Dynamic range accuracy in accelerometer calibration

Accelerometers are expected to perform reliably across a wide range of operating conditions, from detecting extremely small vibrations to measuring high-g shock events. This ability to measure accurately across minimum and maximum input levels is known as dynamic range, and it is a critical performance parameter in aerospace, automotive, defence and advanced industrial testing applications.

Maintaining dynamic range accuracy is not a simple matter of checking whether an accelerometer “works”. It requires careful, specialist calibration to ensure the sensor responds correctly across its full operating spectrum. Without this assurance, data may appear stable while masking significant measurement error at critical points.

What is dynamic range and why does it matter?

The dynamic range of an accelerometer defines the span between the smallest and largest acceleration levels it can measure accurately. In real-world applications, sensors are rarely used at a single fixed input. Instead, they are exposed to varying vibration amplitudes, transient shock events and long-term operational loading.

For example, in aerospace testing, an accelerometer may need to detect low-level structural vibration during normal operation and accurately capture high-amplitude events (turbulence, landing loads, qualification testing) at the same time. If accuracy degrades at either end of the range, the resulting data becomes unreliable.

Errors at low levels can obscure early signs of fatigue or resonance and inaccuracies at high amplitudes can lead to incorrect assumptions about structural integrity or system performance. These risks are unacceptable in safety-critical environments. 

Why dynamic range accuracy degrades over time

Accelerometers are precision electromechanical devices and, as such, their performance is influenced by both internal and external factors. Over time, exposure to demanding operating conditions can alter sensor behaviour in subtle but significant ways. Common contributors to degraded dynamic range accuracy include:

• Sustained vibration and cyclic loading

• Mechanical shock or over-range events

• Temperature extremes and thermal cycling

• Ageing of internal sensing elements

These effects are not always obvious. An accelerometer may continue to produce stable, repeatable readings while no longer measuring accurately across its full range. This makes dynamic range degradation difficult to detect without comprehensive calibration.

Why professional calibration is essential

Achieving confidence in dynamic range performance is an intricate process that demands specialist facilities, equipment and expertise. Calibration must account for sensor type, mounting conditions, environmental influences and the intended application.

UKAS-accredited calibration ensures that measurements are traceable to national standards and performed in line with ISO/IEC 17025 requirements. This includes rigorous uncertainty analysis, controlled test conditions and documented verification across the relevant operating range.

For organisations operating in regulated or safety-critical sectors, this level of assurance is not optional. It provides defensible data, supports audit readiness and reduces the risk of costly retesting, investigation or asset downtime caused by unreliable measurements.

Managing risk through accurate dynamic range calibration

From a risk management perspective, dynamic range accuracy represents trust in measurement data. Decisions about maintenance intervals, component life, system performance and safety margins all rely on accelerometer outputs being correct across the full range of conditions experienced in service.

Regular, professional calibration allows engineers to detect emerging non-linearities, confirm suitability for demanding applications and maintain confidence in long-term datasets. It also supports evidence-based optimisation of calibration intervals, balancing operational efficiency with measurement integrity.

Why the right calibration partner matters

Not all calibration services are equipped to assess dynamic range performance properly. The difference lies in the ability to replicate real operating conditions, apply appropriate reference standards and interpret results with a deep understanding of accelerometer behaviour.

DM’s expert accelerometer calibration services designed to validate dynamic range accuracy for demanding industrial and aerospace applications. With UKAS accreditation, specialist facilities and experienced engineers, DM ensures accelerometers deliver reliable data across the full spectrum of measurement demands.

By partnering with a professional calibration provider, organisations can reduce uncertainty, protect data integrity and maintain confidence in the measurements that highlight critical engineering decisions.