Optimal design of experiments for sensor calibration

A framework for the design of experiments for sensor calibration is presented. The theoretical ideas, which are based on the mathematical theory of optimal design of experiments, are demonstrated using a new software program, I-OPT. This program has been used to find I-optimal designs for both a silicon capacitive absolute-pressure sensor and a silicon piezoresistive pressure sensor. It is noted that I-optimal designs are particularly attractive if the model variance is relatively small or if it is desired to keep the number of experiments to a minimum, although in this last case comparisons should be made with designs based on other criteria.<>