A New Solution for Vibration Calibration of Accelerometers

ISO 16063 part 21 defines the back-to-back comparison techniques for accelerometer vibration calibration [1]. Accurate accelerometer calibration is a way to provide physical meaning to the electrical output of this category of sensor and it is a prerequisite for quality motion and NVH measurements. The comparison method for accelerometer vibration calibration is discussed, and an overview on current technology available for calibrating and testing accelerometer performance characteristics is provided.

A series of experimental calibration data was acquired using a miniature accelerometer mounted in six angular positions on both flexure-based and air-bearing shaker designs illustrating the effects of sensor transverse sensitivity and shaker transverse motion on calibration accuracy and measurement uncertainties.