Metrology guide · ISO 16063 · NIST-traceable
Accelerometer Calibration
Accelerometer calibration determines a sensor’s sensitivity (mV/g or pC/g) and frequency response by comparison to a NIST-traceable reference accelerometer under ISO 16063-21 and ISO/IEC 17025. Techmaster calibrates piezoelectric (IEPE & charge-mode), piezoresistive and MEMS accelerometers — and complete vibration measurement systems — reporting measurement uncertainty on an ANAB-accredited certificate.
ANAB accredited ISO/IEC 17025 NIST traceable
ISO 16063Calibration method
~159.2 HzReference frequency
mV/g · pC/gSensitivity output
5 Hz–10 kHzFrequency response
In this guide
Frequency response at a glance
Usable flat band (±5%)Mounted resonanceReference 159.2 Hz101001k10kFrequency (Hz)Sensitivity (mV/g)
Sensitivity stays flat across the usable band and rises at the mounted resonance — calibration maps this curve and pins the reference sensitivity at ~159.2 Hz.
How accelerometer calibration works
- Mount on reference exciter
- Back-to-back comparison @ 159.2 Hz
- Frequency-response sweep
- Amplitude linearity
- Transverse sensitivity
- Accredited certificate
Sensors we calibrate
What we measure
| Parameter | What it checks | Method / standard | Typical |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reference sensitivity | Output per g (mV/g or pC/g) at reference frequency | Comparison to reference accelerometer at ~159.2 Hz, ISO 16063-21 | Reported value ± uncertainty (~1%) |
| Frequency response | Sensitivity deviation across the band | Sine sweep (e.g. 5 Hz-10 kHz) vs reference | % deviation vs reference |
| Amplitude linearity | Linearity over the amplitude range | Multiple levels at the reference frequency | Within spec (%) |
| Transverse sensitivity | Unwanted cross-axis output | Per ISO 16063 | Typically a few % max |
| System sensitivity | Whole-chain mV/g | Accelerometer + cable + conditioner + analyzer measured together | Reported with channel settings |
In-lab vs on-site calibration
In-lab calibration
- Accredited bench with full reference standards
- Best achievable measurement uncertainties
- Pickup & return logistics handled
- Ideal for precision and reference work
On-site calibration
- We calibrate the accelerometer at your facility
- No shipping risk or transit downtime
- As-found data captured before any move
- Ideal for fixed, large or sensitive assets
In-depth guide
Calibration for accelerometers and complete vibration measurement systems
Accelerometers are measuring devices used to detect and measure acceleration in physical objects or systems. We know that they are important in a variety of industrial applications because of their ability to provide crucial information about motion and vibration. Whatever the application of your accelerometers, such as vibration monitoring of engines, turbines, compressors, and pumps. We know that your periodic calibration will help early detection of abnormal vibrations that can cause failures, reduce downtime, and improve plant safety. Our Calibration Laboratory has extensive experience in the calibration of this type of instrument, both for individual accelerometers such as Triaxial, Piezoelectric, Piezoresistive and for complete vibration measurement systems including vibration controllers and monitors. We recommend an annual calibration for accelerometers and vibration measurement systems; it is important to have both in the calibration cycle to ensure the frequency and sensitivity are correctly rated.Before choosing a Calibration Laboratory, you should evaluate several key factors: Accreditation, Experience, Metrological Traceability, Equipment, Procedures, and Customer Service.
Accreditation: Our ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Accreditation guarantees that we are a verified Calibration Laboratory. It proves we meet all the rigorous requirements for technical competence and quality in every calibration process.
Experience: Techmaster Electronics has more than 30 years in the market. In addition, our Scope has calibration capabilities in accelerometer instruments and all those systems related to vibration measurement.
Metrological Traceability: All our calibrations are traceable to internationally recognized measurement standards. This ensures the reliability and global acceptance of our results.
Equipment: It is always important to know that the laboratory is professional and reliable. It will be important you know their facilities and verify that their equipment or calibration standards are modern and have maintenance processes for their standards.
Equipment: It is always important to know that the laboratory is professional and reliable. It will be important you know their facilities and verify that their equipment or calibration standards are modern and have maintenance processes for their standards.
Calibration Procedure: If you wish, you can request that they detail the consistency and reproducibility of the calibration results. So you can make sure that they follow the recognized industry standards.
Customer service: It is very important to make sure to what degree your service and attention can be personalized. It has accessibility to your operational needs, it will provide you with technical assistance when needed, and it has a clear means of communication in which you can keep track of your calibration process. Now knowing all these key points you should evaluate before choosing a Calibration Laboratory that you trust, in their quality and reliability of calibration for your vibration instruments and accelerometers. If you want to know more or have questions about our service and accreditation, please contact us. quality@techmaster.us
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Frequently asked questions
What is accelerometer calibration?
Accelerometer calibration measures a vibration sensor’s sensitivity (mV/g or pC/g) and frequency response by comparing it to a NIST-traceable reference accelerometer under ISO 16063-21 and ISO/IEC 17025, then documents the result and its measurement uncertainty on an accredited certificate.
Which standards apply to accelerometer calibration?
The ISO 16063 series: ISO 16063-11 (primary, laser interferometry), ISO 16063-21 (comparison), and ISO 16063-22 (shock). All work is performed under ISO/IEC 17025 with NIST traceability.
What does the calibration measure?
Reference sensitivity at a fixed frequency (commonly ~159.2 Hz), frequency response across the usable band, amplitude linearity, and transverse sensitivity, for IEPE, charge-mode piezoelectric, piezoresistive and MEMS accelerometers.
How often should an accelerometer be calibrated?
Typically every 12 months, and immediately after any drop, shock overload, or suspect reading, since these shift sensitivity. Critical or reference sensors may be calibrated more frequently.
Can you calibrate the whole vibration measurement system?
Yes. We calibrate the complete chain, accelerometer, cable, signal conditioner and analyzer/DAQ, end-to-end so the reported system sensitivity matches how you actually measure.
Need accelerometer calibration?
ANAB-accredited, NIST-traceable, fast turnaround — in-lab or on-site across the USA.
Contact us for a quote