How to Calibrate an IEPE Accelerometer with the AT-2040
The AT-2040 Portable Vibration Calibrator can be used to manually verify or automatically calibrate IEPE accelerometers by comparing the sensor under test to the built-in NIST-traceable reference accelerometer.
Typical IEPE calibration checks
- Sensor sensitivity in mV/g
- Reference vibration level
- Sensor output response
- Bias voltage verification
- Frequency response sweep
- PDF and CSV report export
What the AT-2040 does during an IEPE calibration
An IEPE accelerometer produces an AC vibration signal while being powered by a constant-current IEPE supply. During calibration, the AT-2040 drives its internal electrodynamic shaker at a known vibration level and compares the sensor output to the internal reference accelerometer.
The AT-2040 can display the live vibration level, calculate sensor sensitivity, show IEPE bias voltage, and save results for later export. This makes it useful for incoming inspection, field verification, production testing, and calibration lab work.
AT-2040 IEPE support
Prepare the sensor and mounting hardware
Good calibration results start with proper mounting. The sensor must be mechanically coupled to the shaker reference platform so the test sensor and reference accelerometer experience the same vibration.
Check the sensor
Confirm the IEPE accelerometer sensitivity, connector type, mounting thread, and recommended calibration amplitude from the sensor datasheet or prior certificate.
Select the adapter
Use the correct stud or adapter for the sensor. The AT-2040 reference platform uses a 1/4-28 mounting location, and adapters are used when the sensor has a different thread.
Use the short-handle wrench
Hold the reference accelerometer with the provided short-handle wrench while installing or removing the test sensor. This prevents twisting force from being applied to the shaker.
Connect the IEPE accelerometer to the AT-2040
Mount the accelerometer to the shaker reference platform, then connect the sensor output to the AT-2040 sensor input using the correct IEPE cable or adapter. For many industrial IEPE accelerometers, this is a BNC or MIL-style connector to BNC cable.
Once the sensor is connected, select the IEPE input channel on the Vibration Output screen. The AT-2040 will provide the IEPE current source and display the sensor response and bias voltage.
Connection checklist
- Sensor mounted securely
- Correct stud or adapter installed
- Sensor cable connected to sensor input
- IEPE channel selected
- Bias voltage checked before testing
Manual IEPE sensor test
Manual mode is useful when you want to quickly verify one point, troubleshoot a sensor, check bias voltage, or compare sensor output at a specific frequency and amplitude.
Open Vibration Output
From the main menu, select Vibration Output.
Select IEPE
Tap the Channel button and select IEPE.
Select units
Use the Units button to select the desired vibration units, such as g.
Set frequency and amplitude
Use the knobs or touchscreen entry fields to set the test frequency and target vibration level.
Start the test
Select Start and allow the vibration level to stabilize.
Read the result
Review live vibration, sensor sensitivity, bias voltage, output level, displacement, and THD indicators.
What to watch during the test
During an IEPE test, the AT-2040 gives the operator several useful indicators that help confirm the sensor, mounting, and vibration level are behaving correctly.
Live vibration
Shows the actual shaker vibration output in the selected units.
Sensitivity
Displays calculated sensor sensitivity, typically in mV/g for IEPE accelerometers.
Bias voltage
Shows the IEPE bias voltage so the operator can confirm the sensor is powered and responding normally.
THD / output / mils
Helps identify high distortion, excessive displacement, or output-limit conditions.
Run an automatic IEPE sensor test
For a full calibration or frequency response check, use the AT-2040 Sensor Test mode. The automatic test runs through stored test points, displays results in graph or table view, and saves the data to onboard memory.
Automatic test records
The automatic test screen can show test status, reference reading, current step, deviation relative to the reference frequency, bias voltage, serial number, graph/table view, and Start/Stop control.
When the test is complete, the results are saved onboard and can be exported later from the Reports screen.
Typical IEPE calibration setup
Exact test points should be based on the sensor datasheet, customer requirements, and your laboratory procedure. A common approach is to verify sensitivity at a reference frequency and then sweep additional frequency points.
| Setup item | Typical choice | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor type | IEPE accelerometer | Selects the correct input path and IEPE current source. |
| Reference frequency | Often 100 Hz or customer-defined | Used as the main sensitivity reference point. |
| Amplitude | Commonly 1 g, unless otherwise specified | Keeps testing repeatable and comparable to prior records. |
| Units | g, m/s², or customer-required units | Controls how live vibration and results are displayed. |
| Output format | PDF certificate and CSV data | Supports customer records, quality systems, and further analysis. |
Export calibration results
After the IEPE sensor test is complete, the AT-2040 stores the result in onboard memory. Reports can be recalled and exported as PDF or CSV files for documentation, review, or customer delivery.
Report outputs
- PDF calibration certificate
- CSV measured data
- Sensor serial number
- Frequency points
- Sensitivity results
- Deviation and phase data when applicable
Pass/fail decisions are controlled by your lab procedure
The AT-2040 provides the measured sensitivity data, deviation, phase information, and calibration records. It does not force a universal pass/fail decision because laboratories may use different tolerances, uncertainty budgets, and decision rules.
When issuing a statement of conformity, apply your own ISO 17025 decision rule or the decision rule requested by your customer.
Common IEPE calibration problems
No sensor response
Confirm the IEPE channel is selected, the sensor cable is connected, and the bias voltage looks normal. A bad cable, wrong input, or unpowered sensor can cause no reading.
Unstable sensitivity
Check that the sensor is mounted securely, the adapter is tight, and the sensor cable is not pulling on the accelerometer during the test.
Amplitude limit warning
Reduce the vibration level, check the payload weight, or use a different frequency point. Shaker output limits depend on frequency and sensor mass.
Agate Technology can help you set up the right AT-2040 workflow.
Whether you are verifying one accelerometer at a time or building an automated sensor calibration process, the AT-2040 can support manual testing, automatic sweeps, PDF certificates, and CSV export.
