection, because the default setting of the Curve Window is “gray”. On the context menu item "Copy: Printers -> Screen", the selection can also be transferred to the screen.

How can I change the colors in imc FAMOS for printing or filing?



On the left side, you will see a preview of the selected colors.

In imc FAMOS, how do I change the colors on the screen in the Curve Window?




How can I add my measurement device in Explorer?








My measurement data are incomplete. How can I repair this?


To repair the incomplete measurement data, follow these steps: First, download the following file:



How do I change the physical units of virtual channels in imc Online FAMOS?

In imc Online FAMOS, go to the “i” button.


On the right side of the screen , choose the virtual channel. Then on the left side column, choose the term “Y-Units”.  In the bottom left drop-down, choose “user defined”, then fill in your desired unit.

For Y units, you can also enter them as SI units, which are then calculated as such, e.g., Volt with Ampere would arise as Watts. Other units in SI require quotation marks in the box. Units other than SI units require quotation marks to be entered and are therefore passed off as text, for example, "mV/V".












Can imc calibrate the complete test station measurement chain?





Module not found

I can't find my imc CANSAS module on the CAN-bus

1.) Is the CAN-bus is terminated correctly?






For more information, see the current imc CANSAS Manual




3.    Copy Netnbf.inf to the %SYSTEMROOT%\Inf.
9.    Restart the computer.

Note: Administrator rights for your PC are required.

Why doesn't the shunt calibration in my CANSAS module function correctly?

CANSAS and shunt calibration

The shunt calibration in my CANSAS module doesn't function correctly.





Contact our hotline, and we will find a solution!



What is an adjustment?

Adjustment refers to the process of adjusting measurement instruments to compensate for known systematic measurement discrepancies. In contrast, then, to calibration, this means manipulating the instrument in a way which produces lasting effects. Note that this renders any previous calibration and its traceability pedigree obsolete! It is then also no longer possible to reconstruct any changes in the instrument's measurement properties.



(ref. IT#19394)

Why am I receiving implausible measurement values from my test system?

Implausible measurement values

I am receiving implausible measurement values from my test system.


1. Grounding of the CANSAS module


2. Shielding on the signal wires



(see Figure 2)

3. Grounding from the CAN-Bus









  • imc DEVICES 2.8 R3 SP9 (13.12.2013) + AddOn 04.02.2014
  • imc DEVICES 2.8 R5 SP1 (13.11.2013)

(ref. IT#19404)

What is a legally secure calibration chain?

The process of calibrating a piece of measurement equipment using equipment conformant to a higher  standards, which in turn is calibrated using equipment conformant to yet higher standards, is known as the calibration chain.

The purpose of this calibration chain is to trace a piece of equipment’s calibration to the national standard.



Does imc STUDIO require an unlock code?

imc STUDIO requires an unlock code

An imc DEVICES version always belongs with an imc STUDIO version. Here you can find out why an unlock code is required and how you get it.

An imc DEVICES version always belongs with an imc STUDIO version. The imc STUDIO software that uses imc DEVICE version ≥ 2.7 devices requires an unlock code. An update of imc DEVICES version 2.7 is not free of charge. Please make inquiries to your local distributor to submit a quote. Please note that only certain groups of devices are supported by imc STUDIO. For more information, refer to the technical data sheet and to imc STUDIO.

For questions, your local distributor will be happy to assist you or you can directly contact our hotline.

How often is calibration necessary?

To get correct measurements in the long term, the test equipment used has to be monitored regularly and calibrated, if appropriate. The time between such calibration treatments is called the calibration interval. We frequently receive questions about the necessary calibration interval for measurement and test equipment.

However, there is no unambiguous answer to this question, since a device's state of calibration is dynamic and depends upon the following factors, to name a few: the input quantity and its permissible tolerances, wear and tear on the equipment, stability of previous calibration procedures, measurement precision required and last but not least a company's quality assurance system policies.

As a matter of principle, a calibration is valid only at the moment it is performed. Setting deadlines for re-calibration is the responsibility of the equipment user. As a rule, the calibration interval should be designed to optimize the balance between risks and costs.

This means that the calibration interval is ultimately the user's own responsibility to determine and monitor. Our recommendation is from 1 up to 3 years. In order to support our customers in determining the calibration interval, we offer consultation from our employees. Our standard statement in our spec sheets is for 1 year.

Does calibration also include adjustment/balancing?


Yes. Calibration by imc includes calibration upon receipt (determining actual values, deviations beyond tolerances are noted), a brief function check, adjustment and calibration for release.

You receive a manufacturer’s calibration certificate without measurement values (lab reports optionally available).

The imc system inspection includes a total functionality inspection from the manufacturing perspective, which is able to reveal certain latent errors. As a customer, you receive a service report.

Upon request, the service “only calibration” is available (no adjustment, no subsequent function testing) or only function testing (system inspection). Since 2005, we have included the following items in our price list:

  • Calibration (includes: calibration upon receipt, manufacturer’s calibration certificate as per ISO 9001)
  • Adjustment (includes: calibration upon receipt, adjustment, calibration for release, manufacturer’s calibration certificate as per ISO 9001)
  • System Inspection (includes: system inspection, function checkup, service report)

The imc calibration package which we recommend and which enjoys our customers’ approval consists of the combination of Adjustment and System Inspection .

  1. Connect your measurement device to the PC
  2. Open imc DEVICES and connect to the device
  4. After saving, open the window Device Configuration
  5. In the table, find the entry MFBus-Module

Is imc an accredited/certified test laboratory?


imc does not operate an accredited calibration laboratory, but we rigorously implement the requirements of ISO 17025 in our own QM system. imc is certified according to DIN EN ISO 9001 since May 1995.

What does monitoring of measurement equipment entail?

The goal of a test equipment management system is to ensure the quality of measurements of products and processes. Toward this end, two major issues must be observed:

  1. The quality of the measurement processes, i.e. how well the measurements are performed,
  2. The quality of the test equipment, i.e. how well the test equipment is adapted to the measurement task.

To ensure the quality of test equipment, the following must apply:

  • Test equipment is clearly labeled
  • Equipment performance requirements are stated
  • Test equipment is regularly inspected for compliance with defined requirements, i.e. it is calibrated regularly (and adjusted if necessary), (see also Calibration Interval)
  • Test equipment used for calibration can be traced to national or international standards (or to documented calibration foundations if no such standards apply)
  • Test equipment is treated in such a way as not to compromise its functional properties.

To meet these requirements, a test equipment management system must be introduced which is also compatible with other company goals.
Companies must have test equipment at their disposal for every measurement required, i.e. for every physical unit of relevance. Toward this end, an overview of all test equipment available to the company is needed.
Correct performance of measurements is conditional on all test equipment used being properly calibrated.

Can only individual channels be calibrated?


Upon request, we can calibrate only individual channels according to a customer’s inspection plan.

The imc DEVICES or imc CANSAS user’s interface allows correction values for the offset or for calculation of special characteristics to be saved for subsequent use in particular applications. We use this capability in our own test station applications, for example.

Adjustment of individual channels with permanent recording of correction values in the module storage is generally either not possible or very costly, so only whole systems or modules can be adjusted as a whole.

Furthermore, the elaborate test equipment administration for complex measurement systems, in which only individual functions are adjusted or calibrated, deserves mentioning.

If you have any special wishes, please feel free to communicate these to our hotline.

Is monitoring of measurement equipment really necessary?


Management and monitoring of the equipment used serves the following purposes:

  • Ensuring the maintenance of measurement equipment
  • Use of only appropriate test equipment for the inspection of the conformity of products and processes to requirements
  • Ensuring the required precision of test equipment (including of the reference instruments)
  • Ensuring the traceability to higher-level calibration standards
  • Avoidance of customer complaints due to incorrect measurement results
  • Avoidance of rejection of functional products, or of acceptance of defective products for further processing or shipping
  • Proof to customers and certification authorities of the conformity of test equipment monitoring systems to requirements
  • Overview of all test equipment available/used
  • Improvement of employee awareness with regard to performing tests and to treatment of equipment.
What should I consider when using Li-Ion batteries?



  • Capacity per Li-Ion battery:



Can my measurement device be retrofitted with a SSD hard disk?

SSD hard disk

Can my measurement device be retrofitted with a SSD hard disk?

Yes it can!




Is a function test always performed?


The best function test is the system inspection recommended by imc:

A function test of the entire device is conducted (e.g., digital input/output, current supply, analog outputs, depending on device configuration).

Additionally, each device is subjected to an individual final inspection (function test and a measurement check of individual channels using other calibrators); this final inspection can be made to take account of customer-specific or device-specific prerequisites or conditions (for instance, the characteristics of a special MIC-channel can be checked at this stage). The final inspection is documented internally by imc; the customer receives a service report.

May only accredited laboratories be commissioned, as required in TS16949/QS 9000?


The requirements stated in QS 9000, ISO/TS16949 and other management systems for accreditation pertain to testing and calibration laboratories commissioned by suppliers in the automobile industry. Accreditation of calibration procedures according to DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025 (general requirements for competence of testing and calibration laboratories), for example, is meant to demonstrate competence, for which accreditation by an independent third party is a (very transparent) method.

Alternatively, QS 9000 offers these very suppliers the ability to rely on the manufacturers of test equipment for its calibration. However, these manufacturers need not necessarily be accredited, but can demonstrate their competence in other ways, e.g. by self-declaration, quality assurance agreements or audits. Naturally, the regulation (QS 9000) states this explicitly (QS 9000 3rd edition, 4.10.6 Requirements of Supplier Laboratories).
Note that the applicable standard DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025 does not require accreditation as a test or calibration laboratory.

Why is imc actually equally well qualified as an accredited test laboratory?


This is expressed in, for instance, DAR-4-EM-03, “Guideline for Traceability in Testing”, in section 3 “Tools for Traceability in Testing – Demonstration of Competence – Measurement Traceability to SI-Units” (excerpt):
The respective requirements set out in EN ISO/IEC 17025 can be considered as fulfilled, if
(3.1.3) calibration or test certificate of the manufacturer of measuring or test equipment is available that demonstrates calibration and traceability to SI Units by means of documented traceable reference standards in line with para. 3.1.5 and using generally recognized methods or demonstrates calibration and traceability to SI Units by a competent calibration laboratory;
(3.1.5) the calibration in the testing laboratory is carried out by generally recognized and specified procedures and appropriate reference standards available that have been calibrated by a competent calibration laboratory outside or inside the testing laboratory;

Items 3.1.3 and 3.1.5 are ensured by imc’s test equipment management.

Why should there be a system inspection in conjunction with every repair or calibration?


The device is returned to the user completely tested (and having been repaired, if necessary)!

The imc System Inspection is the best and most reliable 100% function test, which is also able to reveal latent errors.

In the course of repairs, re-adjustment is often necessary due to an error found or to a replaced component.

Example: power supply unit reported as defective.
Error profile: defective input channels strain the power supply unit.
Plus: DAC (analog output) channel 2 defective.

Can I only have imc measurement devices calibrated by imc? Can I calibrate an imc measurement device myself? Who may calibrate imc measurement devices?


Naturally, you may commission any accredited calibration laboratory with the calibration. Some equipment users are able to calibrate measurement channels themselves by virtue of their own calibration laboratory, or in some cases, calibration of the entire measuring sequence is carried out prior to each measurement. In such cases we recommend maintenance checkup of the measurement systems every 24 to 60 months, depending on the model and the application. We would be happy to help you with creating inspection plans.

Adjustment and total function testing for imc measurement devices are currently only possible at imc.

Why does an imc calibration take so long?

Typically, imc’s processing time for calibration / adjustment, or System Inspection is 7 to 10 business days, due to the high precision of the inspection and to warm-up times. Additionally, shipping paperwork, consultations about any unanticipated repair work etc. all take time. To avoid downtime, it is important that service orders be determined clearly before the equipment arrives at imc.

If you suspect that your device is defective, or if you need calibration or a system update or reconfiguration, it is necessary in any case to contact our hotline prior to shipping.

The hotline will provide you with an RMA (return merchandise authorization) number.
To make this procedure easier, you can download a form from the Internet to send us by fax or email. Or simply give us a call!

Please do not ship any device without previously contacting us and receiving an RMA number.

Within the framework of a service contract, definite delivery dates or express service can be arranged!

Can the report of measured values be provided in electronic format?


Upon request, we can also generate a report as a PDF file. Please note that a complete device report can consist of over 300 pages.

Pursuant to a service contract, we can place the report in the Internet for downloading. Toward this end, we will naturally set up a password-protected location.

I received two calibration certificates, which one is correct?

The imc calibration includes an input calibration (determination of the actual values, for deviations outside the tolerance you will be informed), a short functions test, a renewed balance and a subsequent output calibration.

The log record of the initial calibration is marked with "[Calibration certificate number] _C". The log record after the adjustment and recalibration is marked only with the “[Calibration certificate number]".

Why is calibration by imc so expensive?


All of our customers face cost pressures and for this reason the running operating costs for service and system maintenance are an issue. There is often some confusion for the user (whose boss administers the budget) and for the internal or external calibration laboratory. Until 2003 there actually was some confusion affecting our statements and ambiguity in the terminology used (e.g., calibration... what does it mean?)

In response to this situation, we have overhauled our price list and the terminology used in it:
-    System calibration = System Inspection + calibration (upon receipt) + Adjustment
-    System Revision = Inspection plus maintenance plus update
-    System modification = includes System Revision

We also have adopted new service items into our program such as system maintenance, express service, warranty extension and personalized service contracts, and in consequence the whole program has been up and running smoothly for three years, as attested by very positive feedback.

Calibration by imc is no more expensive than by a calibration laboratory, for example. Quite the opposite: by offering the total spectrum of service from one source, we can save you time, money and trouble!

We challenge you to compute the ratio of the last three years of service costs to the purchase costs!
“We protect your investment!” is our proud motto. Test us out!

Standards and references


Management systems, test equipment monitoring, terms (see also
•    DIN EN ISO 9000 ff: 2000: Qualitätsmanagementsysteme
•    QS 9000 3rd edition (1994): Quality Systems Requirements QS 9000 (Chrysler Corp., FORD Motor Corp., General Motors Corp.)
•    ISO/TS 16949 (2002) Forderungen an ein Qualitätsmanagementsystem (dt. Übersetzung in DIN Fachbericht 78)
•    VDA 6.1: Forderungen an ein Qualitätsmanagementsystem VDA Band 6 Teil 1 (Verein der Deutschen Automobilindustrie e. V.)
•    DIN 55350-11 (1987): Begriffe der Qualitätssicherung und Statistik; Grundbegriffe der Qualitätssicherung
•    DIN: Internationales Wörterbuch der Metrologie (1994)
•    DIN 1319-1:1995: Grundlagen der Meßtechnik - Teil 1: Grundbegriffe
•    DIN EN ISO 10012 (2004): Messmanagementsysteme - Anforderungen an Messprozesse und Messmittel
•    DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025:2005 Allgemeine Anforderungen an die Kompetenz von Prüf- und Kalibrierlaboratorien (ersetzt EN 45000, setzt ISO Guide 25 um)

Calibration guidelines for electrical measurement equipment

•    DIN ISO 10012-1: Messüberwachungssysteme
•    ISO 8402 (1986): Qualität Begriffe
weiterhin:  DIN 55350 T 11-15, 17, 18, 21-24, 31 (Begriffe) + DIN Taschenbuch 223

DKD Guidelines, miscellaneous (see also
•    VDI/VDE/DGQ/DKD 2622 (Entwurf): Kalibrieren von Messmitteln für elektrische Größen (beschreibt allgemein Kalibrierverfahren)
Blatt 3: Kalibrierrichtlinien für Digitalmultimeter
Blatt 4: Kalibrierrichtlinien für Oszilloskope
Blatt 5: Funktionsgeneratoren
Blatt 11: Kalibrierrichtlinien für Spektrumanalysatoren
Blatt 20: Kalibrierung von Gleichspannungsmessverstärkern
•    DKD-R 5-5 regelt die Kalibrierung von Temperaturanzeigegeräten
•    DKD-R 6-1 regelt die Kalibrierung von Druckmessmodulen
•    DKD-3: Angabe der Messunsicherheit bei Kalibrierungen
•    DKD-4 (1991) Rückführung von Prüfmitteln auf nationale Normale
•    EA Richtlinien (European cooperation for Accreditation of Laboratories):
Übersicht: DAR-INF2, z. B.
DAR-EM6: Interne Audits und QM-Bewertung in Laboratorien
DAR-EM32: Anleitung zur Akkreditierung nach ISO/IEC 17025
DAR-EM23: Sammlung von Begriffen
•    DIN V ENV 13005: Leitfaden zur Angabe der Messunsicherheit beim Messen (identisch mit Guide to the expression of uncertainty in measurement = GUM)
Quality on the Web
•    QM-Infocenter of the publisher Hanser (Quality and Reliability)

DIN 31051 of 2003 defines maintenance including weak point analysis along with pursuant measures; to see the summary click here.

Does imc work with any accredited calibration laboratory? Which accredited calibration laboratory would imc recommend?


The reference equipment used by imc is regularly calibrated and, if appropriate, adjusted by accredited calibration laboratories within the framework of our equipment monitoring efforts.

Many of our customers have commissioned accredited calibration laboratories with the monitoring of their test equipment. These in turn commission us, as competent manufacturers, with all service work going beyond calibration, such as adjustment, complete function testing, system maintenance, repairs, rental devices etc. Thus we have already been working in a close and cooperative relationship with all of the companies’ calibration providers for many years. Since the competence of all of the accredited calibration laboratories is regularly verified by independent assessors, we are not able to recommend any particular one.

Where can I buy the equipment for calibration or adjustment?


We are happy to offer the appropriate accessories: calibration requires device-specific connection terminals; probably template protocols and an inspection plan. We are also happy to assist you in composing inspection plans and training programs for your personnel.

However, purchase of the necessary equipment for adjustment / overall testing in accordance with manufacturer specifications, and of the associated “know-how” is only economical if you must test very many (> 100) identical systems regularly, or if you have very high logistical costs, for shipping. Typical service work (repair, system maintenance, updating, remodeling, upkeep), however, is still only possible at imc.

Certification (manufacturer’s calibration certificate): Why are no measurement values stated by channel in the standard package?


In general, a manufacturer's calibration certificate from imc for 1 device as per DIN EN ISO 9001 is adequate for our customers. The calibration process entails calibration upon receipt (determining actual values; the owner is informed of deviations beyond tolerances), a complete function check, balancing, and calibration for release. The owner receives a manufacturer's calibration certificate without measurement values.
The manufacturer's calibration certificate certifies the validity of the calibration in reference to the serial numbers listed (identification of the test object); the serial numbers of the system and of the measurement module are unambiguously correlated to the reports and measured values; the report file headers state the test equipment used along with their imc equipment ID numbers.

Optionally, a complete set of reports with measured values and a list of the measurement equipment used can be ordered (measurement values "as received" + "after balancing"). A complete set of reports of this type is needed for trend analysis or for determining calibration intervals, or in the framework of QS-audits, but is not required for a traceable calibration certificate according to ISO 9001ff, for example. We do not include this complete report set as a standard, thus reducing costs for us and our customers. However, the calibration reports with the readings are always archived automatically and are available on file for 10 years.

If equipment arrives at our facilities for service work, such as inspections, maintenance or repairing, we additionally provide a service report stating all work performed.

What does the calibration certificate which comes with new devices mean?


By default, we provide along with every measurement device a manufacturer's calibration certificate with a list of device modules and their associated serial numbers. This certificate is practically a declaration that we have performed calibration traceable back to national standards. The calibration reports with their measurement values are automatically archived and are optionally available (up to 10 years afterwards). The report header states all test equipment used and its respective internal imc ID numbers. Furthermore, our test equipment management conformant to ISO 9001:2008 ensures traceability.

Sometimes imc provides a test certificate and no calibration certificate; what is the difference?

With purely digital modules (e.g. DI, DO, ENC, INC, busDAQ ...) or after the test of devices in servicing, for which calibration was not ordered, we certify the function test with a test certificate. This is a voluntary extra service provided by imc, for which there is no legal entitlement.
Measurement values generated in this procedure are generally not archived, but can be recorded for an extra charge; however, no retroactive order of measurement values is possible.

The manual states the amplifier uncertainty as <0.05% "of value read from the display"; does this really mean "of the gain range"?


< 0.05% of value read from the display is in this case the correct formulation of the gain error; it refers to the value indicated, not to the input range end value.

This means the absolute error is smaller for small values and larger for large values (gain error).

The offset error is stated in % of the input range end value. The total error consists of, among other things, the offset- and gain errors.

Sometimes there is "latitude for interpretation" which raises questions in audits about the statements of the issuance date and the calibration date on the calibration certificate. How are these explained?


An explanation has been provided as a footnote on the calibration certificate since 09/2006:

Issue date:
The day on which the calibration certificate is issued. Unless stated otherwise, the issue date is also the date of the last calibration by imc. A duplicate (certified copy) of the calibration certificate is denoted accordingly.

Last calibration on:
If the date of issuance is different from the date of the last calibration, then we additionally state this date on the calibration certificate.
For technical reasons, the set of reports for a measurement system may under certain circumstances consist of multiple reports with differing dates for the respective calibration. The date of the last calibration then corresponds to the issuance date of the last calibration report belonging to the measurement system.

Can imc also conduct a DKD calibration?


We cannot provide DKD calibration for measurement devices we supply. However, upon request we can exclusively use calibrators having DKD calibration certificates. Naturally, such a requirement must be expressed when placing an order. When developing our calibration procedures, we give regard to the procedures as described in the DKD, for example.

Question: Calibration report with "fail" rating

The “input calibration” is a "fail" rating if a channel exceeds a limit value. The “input calibration” describes the current state before adjustment. Then all input channels will be adjusted and checked with the “output calibration”. On the output calibration no "fail" rating should occur, because it describes the current state after the adjustment.

The tolerance values for a channel during the calibration are much more sensitive defined than the tolerance values in the technical data sheet.