Technical Glossary

The pressure measured relative to a perfect vacuum.

A transducer that has an internal reference chamber sealed at or close to 0 psia (full vacuum).

A vector that specifies the time rate of change (derivative) of velocity.

The maximum acceleration level specified for an instrument to which it can be subjected without physical damage. The maximum vibration or shock acceleration to which an instrument can be subjected without permanent damage.

Standard, by international agreement, g = 9.80665 m/s2 = 386.088 in/s2 = 32.174 ft/s2. Actual acceleration of gravity varies depending on altitude and latitude of location of measurement. Variation is less than +/- 0.5% in industrialized areas of the world, and less than 0.3% in the 48 contiguous states of the USA.

A transducer which converts input accelerations into outputs (usually electrical) which are proportional to the input acceleration values.

The ratio of the error to the full-scale Output or the ratio of the Error to the Output, as specified, expressed in percent. More correctly: “Uncertainty”. Note: Accuracy may be expressed in terms of units of Measurand, or as with +/- percent of Full Scale Output.

The output of a transducer, not due to rigid body motions, in response to a specified acoustical environment. Usually expressed as equivalent RMS measurand induced by a specified sound pressure level spectrum having an overall value of 140 dB referred to 0.0002 μbar (20 μPa) RMS.

The conditions (pressure, temperature, etc.) of the medium surrounding the case of the instrument.

The closeness of the calibration curve of sensitivity to a straight line over a stated range of measurand amplitudes, at a stated fixed frequency.

Angular frequency (also known as circular frequency (omega)) is the torsional vibration frequency in radians per second. Multiply by 2π and express in cycles per second (cps) or hertz (Hz).

A condition that exists in a system when with a constant applied excitation where any change in frequency causes an increase in system response.

The pressure caused by the weight of the earth’s atmosphere; varies with geographic location, altitude, and weather.

A Filter having a single transmission band extending from a lower cutoff frequency greater than zero to a finite upper cutoff frequency.

See Atmospheric Pressure.

The sensitivity to strains applied to the base by bending, in the absence of any rigid body motion of the transducer. Usually expressed in equivalent measurand units at 250 μstrain applied to the mounting structure.

The ratio of two amounts of power expressed as a logarithm to the base 10. A decibel (dB) is one-tenth of a bel.

A line midway between the two parallel straight lines closest together and enclosing all output vs. measurand values on a calibration curve.

A Wheatstone bridge configuration utilizing four resistive elements.

See Input impedance and Output impedance.

Vibration signals that are unfiltered. Signals at all frequencies contribute to the measured value.

The comparison of transducer voltage outputs against the outputs of a reference standard.

An orderly procedure for determining sensitivity as a function of frequency, temperature, amplitude, etc. Yields deviations from correct values used for inferring true magnitudes from indicated magnitudes. Calibration may also refer to adjusting an instrument, lessening deviations from a standard sensitivity.

The minimum resistance, measured at a specified dc voltage, between the output common of an instrument and the entire metallic enclosure of the instrument.

The point within an accelerometer where acceleration forces are considered to be summed.

An amplifier that presents an output voltage that is proportional to the total electrical charge presented to the input.

See Line pressure.

Provision of a supplemental device, circuit, or special materials to counteract known sources of error.

The ratio of change in translational (or rotational) displacement of an elastic element to the corresponding change of force (or torque). Compliance is the reciprocal of stiffness.

The maximum voltage that a constant current source will go to maintain the selected current.

A wave in an elastic medium causing an element of the medium to change volume, a result of compressive or tensile stresses. It is normally a longitudinal wave.

Electric current independent of either voltage or resistances and fixed at a specific value. A constant current power supply varies its output voltage, up to its maximum compliance voltage, to maintain the fixed current into the load.

For an oscillating quantity, the ratio of the peak value to the RMS value.

Critical damping (Cc) is the minimum viscous damping that will allow a displaced system to return to its initial position without oscillation or overshoot. Cc=2 √m.

A particular resonant frequency (see Resonance) at which damage (or degradation in performance) is likely.

A characteristic speed of a rotating system, such that the predominant excitation occurs at resonances of the system.

The signal observed in one channel due to a signal in another channel. “Cross talk” is erroneously applied to transverse sensitivity of transducers including shakers.

The frequency above or below the frequency of maximum response of a filter at which the response to a sinusoidal signal is 3 dB below the maximum response.

The complete sequence of values of a periodic quantity that occurs during any one period.

Dissipation of oscillatory or vibratory energy with motion or with time. Critical damping (q.v.) is that value that provides the most rapid response to a step function without overshoot. Damping ratio is then C/Cc.

For a system with linear viscous damping, the ratio of the actual damping coefficient to the critical damping coefficient.

The change in the damping over a specified temperature range. Usually specified in %/°C. This specification usually found in damped accelerometers such as piezoresistive and variable capacitance accelerometers.

The volume inside the pressure port of a transducer at room temperature and barometric pressure.

Ratios of identical quantities are expressed in decibel or deciBel or dB units. Magnitude thus refers to some standard value, in terms of the base 10 logarithm of that ratio. In measuring acoustic or vibration power (as in PSD or ASD of random vibration), the number of dB = 10 log10 P/P0. P0, the reference level, equals 0dB. In measuring the more common voltage-like quantities such as acceleration, the number of dB = 20 log10 E/E0. E0, the reference level, equals 0dB.

The change in length along the primary axis or the distance a diaphragm moves at the center between no-load and rated-load conditions.

In mechanics, the total number of directions of motion (of all the points being considered) on a structure being modeled or otherwise evaluated. In statistics, the number of independent variables used in constructing a mathematical model representing some collection of random variables.

A vibration whose instantaneous value at any future time can be predicted by an exact mathematical expression. Sinusoidal vibration is the classic example. Complex vibration is less simple (two or more sinusoids). See also Periodic vibration.

The sensing membrane which is deformed when pressure is applied.

A symmetrical input circuit configured such that both input lines have equal impedance and transfer characteristics with respect to the transducer grounding structure. The amplifier then amplifies only the difference between the two inputs, rejecting any common signal (Common Mode).

The difference in pressure between two measurement points.

A term sometimes found on IEPE datasheets. It is the time constant created by the output characteristics of the internal electronics. The time constant determines the low frequency point of the accelerometer e.g., the -5% low frequency point is 0.5/time constant. It is the time required for the sensor’s electronics to discharge to 37%of its original value following a step function input.

The change in position of a body or point with respect to a reference point. A vector quantity specifying the change of position of a body or particle, usually measured from the mean or rest position.

In mechanics, any unwanted motion. If sinusoidal motion were desired at a fundamental frequency, any motion at harmonics or subharmonics of that frequency, or any mechanical “hash” (perhaps due to parts colliding). In electronic measurements, any unwanted signal; e.g. amplifiers may generate unwanted signals by clipping, nonlinearity or harmonic distortion.

The total excursion of a simple harmonic quantity; the peak-to-peak value. DURATION: Of a shock pulse, how long it lasts. For “classical” pulses, time is usually measured between instants when the amplitude is greater than 10% of peak value.

The complex ratio of force to acceleration at a point in a mechanical system during simple harmonic motion. Usually expressed as: Za=F/a.

The outputs at the specified upper and lower limits of the Range.

The process whereby the response of a vibration system is adjusted to a flat or shaped spectrum.

The algebraic difference between the indicated value and the true value of the measurand. In a transducer, usually expressed in percent of the full-scale output reading of the transducer.

The band of maximum deviations of output values from a specified reference line or curve as a result of causes due to the instrument.

The external electrical voltage and/or current applied to a transducer for its proper operation. Mechanical excitation is a mechanical input driving force into a structure such as from a hammer, shaker, etc.

The voltage or current applied to the input terminals of the transducer.

A shortcut method implemented in computers and digital measurement instrumentation to quickly create a frequency domain spectrum, often in real-time.

The measure of the efficiency of an accelerometer’s design. F of M = Charge Sensitivity X Fn 2.

A device to pass certain frequencies (pass band) but block other frequencies (stop band). Classified as low-pass (high-stop), high-pass(low-stop), band-pass or band-stop. Filters may be mechanical, electrical, or optical.

Sensing element is located on the very tip of the transducer (No pressure port).

The vibratory motion of a system caused by some mechanical excitation. If excitation is periodic and continuous, motion eventually becomes steady-state.

A series which expresses the values of a periodic function in terms of discrete frequency components that are harmonically related to each other.

The field in a homogeneous, isotropic medium free from acoustically reflecting boundaries. Usually a field in which the effects of the boundaries are negligible over the region of interest.

Free vibration occurs without force, as after a reed is plucked.

The reciprocal of the period in seconds (of a periodic function) (1/T). Usually given in hertz (Hz), meaning cycles per second (cps).

The change, with frequency, of the sensitivity with respect to the reference sensitivity of a transducer, for sinusoidally varying applied measurand within a stated range of frequencies. The output signal expressed as a function of the frequency of the input signal.

A description of the resolution into frequency components, giving the amplitude (sometimes also phase) of each component.

The frequency of free oscillations of the sensing element of a fully assembled transducer. The frequency of a sinusoidally applied measurand at which the transducer output lags the measurand by 90 degrees.

The algebraic difference between the end points of the range. Usually expressed as plus or minus one-half of the algebraic difference.

The number of cycles per second of the lowest-frequency component of a complex, cyclic motion. (See also Harmonic and Subharmonic). g: The acceleration produced by Earth’s gravity. By international agreement, the value for 1 gravitational unit is 9.80665 m/s2 = 386.087 in/sec 2 = 32.1739 ft/sec2. g UNITS or GRAVITATIONAL UNITS: A way to express acceleration in terms of the gravitational constant, is equal to in/sec 22/ 386.087 in/sec2 or to m/s2 / 9.80665 m/s2 . GAGE FACTOR: The ratio of the relative change of resistance to the relative change in length of a Resistive Strain Transducer. GF = δR/R δL/L.

The pressure above (or below) atmospheric. Represents positive difference between measured pressure and existing atmospheric pressure. Can be converted to absolute by adding actual atmospheric pressure value.

Transfer characteristic expressing the ratio of output voltage to the input signal of an amplifier. For a voltage amplifier: expressed as volts/volt, as mV/mV, or as dimensionless number. For a charge amplifier: expressed as millivolts per Pico Coulomb (mV/pC).

The minimum and maximum values of gain that are available in an amplifier without causing any degradation in performance parameters beyond the limits of the specification. For a charge amplifier: expressed as from ____mV/pC to ____mV/pC.

The closed electrical circuit formed by the connection of a ground wire to several ground terminals at different locations.

Refers to the presence or absence of an electrical connection between the “low” side (signal return) of the transducer element and the portion of the transducer intended to be in contact with the test structure.

An ideal shock pulse for which the acceleration-time relation has the shape of the positive (or negative) section of one cycle of a sine wave.

A sinusoidal quantity having a frequency that is an integral multiple (X2, X3, etc.) of a fundamental (X1) frequency. Harmonic distortion: The maximum harmonic content of a periodic output signal, for any given frequency or amplitude within the specified limits, expressed as a percentage of the RMS value of the signal.

An ideal shock pulse for which the acceleration-time curve has the shape of one full cycle of a versine curve beginning at zero.

A wave filter having a single transmission band extending from some critical or cutoff frequency, other than zero, up to an infinite frequency.

The phenomenon exhibited by a system in which the response of the system to changes is dependent upon its past response to change. The maximum difference in output of a device, at any measurand value within its specified range, when the value is approached first with increasing and then with decreasing measurand.

ICP® - Integrated Circuit Piezoelectric - is a brand name used to identify PCB sensors that combine a piezoelectric element and amplifier within a single housing. The ICP® sensor technology was a major breakthrough pioneered by PCB in the late 60's that allowed engineers to make dynamic measurements in a more accurate, reliable, simple and cost-effective way. The electronics convert a high-impedance charge signal generated by a piezoelectric sensing element into a usable low-impedance voltage signal that can be readily transmitted, over ordinary two-wire or coaxial cables to any data acquisition system or readout device.

The pressure in a moving fluid which is exerted parallel to the direction of flow, caused by the inertial effects of the mass of the fluid. Also called Dynamic pressure or Velocity pressure.

Maximum deviation from the linear regression line (least squares fit) for all measured points, expressed as percent of full scale output.

The ratio of acceleration to force. 1/M = F/.

The equivalent value of resistance and inductance or capacitance, in series or parallel with the input terminals.

The resistance measured on the excitation voltage leads on a piezoresistive device. By convention, these are the black and red leads.

The DC resistance, expressed in ohms, measured between any electrical connector pin or lead wire and the transducer body or case. Normally measured at 50 Vdc.

Isolation that is the absence of a direct electrical connection between the lines of the power supply and the amplifier common.

A vector that specifies the time rate of change (derivative) of acceleration.

The maximum pressure in the pressure vessel or pipe for differential pressure measurement. Also called Common mode pressure.

A system is linear if its response is directly proportional to excitation over a stated range of amplitudes at a stated fixed frequency. A plot of input versus output amplitudes of a linear system will be a straight line.

The maximum deviation of the calibration curve from a specified straight line expressed as a percent of full scale output and only measured on increasing measurand.

The closeness of a calibration curve to a specified straight line. See: Amplitude linearity.

The impedance presented to the output terminals of an instrument by the associated external circuitry.

Cable treated with low-noise material to reduce the effects of triboelectric noise. To be used on charge-mode piezoelectric accelerometers.

A wave filter having a single transmission band extending from zero frequency to some finite critical or cutoff frequency.

A physical property, dynamically computed as acceleration/force. Statically computed as W (which can be measured on a scale)/g. Ordinary structures are not pure masses as they contain reactive elements, i.e. springs and damping.

The physical quantity, property, or condition which is measured. (e.g. pressure, load, weight or acceleration).

At a point in a mechanical system, the complex ratio of force to velocity during simple harmonic motion. Usually expressed as: F/v where all terms are phasors, having a magnitude and direction. Mechanical impedance is the reciprocal of Mobility.

The fluid(s) in contact with the diaphragm, the pressure of which is being measured.

The resonance frequency of an accelerometer rigidly mounted directly to the vibration generator with a solid stud, or adhesive mounted as specified by the manufacturer.

The frequency of free vibration of a damped linear system. fd=½π x √(k/m-c/4m²).

The frequency of free vibration resulting from only elastic and inertial forces of the system. fn=½π x √k/m. Regardless of damping present, the frequency of sinusoidal excitation of a single-degree-of-freedom accelerometer at which the output signal lags behind the motion of the case (housing) by a phase angle of 90°.

Describes locations within a few inches to a few feet from the explosive event. The area is subjected to a very fast rise time, high amplitude, high frequency energy.

A point, line, or surface in a standing wave where some characteristic of the wave field has essentially zero amplitude.

Any disagreeable or undesired acoustical or electrical oscillations.

Used interchangeably with “linearity.”

Used interchangeably with “repeatability.”

The interval between two frequencies differing by exactly 2:1.

The electrical signal measured at the output terminals which is produced by an applied input to a transducer.

The open-circuit equivalent generator impedance, expressed in equivalent value of resistance, and inductance or capacitance, in series or parallel with the output generator. The effective internal impedance in series with the output terminals of an amplifier or circuit.

Resistance measured on the signal output leads of a piezoresistive device. By convention, these are the green and white wires.

The maximum time for an amplifier to return to a minimum defined level of linear operation following an input overload of defined amplitude, duration, and pulse shape.

The maximum pressure or load which may be applied to the transducer without causing a permanent change in the performance specifications.

The amount of output measured beyond the final steady-state output value, in response to a step change in the measurand.

The pressure which would be exerted by one constituent of a mixture of gases, if it alone were to occupy the same volume as the mixture. See also Total pressure.

Pressure of one Newton (force) per square meter.

For an oscillating quantity, the algebraic difference between the extreme values of the quantity. (Same as double amplitude).

An oscillation whose waveform regularly repeats. Compare with Probabilistic Vibration.

The amount of time by which the output of an instrument lags a sinusoidally varying input. Usually expressed as a fraction of a cycle of the frequency, in degrees.

That property of asymmetric crystalline materials that develop electric polarization proportional to strain.

A transducer that relies on deformation of its sensitive element to change the resistance of the element. Some semi-conductors give greater resistance change for a given deformation than metals.

The relationship between the transducer output and direction of applied measurand; taken as “standard” or “positive” when a positive charge or voltage appears on the “high” side of the transducer output for an acceleration directed from the mounting surface into the body of the accelerometer.

The mean square measurand at a specified frequency divided by the bandwidth used to measure it, as the bandwidth approaches zero. In vibration measurement it is usually expressed as g²/Hz.

The relative closeness of the distribution of measurements of a quantity about their mean value. A high precision implies that the measurement has small random errors such as: a) Errors of judgment b) Fluctuating conditions (temperature, pressure, line voltage) c) Small disturbances (vibration, spurious electrical pickup, etc.

The height of a liquid column at the base of which a given pressure would be developed due to gravity acting on the fluid mass.

(As compared to Deterministic Vibration), one whose magnitude at any future time can only be predicted statistically. See also Random Vibration.

Pounds per square inch.

Pounds per square inch absolute.

Pounds per square inch differential.

Pounds per square inch gage.

The time during which the faired magnitude of the pulse is above 10% of its maximum value.

Electrical signal (charge) which appears on the surfaces of a piezoelectric crystal when temperature gradients occur across the crystal.

The quantity Q is a measure of the sharpness of resonance or frequency selectivity of a resonant vibratory system having a single degree of freedom, either mechanical or electrical. It is often used for the ratio of the sensitivity of a transducer, at its resonance frequency, to its reference sensitivity. It is also used to express transmissibility at resonance).

A circuit that is configured to provide electrical characteristics similar to those of a true differential circuit over a narrow range of operating conditions.

(See Probabilistic Vibration). One whose in°stantaneous magnitudes cannot be predicted. Adjective “Gaussian” applies if they follow the Gaussian distribution. May be broad-band, covering a wide, continuous frequency range, or narrow-band, covering a relatively narrow frequency range. Random vibration contains no periodic or deterministic components.

The measurand values, over which a transducer is intended to measure, specified by their upper and lower limits.

The ratio of the change in charge or voltage generated by a transducer to the change in value of measurand that is measured under a set of defined conditions. For accelerometers, it is typically measured at 100 Hz (in the USA) and standard room conditions (q.v.).

The total pressure that results at the interface when a shock wave traveling in a medium encounters a discontinuity such as a rigid surface or another shock wave.

The ratio, expressed as a percentage, of the amount of water in a given volume of air at a given temperature to the amount required to saturate the air at that temperature. Reliability: the characteristic of an item expressed by the probability that it will perform a required function under given conditions for a specific period of time.

The maximum deviation from the mean of corresponding data points taken under identical conditions. (2) The maximum difference in output for identically-repeated stimuli (no change in other test conditions). The maximum difference in outputs, at the same input, with the input changing in the same direction. Do not confuse with Accuracy.

The RMS noise measured at the output of an accelerometer over a specified bandwidth. The bandwidth can be broadband with noise expressed in ng or μg RMS or a series of narrow band specifications expressed in ng or μg/√H.

A measure of ability to delineate, detail, or distinguish between nearly equal values of quantity. Also referred to as “threshold” – lowest level of valid measurement.

The resolution is the smallest change of measurand, i.e. displacement, velocity or acceleration, for which a change in output is discernible

Resonance of a system in forced oscillation exists when any change, however small, in the frequency of excitation causes a decrease in the response of the system.

The vibratory motion or force that results from some mechanical input. In general, the output of a system that results from some input.

The signal from a “response sensor” measuring the mechanical response of a mechanical system to an input vibration or shock.

The signal from a “response sensor” measuring the mechanical response of a mechanical system to an input vibration or shock. Rise time: the length of time required for the output of an instrument to rise from a small percentage of its final value to a large percentage of its final value as a result of a step change of input measurand. Usually assumed to be between 10% and 90% of the final value.

The time required for the output of a transducer to increase from zero to some specified percentage of its final value when excited by a step change in measurand.

The length of time required for the output of an instrument to rise from a small percentage of its final value to a large percentage of its final value as a result of a step change of input measurand. Usually assumed to be between 10% and 90% of the final value.

The square root of the time-averaged squares of a series of measurements. Refer to a textbook on electrical engineering. In the exclusive case of a sine wave, the RMS value is 0.707 X the peak value.

Ambient environmental conditions, which have been established as follows: a) Temperature: 25 ±10° C (77 ±18° F) b) Relative Humidity: 90% or less c) Barometric Pressure: 26 to 32 inches Hg (880 to 1083 mbar).

The square root of the sum of the squares of a series of measurements. Most often used to statistically sum independent errors.

The international (metric) system of units.

An ideal shock pulse for which the acceleration-time curve has the shape of a triangular wave wherein the acceleration increases linearly to a maximum value and then drops instantaneously to zero.

Pressure measured with reference to the pressure in a sealed container; the container is usually within the sensor.

Internal heating resulting from electrical energy dissipated within a current-carrying element.

The part of the transducer which reacts directly in response to the measurand

The ratio of the change in transducer output to a change in the value of the measurand (e.g., mV/g).

A wave in an elastic medium that causes an element to change its shape without a change in volume, a result of shear stresses. Normally a transverse wave.

The application of a sudden change in force, position, velocity, or acceleration that excites transient disturbances in a system. Change is normally considered sudden if it takes place in a time that is short compared with natural periods of concern.

A form of shock excitation characterized by a rise and decay of acceleration in a relatively short period of time.

A plot (amplitude vs. frequency) of the response of a number of single-degree-of-freedom systems to an applied shock.

A shock spectrum derived from response measurement within the duration of a simple shock pulse.

A shock spectrum derived from response measurements after a shock has ended.

The change in electrical output caused by placing a fixed resistor between the appropriate transducer terminals. Used “in the field” for quick calibration.

A shunt resistor which, when placed across a specified element of the electrical circuit of a transducer, will electrically simulate a specified percentage of the transducer full-scale output at room conditions.

The electrical resistance observed between the two terminals of a piezoelectric transducer or its integral cable.

Periodic vibration that is a sinusoidal function of time.

A system requiring but one coordinate to completely define its configuration at any instant.

An input circuit configured such that one of the input lines is electrically and directly connected to signal ground.

The terminal slope of attenuation of the frequency response of a filter, usually expressed at 6 n dB/octave, where n is the order of the filter.

The maximum rate at which the output voltage of an instrument can be made to change understated load conditions.

The total external capacitance shunting the input terminals of an amplifier. Includes transducer and cable capacitance.

The total of all dc resistive leakage paths shunting the input terminals of an amplifier.

The algebraic difference between the limits of the Range.

The group of error limits within which each device will operate.

The sum of the static pressure and the impact pressure. It can be measured at a point where the velocity of the fluid is zero.

A statistical term: the square root of the variance, i.e., the square root of the mean of the squares of the deviations from the mean value. If the mean is zero, standard deviation is equal to RMS.

The pressure of a fluid, exerted normal to the direction along which the fluid flows.

An ensemble of time-histories such that their statistical properties are invariant with respect to translations in time.

Periodic vibration for which the statistical measurement properties (such as the peak, average, RMS and mean values) are constant.

The ratio of change of force (or torque) to the corresponding change in translational (or rotational) displacement of an elastic element. Usually expressed as: k = F/d = W/δ.

A measuring element for converting mechanical strain into an electrical signal.

See Excitation

The range of temperature over which a transducer can operate up to full scale and still meet all specifications. Meggitt’s Endevco pressure transducers incorporate temperature compensation.

The utilization of supplementary devices, materials, or components with the transducer to minimize sources of error caused by changing temperature.

The range of ambient temperatures, given by their extremes, within which an instrument is intended to operate.

The range of temperature over which a transducer may be safely operated up to full scale without causing failure; but specifications may not be met.

(Temperature Sensitivity Error): The change in sensitivity due to changes in ambient temperature from a reference temperature to the specified limits of the Operating Temperature Range.

The output (response) of an accelerometer when subjected to a temperature change. (See Transient Temperature Error).

The change in zero measurand output due to changes in ambient temperature from a reference temperature to the specified limits of the operating temperature range.

Output noise level of a transducer expressed in g. Threshold resolution = Residual Noise/Sensitivity.

The length of time required for the output of an instrument to rise to 63% of its final value as a result of a step change of the input measurand.

The sum of the pressures (partial pressures) which each gas (in a mixture of gases) would exert were it to occupy the containing vessel alone.

A band-pass filter (usually narrow-band) whose center frequency can be made to follow an external synchronizing signal.

A device designed to receive energy from one system and to supply energy, of either the same or of a different kind, to another in such a manner that the desired characteristics of the input energy appear at the output.

The ratio between output and input of an instrument usually expressed in terms of gain and phase shift as a function of frequency.

The output of a transducer when subjected to a specified transient temperature change within the specified operating temperature range. (See Thermal Transient Response.)

Usually expressed as equivalent measurand per degree temperature change measured in accordance with ANSI S2.11-1969, Section 4.9.

The non-dimensional ratio of the response amplitude of a system in steady-state forced vibration to the excitation amplitude.

The maximum sensitivity of a transducer to an acceleration or other measurand perpendicular to the sensitive axis of the transducer (Intended measuring direction). Transverse sensitivity is usually expressed as a percentage of the sensitivity in the sensitive axis.

Unwanted noise caused by the by electrical charges generated by the rubbing the insulation layers in a cable.

See Warm-up time.

The trailing edge of the output of an amplifier that cannot respond to dc components of an input signal, that appears in opposite polarity to a unipolar primary pulse.

Pressure measured below atmospheric pressure and with reference to atmospheric pressure (Negative gage pressure).

A vector that specifies the time rate of change (derivative) of displacement.

See Impact pressure.

The period of time, starting with the application of excitation or power to an instrument, required to assure that the instrument will perform within all specified tolerances.

A random noise or vibration having equal energy per unit bandwidth (uniform power spectral density) over the spectrum of interest.

Used when "setting up" a transducer to adjust the output signal to zero when zero load/pressure is applied.

The output signal of the transducer with rated excitation and with no-load applied, usually expressed in millivolts. Also called ZMO and zero pressure output.

A measure of the difference between the real output and the desired output of zero measurands from an instrument or system which is properly energized.

The difference in zero balance measured immediately before rated load application of specified duration and measured after removal of the load, and when the output has stabilized.