Low Frequency Accelerometer Calibration Chalenges and Improvements

Abstract

Low Frequency accelerometer calibration is generally time consuming and requires special considerations and excitation techniques. A new class of reference standard and excitation shaker for use in low frequency accelerometer calibration is introduced. This exciter and reference standard addresses these low frequency challenges and reduces uncertainty to near 1% and throughput by a factor of 3. This paper also outlines challenges of low frequency calibration and details principal sources of error. New developments in low frequency accelerometer calibration excitation technology are introduced. Comparison to manufacturer’s primary calibration of an artifact as well as comparison to primary means is presented.