Calibrate an Analog Sensor

Introduction

Calibrating an electronic sensor is a basic skill that many scientists and engineers use when making precise measurements with data-collection tools. Essentially, it means making hardware or software adjustments so that an electronic sensor reads correctly. Many analog sensors use a simple linear calibration, meaning the sensor reading varies in direct proportion to the voltage signal. This makes calibration relatively easy. Examples of these are the Vernier Dual-Range Force Sensor, pH Sensor, and Low-g Accelerometer. Other sensors use complex calibration equations making calibration somewhat harder. Examples of these are the Vernier Stainless Steel Temperature Sensor, Surface Temperature Sensor, Ion-Selective Electrodes, and Wide-Range Temperature Sensor.

This activity challenges you to perform a linear calibration using a Vernier sensor and to verify the accuracy of your model afterward.

Objectives

• Calibrate an analog sensor
• Check the accuracy of your sensor after calibration