A primary calibration system for vibration transducers within the mid- to h
igh-frequency range (20 Hz to 5 kHz) has been introduced at the National Re
search Laboratory of Metrology, Japan. We used a recently updated method de
scribed in the ISO (International Organization for Standardization) report
FDIS 16063-11, called the sine-approximation method. The calibration system
is also available for conventional methods such as fringe counting and min
imum point, as described in International Standard ISO 5347-1. Each method
is carried out simultaneously and the results are compared. Signal-processi
ng procedures and the techniques used in the sine-approximation method (pha
se-unwrapping algorithm, uncertainty calculation and resolution of the A/D
converter), are discussed. Relative deviations within 2 x 10(-3) for freque
ncies of 160 Hz and 800 Hz in the sine-approximation and conventional metho
ds are obtained in the calibration. Problems with the system are also discu
ssed.