ISO 5344:2004 specifies the performance characteristics and performance test conditions for electrodynamic vibration generator systems and provides a list of additional equipment characteristics that can be declared by the equipment manufacturer. This information can be used by the user or the writer of specifications for equipment for the selection of such a system, taking into account its application.

ISO 5344:2004 establishes procedures for calculating the system performance of a system comprising an amplifier from one source and a vibrator from a different source. Such a calculated system performance is less precise than performance measured on a system comprising the actual vibrator and amplifier, and a reserve of calculated force is recommended. It can be desirable to specify separately the acquisition of needed vibrator and/or amplifier interface data, particularly if a vibrator or amplifier is to be acquired to add to an existing installation. It can also be desirable to specify the responsibility for the calculation of performance.

ISO 5344:2004 is applicable to equipment producing sine, random and impulse rectilinear vibration. It is implied that all systems are usable for sine testing at least at a low level, since sine capability is needed for specimen response evaluation and transfer function measurements for random and impulse testing. When random capability is specified, it is implied that some sine capability is also available. Similarly, when impulse capability is specified, it is implied that some sine, but not necessarily random, capability is available.