How to Calibrate Your Silicon Designs Accelerometer

Silicon Designs DC accelerometers use MEMS capacitive sensing technology that responds to the Earth’s gravity. When stationary and lying flat, the sensor naturally measures approximately 1G. This makes it easy to verify and perform static calibration using gravity as a reference. The following instructions apply to differential mode operation.

Auto-Calibrating with SDI’s 3330 or 3340 G-Logger

Silicon Designs’ G-Logger® Models 3330 and 3340 include a built-in auto-calibration function. This feature performs all the calculations outlined below for up to three input channels. These G-Logger units also provide the required power for the accelerometer, eliminating the need for an external supply and simplifying the entire process.

Both the 3330 and 3340 models can perform automatic calibrations on SDI’s Industrial Test & Measurement modules, as well as Industrial Surface Mount Accelerometers, when used in conjunction with the SDI EB-L or EB-J Analog Test Kits. 

Recommended Equipment

While the example below uses the SDI 2260-025 module, the same calibration process applies to all Silicon Designs Industrial Test & Measurement modules. For triaxial modules, repeat the procedure for each axis. Surface mount accelerometers can be calibrated in a similar manner using the EB-L or EB-J Analog Test Kits.

How to Calibrate (Manual Method)

1. Connect the wiring
   Wire your accelerometer according to the Quick Start Guide. In this example, a 9V battery is used as the power source, which falls within the supported +8 to +32V DC range for the 2260.
2. Take a +1G reading
   Place the module flat with the lid facing up. Record the output voltage (Figure A).
3. Take a -1G reading
   Flip the module so the lid faces downward. Record the output voltage (Figure B).