Which sequence constitutes a basic calibration procedure for a linear position sensor?

Which sequence constitutes a basic calibration procedure for a linear position sensor?

• A. Apply known reference positions, record sensor output, fit a linear model.
• B. Calibrate by adjusting wiring until readings match true values.
• C. Use an arbitrary value to set scale and offset without references.
• D. Apply known reference positions, record outputs, fit a linear model, compute offset and scale factor, apply correction in software, and validate with additional points.

Answer: (D)

Calibrating a linear position sensor means building a reliable mapping from the sensor output to real position, then applying that mapping to readings and verifying accuracy with extra checks. Start with known reference positions so you know the true positions corresponding to the sensor’s outputs. Then you fit a linear model to those data to find the scale (how much the output changes per unit of position) and the offset (the output value when position is zero). Applying that correction in software or in the measurement path makes future readings match real positions, and validating with additional reference points tests that the mapping holds across the range. This is why the full sequence is best: it covers collecting reference data, deriving the linear relationship, implementing the correction, and confirming accuracy with extra points. The other options fall short: calibrating by just adjusting wiring isn’t establishing a true mathematical mapping or verifying accuracy; using an arbitrary value provides no real reference to true position.

Calibrating a linear position sensor means building a reliable mapping from the sensor output to real position, then applying that mapping to readings and verifying accuracy with extra checks. Start with known reference positions so you know the true positions corresponding to the sensor’s outputs. Then you fit a linear model to those data to find the scale (how much the output changes per unit of position) and the offset (the output value when position is zero). Applying that correction in software or in the measurement path makes future readings match real positions, and validating with additional reference points tests that the mapping holds across the range.

This is why the full sequence is best: it covers collecting reference data, deriving the linear relationship, implementing the correction, and confirming accuracy with extra points. The other options fall short: calibrating by just adjusting wiring isn’t establishing a true mathematical mapping or verifying accuracy; using an arbitrary value provides no real reference to true position.