Calibration Method of Accelerometer Based on Rotation Principle Using Double Turntable Centrifuge

Area of Science:

• Metrology and Instrumentation
• Sensor Technology
• Mechanical Engineering

Background:

• Centrifuge calibration is crucial for linear accelerometers, but sample installation errors lead to inaccuracies.
• Accurate determination of input acceleration is essential for reliable accelerometer calibration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a new calibration method for linear accelerometers that addresses and corrects installation errors.
• To enable accurate measurement of input acceleration in accelerometer calibration using a double turntable centrifuge.

Main Methods:

• A double turntable centrifuge was employed, utilizing a rotation principle to align the accelerometer's input axis perpendicular to the centripetal acceleration vector.
• Models for angular and radial installation errors were developed to facilitate accurate static radius and input acceleration determination.
• The method was applied to calibrate MEMS accelerometers with a range of ±30 g.

Main Results:

• The proposed method successfully eliminated installation errors, leading to discrepancies smaller than 100 ppm across different installation positions.
• Calibration of scale factor, nonlinearity, and asymmetry was effectively implemented.
• Results obtained were consistent with the back-calculation method, confirming the technique's validity.

Conclusions:

• The developed double turntable centrifuge method accurately measures static radius and input acceleration, directly compensating for installation errors.
• This approach simplifies the accelerometer calibration procedure and enhances measurement precision.
• The method is effective for calibrating various linear accelerometers, including MEMS devices.