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Position Transducer Linearity (Calibration) Calculator

Tip: Use the Tab key to move field to field.
Directions: 1. Enter calibration range and press Set Range. 2. Enter values in all remaining cells and press Calculate.
Calibration range: in (254 mm) Excitation: volts
Part number:
Serial number:
Test number:
Span
(%)
Step
(in)
Step
(mm)
Actual
(mV)
Ideal
(mV)
Error
(mV)
Error
(%)
0 0.000 0.000 1.00000 4.00000 0.04000
10 1.000 25.400 1000.25455 -10.25455 -0.10255
20 2.000 50.800 1999.50909 5.49091 0.05491
30 3.000 76.200 2998.76364 -8.76364 -0.08764
40 4.000 101.600 3998.01818 3.98182 0.03982
50 5.000 127.000 4997.27273 -4.27273 -0.04273
60 6.000 152.400 5996.52727 7.47273 0.07473
70 7.000 177.800 6995.78182 14.21818 0.14218
80 8.000 203.200 7995.03636 -5.03636 -0.05036
90 9.000 228.600 8994.29091 4.70909 0.04709
100 10.000 254.000 9993.54545 -11.54545 -0.11545
Results
Line Slope 999.254545 mV/in
Sensitivity 99.770000 mV/V/in
3.927953 mV/V/mm
0.001002 in/mV
0.025459 mm/mV
Maximum Independent Linearity Error +0.142182%
-0.115455%
Date and Time Sat 9 Nov 2024 23:55:00 EST

What Does The Above Calculator Tell Me?

The above calculator is also known as a "10-point calibration" (technically, you are providing 11 points). It will tell you how linear your position transducer (or any other set of data) is. It requires you know the calibration range of the unit and that you provide a known reference signal (Excitation). It also requires 11 points of data per the Step columns.

What is Linearity?

As applied to a position transducer, linearity is a measure of the deviation from a straightline ("perfection") of the position transducer's electrical output versus its mechanical position.

The VRCI-P-100A Precision Potentiometer Standard defines independent linearity for a position transducer with a non-wirewound potentiometer as the maximum deviation of the actual function characteristics from a straight reference line with its slope and position chosen to minimize the maximum deviations. It is expressed as a percentage of the Total Applied Voltage and is measured over the Theoretical Electrical Travel. The slope of the reference line, if limited, must be separately specified. An Index Point on the actual output is requried. Unless otherwise specified, the Index Point will be at θ = θT/2.

indendent linearity - nonwirewound

Mathematically, e/E = P(θ / θT) + Q± C where P is unspecified slope, Q is unspecified intercept at θ = 0 and both P and Q are chosen to minimize C but are limited by the End Voltage requirements.

There are other types of linearity such as Absolute, Terminal Based, and Zero Based. Note that Terminal Based and Zero Based linearity are not applicable to non-wirewound potentiometer-based position transducers.

Additional information on linearity can be found at Variable Electronic Components Institute (formerly Variable Resistive Components Institute). Their VRCI-P-100A Precision Potentiometer Standard provides detailed information on potentiometer performance. To learn more about our acceptance test data sheet and calibration procedures, read the Position Measurement & Control December 1999 issue.

Least Squares Best Fit Straight Line Method

The "Least Squares Best Fit Straight Line" method is preferred by most transducer manufacturers because it provides the closest possible best fit to all data points on the curve, and can be most readily adapted to computerised calibration systems in common use. Mathematically, it produces a result of "independent linearity".

The Least Squares Best Fit Straight Line is a statistical method and as such may not be a "purists" approach. But provided that the characteristics of the transducers are correctly optimised at the design and development stage and are represented by a continuous smooth curve, the assessment is meaningful and accurate.

In practice, 3, 5, 11, or more calibration points are taken over the working range of the transducer. The measured input and output values at each point are used to provide the data for each calculation of the slope of the "Least Squares Best Fit Straight Line" using the following equations.

Least Squares Best Fit Straight Line Method

As with other linearity calculation methods the maximum deviation is generally expressed as a percentage of the working range of the device. Because this evaluation is done over the working range of the transducer, the best fit straight line may not pass through the zero point of a bi-polar device such as an LVDT, universal load cell, and differential pressure transducer. However, this does not have any great practical significance since the zero output point is often adjustable electronically.

It is usually agreed that this method is by far the most efficient one. But, it must be used with care and understanding. Because of its statistical nature, the number of data points will have a direct bearing on the ultimate validity of the assessment. In practice, the more uneven the characteristic curve, the more data points must be used to take the incremental non-linearity into account.

Other calculators:

No Warranties: This calculator and information are provided "as is" without any warranty, condition, or representation of any kind, either express or implied, including but not limited to, any warranty respecting non-infringement, and the implied warranties of conditions of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. In no event shall SpaceAge Control, Inc. be liable for any direct, indirect, special, incidental, consequential or other damages howsoever caused whether arising in contract, tort, or otherwise, arising out of or in connection with the use or performance of the information contained on this Web page.


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