Component interfaces that support measurement uncertainty

A method for designing modular instrumentation systems that can propagate measurement uncertainty is described. The approach adheres to current international best-practice in uncertainty calculation, as presented in the “Guide to the Expression of Uncertainty in Measurement” [International Organization for Standardization, Geneva, 1995]. System components fully encapsulate implementation details and a standardized interface can be used for inter-module communication. The method offers a convenient conceptual framework for design, providing automatic uncertainty evaluation, as well as simplified testing and validation.