Accelerometer Operating Temperature

Why would you accept the readings again?

No, especially when so ridiculously far out of the specified range.

The correct answer is "YES and NO". All depends on the UNCERTAINTY you could accepr for the readings.

In general an instrument has a temperature range in which it fits the spec which is indicated in the booklet.

Out of the temp range it will continue to work BUT the uncertainty is no more the one in the spec. The problem is how far the measurement will derive from the spec when you leave the spec range.

You could estimate the derive making a measure of the gravity as I mentioned in a previuous thread at different temperatures. This will give you the possibility to see it it fits your needs or not.

You should take into consideration that some designs will not work at all if you go out of range too much and also you should consider how much of the full scale is the1g.

It's an accelerometer, So, what if you use a means to insulate it and keep it within the temp range during the test? All it has to do is measure the acceleration, it doesn't have to endure the temperature of the test chamber to do that. You may be able to pump a fluid around it within an insulation shell and keep it within specs while it bounces around and gives you correct readings.

Insulate it and add a thermocouple on it to monitor the temp of the accelerometer and then adjust to the table of specs Lyn put up.

yup, that's what I had I mind right now. really appreciate your reply.

Check the specifications and then decide if the temperature is a factor. I'd say it's too far out to be reliable.

Or, as we so often say here, RTFM.

↓Taken from the data sheet for this device.

The question needs to be addressed by the manufacturer. Since they have supplied operating temperature limits, they must have tested the unit before marketing, and it 's performance at your given temperature limits may already be on record.

Its not a clever way to go and none of us here, without involving ourselves in a lot of work and expense, can answer your question with any degree (pun intended!) of accuracy.

The simple way to go is to see if there is a "military" version available that encompasses the temperatures you need, or look for a different product that does just that.

Or build a test system and calibrate (I assume it will work, though that is NOT a given) each and every sensor before usage, over the whole temperature range.....which is basically what we would have to do to answer your question accurately....

The companies that build for NASA in the USA must need accelerometers for working down to -273°C or close to. The high temperatures in space can also go beyond the boiling point of water.....so they MUST be available, but probably they are far more expensive.....still cheaper than screwing around and guessing.....

Best of luck!!