Shaker with reference device

An AC test that can be done at various frequencies

Required a calibrated reference device

Can test to higher g levels than 1g

Fixturing can be an issue for higher g levels

Gravity Test

Test sensor at +1g and -1g to calibrate offset and sensitivity using Earth's gravity

No need to calibrate the reference!

Fairly insensitive to alignment errors

Only works for DC sensors

Will not test the full scale of a high g device.

Gravity test method

Rotate the accelerometer at least 180° normal to the axis of sensitivity

Look for the minimum and maximum values

Zero g output = (maxout+minout)/2

Scale = (maxout-minout)/2 Volts per g

Calibration can be performed by the system microcontroller

Easy fixture construction

Dual axis accelerometers can calibrate both axis by extending the rotation to at least 360°