The meaning I've come across most frequently is "instruments without displays" - such as a humidity, pressure or temperature sensors + signal processing electronics, with only a data link for accessing the readings.
The readings are typically displayed on a remote display panel (e.g. a PC screen), or used directly by a control system (PLC etc.).
Is calibration required? Yes. If it isn't calibrated, how do you know it is giving a true measurement of the parameter?
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