Discrimination threshold and dead band
An undetected input change differs from an interval with no output change.
Key knowledge
The discrimination threshold is the largest change in a measured quantity that causes no detectable change in the corresponding indication. A dead band is the maximum interval through which the quantity can change in both directions without a detectable indication change. These response properties differ from resolution and from a probabilistic detection limit.
Conditions and scope
- Specify the measured value, noise/observation protocol, change direction and any rate dependence.
- These definitions describe operational detectability; a claim of exactly zero physical response below a universal threshold would require a separate model.
Sources · 2
References
Sources retain their recorded scope. A source link alone does not establish verification of every statement.
- International Vocabulary of Metrology (VIM3)Joint Committee for Guides in Metrology (JCGM)Reference guideVIM3, entry 4.16VIM3, entry 4.17
Evidence and review
Read VIM4.16–4.17 definitions and notes on noise, measured value and rate dependence. Preserve “detectable change” rather than identifying the definitions with an absolute discontinuity or the existing detection-limit hypothesis test.
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- foundation-measurement-threshold-dead-band
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- foundations-refresh.1
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- Foundational reference additions