Static Offset
Constant error in the output of a linear motion sensor that exists independently of applied acceleration. This accelerometer bias represents the average deviation from the true value when the device is at rest relative to a reference frame. The value includes both static offsets from manufacturing and dynamic shifts caused by environmental factors.
Error Source
Internal mechanical tensions or electronic offsets create these residual signals. Every accelerometer bias originates from physical asymmetries in the proof mass suspension or voltage imbalances in the sensing circuit. These factors contribute to a steady state error that persists throughout the measurement cycle.
Stability Effect
Stability over time determines the reliability of the navigational solution. A stable accelerometer bias allows for accurate compensation through initial calibration procedures. Thermal fluctuations often induce changes in this parameter, requiring active compensation via temperature sensors located near the sensing element.
Verification Procedure
Laboratory testing at zero-g conditions identifies the magnitude of the error. Verification involves rotating the sensor through 180 degrees to isolate the constant offset from the effect of gravity. The resulting value provides a baseline for the software algorithms that filter the raw data stream.
Precise orientation on a level surface ensures that the measurement remains isolated from substantial vibrational noise. Engineers record the output over extended periods to characterize the stochastic components of the signal.
