An Electronic Multiplier for Accurate Power Measurements

The time division multiplier-type wattmeter is based on a new principle of operation. An operational amplifier operates as an integrator of the sum of Ez (one of the two inputs) and either +E8, or -E8, E8 being an internal standardized voltage. A pulse-width modulation in the form of switch reversals is obtained which differs from balance condition by an amount proportional to Ex. Instantaneous multiplication provides a wattmeter with dc accuracy of ± 0.1 percent up to at least 10 kHz. The output voltage is ± 1 volt for a ± 1-volt input from Ex and Ey. To obtain the required flat frequency characteristics, a coupling transformer and an adjustable resistor are provided. A time constant of 6.8 X 10-9 seconds has been achieved. The voltage signal is readily provided by a precision ratiotran. Errors of ± 0.0001 percent in magnitude and 50 microradians in phase angle are reasonable.