A direct method for calculating instrument noise levels in side-by-side seismometer evaluations

Open-File Report 89-214
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Abstract

The subject of determining the inherent system noise levels present in modem broadband closed loop seismic sensors has been an evolving topic ever since closed loop systems became available. Closed loop systems are unique in that the system noise can not be determined via a blocked mass test as in older conventional open loop seismic sensors. Instead, most investigators have resorted to performing measurements on two or more systems operating in close proximity to one another and to analyzing the outputs of these systems with respect to one another to ascertain their relative noise levels.

The analysis of side-by-side relative performance is inherently dependent on the accuracy of the mathematical modeling of the test configuration. This report presents a direct approach to extracting the system noise levels of two linear systems with a common coherent input signal. The mathematical solution to the problem is incredibly simple; however the practical application of the method encounters some difficulties. Examples of expected accuracies are presented as derived by simulating real systems performance using computer generated random noise. In addition, examples of the performance of the method when applied to real experimental test data are shown.

Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title A direct method for calculating instrument noise levels in side-by-side seismometer evaluations
Series title Open-File Report
Series number 89-214
DOI 10.3133/ofr89214
Year Published 1989
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Contributing office(s) Albuquerque Seismological Laboratory
Description 35 p.
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