Low frequency accelerometer calibration using an optical encoder sensor

Low frequency accelerometer calibration is generally a time consuming process and requires special considerations as well as excitation techniques due to the low frequency and low acceleration levels encountered. A limited work has been reported on this aspect so far. The paper discusses the measurement considerations associated with the implementation of optical encoder technology in low frequency accelerometer calibration. The method may be considered as primary one as reference is displacement rather than acceleration. The paper provides comparison of the optical encoder reference technique to manufacturer's accredited primary calibration of an artifact as per ISO 16063-11. The work also discusses the measurement uncertainty associated with low frequency accelerometer calibration using an optical encoder sensor.