Drift
Updated 2026-10-27
Data records
- Drift is a slow change in an instrument's indication for a constant input over time, arising from the aging of components, temperature cycling and mechanical wear. It is the principal reason calibration intervals exist, and the as-found data from successive calibrations reveal its size and direction.
Sources
- Electrical Testing Reference editorial taxonomy, Electrical Testing Reference editorial taxonomy of test methods, 2026-10 edition, Electrical Testing Reference. Held as: Own observation.
Changelog (2 entries)
| Date | Revision | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2026-10-27 | created (gloss.drift.definition) | |
| 2026-10-27 | review_status unreviewed -> software_reviewed (gloss.drift.definition) |
Cite this page
Cite the governing standard for the fact itself; cite this page as the finding aid.
"Drift." Test Instrument Reference. 2026-10-27. https://www.testinstrumentreference.com/glossary/drift/.
Test Instrument Reference, Drift (Oct. 27, 2026), https://www.testinstrumentreference.com/glossary/drift/.
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title = {Drift},
howpublished = {\url{https://www.testinstrumentreference.com/glossary/drift/}},
organization = {Test Instrument Reference},
publisher = {Test Instrument Reference},
year = {2026},
note = {last substantive change 2026-10-27}
}{{cite web |title=Drift |website=Test Instrument Reference |publisher=Test Instrument Reference |url=https://www.testinstrumentreference.com/glossary/drift/ |date=2026-10-27 |access-date=}}