ISO 16063-1-1998 PDF

Full title and description

Methods for the calibration of vibration and shock transducers — Part 1: Basic concepts (ISO 16063-1:1998). This part provides the fundamental concepts, definitions, measurement characteristics and general procedures for the calibration of vibration and shock transducers, and explains the role of primary and secondary calibration methods and the expression of measurement uncertainty for such calibrations.

Abstract

ISO 16063-1:1998 introduces the basic concepts used across the ISO 16063 series for calibrating vibration and shock transducers. It describes the characteristics to be measured (sensitivity, frequency and phase response, non-linearity, transverse and rotational sensitivity, mounting effects and environmental influences), outlines primary (absolute) and secondary (comparative) calibration approaches (including laser interferometry and reciprocity where applicable), and gives principles for expressing measurement uncertainty relevant to vibration and shock calibration.

General information

• Status: Published — International Standard (confirmed in the periodic review process).
• Publication date: October 1998 (ISO 16063-1:1998, Edition 1).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 17.160 (Mechanical vibration and shock).
• Edition / version: Edition 1 (1998); document has subsequent amendments issued to the series (see related parts and amendments).
• Number of pages: 24 pages.

Scope

ISO 16063-1:1998 establishes the foundational scope for methods used to calibrate vibration and shock transducers. It applies to determination of transducer sensitivity and other performance characteristics over relevant amplitude and frequency ranges, describes calibration reference conditions, and sets out the general classification of calibration methods (primary/absolute and comparative/secondary), including guidance on measurement conditions and the treatment of uncertainty. The part is intended to be read together with the other parts of the ISO 16063 series that provide detailed procedures for particular primary or secondary methods.

Key topics and requirements

• Definitions and measurement objectives: sensitivity (magnitude and phase), frequency response, linearity, transverse and rotational sensitivity, damping and environmental effects.
• Classification of calibration methods: primary (absolute) methods such as laser interferometry and reciprocity, and comparative methods using reference transducers.
• Recommended reference frequencies and procedures for primary calibration (discussion of typical reference frequencies used with laser interferometry).
• Instrumentation and test conditions: vibration generators (shakers), displacement/velocity/acceleration measurement, mounting considerations and avoidance of spurious motions.
• Special tests and effects: mounting torque sensitivity, transverse sensitivity testing, magnetic and environmental influences, and high-acceleration/shock considerations.
• Expression of measurement uncertainty: principles and guidance for reporting calibration results with stated uncertainty.

Typical use and users

ISO 16063-1 is used by national and accredited calibration laboratories, instrument manufacturers, metrology institutes, test houses and design or maintenance teams that need to calibrate, verify or specify vibration and shock transducers (accelerometers, velocity transducers, force transducers used for shock, etc.). It serves as the conceptual and normative basis for implementing the detailed procedures given in the subsequent parts of the ISO 16063 series.

Related standards

ISO 16063 is a multipart series. Relevant parts include (non‑exhaustive): Part 11 (primary vibration calibration by laser interferometry), Part 12 (primary vibration calibration by reciprocity), Part 13 (primary shock calibration using laser interferometry), Part 15 (primary angular vibration calibration by laser interferometry), Part 21 (vibration calibration by comparison to a reference transducer), Part 22 (shock calibration by comparison), Part 31 (testing of transverse vibration sensitivity), Part 32/33/34/41/42/43/44/45 and others that cover specialized methods, tests and instrument types. Users should consult the specific part appropriate to their calibration method.

Keywords

vibration calibration, shock calibration, transducer calibration, accelerometer, velocity transducer, laser interferometry, reciprocity, comparison method, frequency response, measurement uncertainty, ISO 16063.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 16063-1:1998 is Part 1 of the ISO 16063 series and defines the basic concepts and general principles for calibrating vibration and shock transducers. It establishes terminology, measurement characteristics and the overall structure of calibration methods used across the series.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers fundamental topics such as sensitivity (magnitude and phase), frequency response, non-linearity, transverse/rotational sensitivity, mounting and environmental effects, categories of calibration methods (primary/absolute and comparative), and guidance on expressing measurement uncertainty. It does not give all step‑by‑step procedures for every method—those are provided in the other parts of ISO 16063.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Accredited calibration laboratories, national metrology institutes, manufacturers of vibration and shock transducers, test laboratories, and engineers responsible for instrument calibration and traceability typically use this standard as the conceptual and normative reference.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: ISO 16063-1:1998 remains the published edition (Edition 1, 1998) and has been through periodic review; the record shows it was confirmed in ISO’s review process (review/confirmation activity most recently recorded in 2025). Users should check for any later amendments to the ISO 16063 series or national/adopted versions when applying the standard.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — ISO 16063 is a multipart standard (many parts numbered 1, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, 17, 21, 22, 31, 32, 33, 34, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, etc.) covering specific calibration methods, tests and instrument types. Part 1 provides the basic concepts used throughout the series.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Keywords include calibration, vibration, shock, transducer, accelerometer, sensitivity, frequency response, laser interferometry, reciprocity, comparison method, uncertainty.