CONVERTING THE SIGNALOUTPUT OF A DC ACCELEROMETERTO ACCELERATION (G)APPLICATION NOTE
One of the most common application questions we receive from first-time users of a DC accelerometers is, “How do I transpose theelectrical output of the accelerometer to an engineering unit?”
This conversion is best done by referring to the sensitivity (mV/g) and zero output (mv) values on the calibration certificate shippedwith each accelerometer. These values are typically located at the top right corner of the calibration certificate along with otherspecifications and identifying information (Figure 1).

FIGURE 1: Calibration Data from Calibration Certificate
Calibration Certificate
Issue Date: 11/11-2008

Device under test (DUT): Accelerometer

Excitation voltage (Vdc): 10.00 Manufacturer: MEAS
Zero signal output (mV): 9.32

Model name: 52-0200-10-240-XY

Input resistance (Ω): 4110

Serial number: E000039

Output resistance (Ω): 4088

Calibration frequency range: 20 Hz-2800 Hz

Temperature (°C): 24

Sensitivity at 100 Hz: 0.9932 mV/g

Relative humidity (%): 40%

Transverse sensitivity: %g Range: 200

When one plugs the respective sensitivity and zero output values into the following equation (Figure 2), along with the measured
output reading from the accelerometer, the acceleration in g is easily calculated.

FIGURE 2: Formula to Calculate Acceleration
Acceleration (g) = [output reading (mV) – zero output (mV)] / sensitivity (mV/g)
EXAMPLE
Let’s assume a measurement was taken with the accelerometer identified in Figure 1
above and the output reading was 90 mV. Below is the resulting Acceleration (g)Acceleration (g)= (90-9.32) / 0.9932= 80.68 / 0.9932= 81.23238

To ensure accuracy of accelerometer readings, each accelerometer should be calibrated every 12 months.

TE CONNECTIVITY SENSORS /// ACCELEROMETERS

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Page 1CONVERTING THE SIGNAL OUTPUT OF A DC ACCELEROMETER TO ACCELERATION (G)APPLICATION NOTECALIBRATION SERVICES
Our Vibration Sensors team in California and manufacturing facilities in China and France offer factory calibration and test services
for these types of accelerometers:• Piezoresistive• Variable Capacitance• Piezoelectric (PE)• Integrated Electronics Piezoelectric (IEPE)
We offer NIST (US), DKD (Germany), COFRAC (France) traceable calibration services on sensitivity at 100 Hz (102 or 120 Hz in
Europe). Sensitivity reference frequencies other than 100/102/120Hz are available upon request as are A2LA and ISO- 17205
calibrations.
All Plug and Play accelerometers shipped from MEAS China have ISO-17025 certification.
Users of TE/Measurement Specialties accelerometers can expect one-week turnaround for full frequency response tests from 10
Hz through resonance and for transverse cross-axis sensitivity testing.
Calibration of accelerometers not manufactured by TE/Measurement Specialties may take longer depending on availability of test
fixtures and the manufacturer's specifications.
Environmental testing over temperature, centrifuge testing and shock calibration are also offered on a case-by-case basis.

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The information given herein, including drawings, illustrations and schematics which are intended for illustration purposes
only, is believed to be reliable. However, TE Connectivity makes no warranties as to its accuracy or completeness anddisclaims any liability in connection with its use. TE Connectivity‘s obligations shall only be as set forth in TE Connectivity‘sStandard Terms and Conditions of Sale for this product and in no case will TE Connectivity be liable for any incidental, indirect
or consequential damages arising out of the sale, resale, use or misuse of the product. Users of TE Connectivity products
should make their own evaluation to determine the suitability of each such product for the specific application.
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For more information
contact TE Connectivity
Tel +1 800 522 6752
customercare.frmt@te.com

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TE CONNECTIVITY SENSORS /// ACCELEROMETERS

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