Measurement quality – desirable characteristic of instruments Which of the following is a desirable characteristic for an industrial measuring instrument?

Introduction / Context:
Instrumentation performance is judged by how faithfully a device represents the measured variable, how stable it remains over time, and how quickly it responds. Recognizing desirable versus undesirable traits guides sensor selection and maintenance planning.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• We compare fidelity, drift, lag, and reproducibility characteristics.
• Industrial context implies need for reliable, accurate, and repeatable readings.

Concept / Approach:
Fidelity denotes the degree to which the instrument output accurately follows the true value without distortion. Drift is an undesirable slow change in output unrelated to the measurand. Measuring lag is the delay between a change in input and the instrument response. Reproducibility is desirable when high, undesirable when poor.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Standards and textbooks list high accuracy/fidelity, low drift, low lag, and good repeatability as primary desirable instrument characteristics.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• High drift: Causes baseline wander and calibration loss.
• High measuring lag: Sluggish response; poor for control.
• Poor reproducibility: Inconsistent results, undermining trust in data.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing precision with accuracy. An instrument can be precise but not faithful if biased; fidelity captures accurate tracking behavior.

Final Answer:
High fidelity