A technique for the systematic design of fault-tolerant automatic measureme
nt systems based on 'analytical redundancy' relationships is proposed. Star
ting from the user requirements in terms of quantities to be monitored and
of number and type of faults to be detected, isolated, and accommodated, th
e proposed technique suggests the number and location of the sensors to be
used in the measurement system to be designed or the modifications needed i
n an existing measurement system for satisfying the user requirements. The
peculiarities of this technique were highlighted by applying it to some rea
l measurement stations. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.