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Communication and validation of SI-based smart metrological data

Annual Report 2020
03.03.2021

The formats of measurement data used in new digital environments, such as the Internet of Things and cyberphysical systems, must be flawless and free of ambiguity for both people and machines alike. Digital applications such as those used in healthcare or for domestic meters would be absolutely unimaginable if the data formats used were not reliable. To this end, PTB, together with partners from metrology, industry and research, is developing urgently needed digital approaches to deal with measurement data.

The first step of this approach has allowed an SI-based universal metadata model (D-SI) to be developed for smart metrological data based on the International System of Units (SI). D-SI is already being widely used in the European flagship projects titled SmartCom and GEMIMEG-II on machine-readable digital calibration certificates. What is unique worldwide is PTB’s online certification for D-SI applications.

The prospects in metrology are the continued international coordination of smart metrological data formats by the Metre Convention – the group of 62 member states and 40 associated states that defines worldwide standards such as the SI. Two new committees on the ‘Digital SI’ have been created in the Metre Convention. In its leading position, PTB is actively advancing developments in this field.