I'm looking for an XML schema to describe the measuring performance of a
measuring instrument. This would need to include:

*	a list of functions and ranges that the instrument supports
*	for each function/range:

*	the physical property measured (e.g. voltage, weight, temperature)
*	the unit of measure (e.g. mV, kg, degrees K)
*	the minimum and maximum values on which the range will work
*	the resolution
*	the accuracy (with sub-elements for gain error, offset error,
linearity etc.)
*	any effect on the signal being measured (input impedance, for
example)
*	some information about measurement speed
*	noise levels
*	autorange facilities

(not a complete list - to be general many other elements would have to be
included)
 
The intention is to encode all of the information that you would usually
find on a data sheet for the instrument.
 
In principle, it should be possible to use a similar schema to encode
measurement requirements for a particular signal. A system could then select
from a library of instruments the one which was best able to measure this
signal.
 
A further extension could cover stimulus instruments (signal generators,
calibrators etc.).
 
I have done some searching for schemas of this sort, and found nothing that
seems totally relevant. If you know of anything that exists, or of anyone
working on a similar idea, or if you would be interested in such a schema,
please get in touch.
 
Thanks - Rowan