How to Calibrate a Voltage Output Accelerometer with the AT-2040
The AT-2040 Portable Vibration Calibrator can be used to test and verify voltage output accelerometers by applying a known vibration level and comparing the sensor output to the internal reference accelerometer.
Typical voltage sensor checks
- Voltage sensitivity in mV/g or V/g
- Reference vibration level
- Sensor output response
- Frequency response verification
- Manual or automatic test workflow
- PDF and CSV report export
What the AT-2040 does during a voltage accelerometer calibration
A voltage output accelerometer produces an electrical voltage proportional to acceleration. Depending on the sensor, the output may be specified in mV/g, V/g, or mV/m/s².
During calibration, the AT-2040 drives its internal electrodynamic shaker at a controlled vibration level and compares the voltage sensor output to the internal reference accelerometer. This allows the operator to verify sensitivity, frequency response, and general sensor performance.
AT-2040 voltage input support
Voltage output sensors are different from IEPE and charge sensors
Voltage output accelerometers are read as voltage signals. They do not use the IEPE constant-current input and they do not use the charge amplifier path. Selecting the correct input type is important for accurate results.
Voltage output accelerometer
Produces a voltage signal proportional to acceleration. Sensitivity is commonly listed as mV/g or V/g.
IEPE accelerometer
Produces a voltage signal with DC bias but requires an IEPE constant-current source. Use the IEPE input for this sensor type.
Charge accelerometer
Produces a charge output, typically specified in pC/g. Use the Charge input path for this sensor type.
Prepare the voltage sensor, cable, and mounting hardware
Good voltage sensor calibration depends on correct wiring, stable mounting, and selecting the proper input path. Always confirm the sensor datasheet before connecting the sensor.
Check the sensor datasheet
Confirm the sensor sensitivity, output type, connector pinout, required supply voltage if applicable, frequency range, and recommended calibration amplitude.
Confirm the input connection
Voltage output sensors should be connected to the correct voltage input path. Confirm signal, common, and any required power connections before starting the test.
Use proper mounting
Use the correct stud, adapter, or mounting disc. Hold the reference accelerometer with the short-handle wrench when installing or removing the sensor.
Connect the voltage output sensor to the AT-2040
Mount the voltage output accelerometer to the shaker reference platform using the correct adapter or fixture. Then connect the sensor output to the AT-2040 voltage input using the proper cable or custom interface adapter.
Some voltage sensors are self-powered or externally powered, while others may require a supply connection. Always confirm the sensor wiring before applying power or starting the calibration.
Connection checklist
- Sensor mounted securely
- Correct adapter or fixture installed
- Signal and common wiring confirmed
- Sensor power requirements confirmed
- Voltage input selected
- Acceleration units selected
Manual voltage sensor test
Manual mode is useful when you want to verify one point, troubleshoot a sensor, check wiring, or compare the sensor output at a specific frequency and vibration level.
Open Vibration Output
From the main menu, select Vibration Output.
Select Voltage
Tap the Channel button and select the voltage input channel.
Select units
Use acceleration units such as GS or m/s², depending on your setup.
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 and sensor output to stabilize.
Read sensitivity
Review live vibration and measured sensor sensitivity, typically shown as mV/g or V/g.
What to watch during the test
During a voltage sensor test, the operator should monitor both the mechanical vibration level and the voltage response from the sensor.
Live vibration
Shows the actual shaker vibration output in the selected acceleration units.
Sensitivity
Displays calculated voltage sensitivity, typically in mV/g or V/g.
Output level
Helps identify whether the shaker is approaching its output capability at the selected frequency and payload.
THD / displacement
Helps identify high distortion, excessive displacement, or test points outside the best operating range.
Run an automatic voltage accelerometer 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, 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 voltage accelerometer 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 | Voltage output accelerometer | Selects the correct voltage input path and sensitivity units. |
| Typical sensitivity | mV/g, V/g, or mV/m/s² | Must match the sensor datasheet or customer specification. |
| 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 | GS or m/s² | Voltage accelerometer input measures acceleration. |
| Output format | PDF certificate and CSV data | Supports customer records, quality systems, and further analysis. |
Where voltage output accelerometers are used
Voltage output accelerometers are used in a variety of test, monitoring, and embedded measurement systems. The correct calibration method depends on the sensor output type and wiring.
AC voltage accelerometers
Used when the sensor outputs an AC signal proportional to vibration. Sensitivity is commonly listed as mV/g.
DC-coupled accelerometers
Used when the sensor has a DC output component or measures low-frequency/static acceleration behavior.
MEMS-style voltage sensors
MEMS sensors may require a dedicated adapter or interface depending on output type, power requirements, and signal wiring.
Export calibration results
After the voltage 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
- Voltage sensitivity results
- Deviation and phase data when applicable
Pass/fail decisions are controlled by your lab procedure
The AT-2040 provides the measured voltage 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 voltage sensor calibration problems
No sensor response
Confirm the voltage input is selected, the sensor cable is connected, the pinout is correct, and the sensor is powered if external power is required.
Incorrect sensitivity
Check the sensitivity units, RMS/Peak setting, sensor power, grounding, cable wiring, and whether the correct sensor type was selected.
Amplitude limit warning
Reduce the vibration level, check the sensor and fixture mass, or use a different frequency point. Shaker output limits depend on frequency and payload.
Agate Technology can help you set up the right AT-2040 workflow.
Whether you are verifying a single voltage output accelerometer or building a repeatable calibration process, the AT-2040 can support manual testing, automatic sweeps, PDF certificates, and CSV export.
