Improving shock sensor calibration: a modified ISO 16063-22 method for enhanced MEMS sensor accuracy

The use of MEMS-based shock sensors has expanded significantly due to a cost-effective alternative to traditional piezoelectric sensors. This growth has enabled their widespread adoption for real-time monitoring, machinery health assessment, and security applications. Examples of day-to-day systems using MEMS shock sensors include household appliances, industrial machinery, terrestrial vehicles, packaging, to name but a few. In addition to their cost-effectiveness, MEMS sensors possess the capability to measure both the static and dynamic components of acceleration, which makes them an appealing alternative for many applications. However, existing calibration standards, originally developed for piezoelectric sensors, are inadequate for MEMS-based shock sensors due to differences in design and measurement principles. This highlights the need for updated calibration methodologies to ensure their reliability. This paper reviews current calibration techniques for shock sensors, analyzing their limitations for MEMS technology. It also introduces an alternative calibration method based on a modified ISO 16063-22 standard, designed to improve accuracy for MEMS-based sensors. Experimental results validate the proposed approach, demonstrating significant improvements in calibration precision. These findings provide insights into developing better calibration standards for emerging MEMS-based sensing technologies.