Title :
A Current Source for Picoamperemeter Calibration
Author :
Callegaro, Luca ; D´Elia, Vincenzo ; Trinchera, Bruno
Author_Institution :
Ist. Nazionale di Ricerca Metrologica, Torino
Abstract :
A traceable current source for the calibration of low-current meters (picoamperemeters, electrometers) in the 100 fA-100 pA current range is here presented. It is based on a low-frequency trapezoidal wave generator, measured with a sampling voltmeter, which charges and discharges a gas-dielectric capacitor. The generated current is traceable to units of voltage, capacitance and time. The source is employed to extend in the lower range the Italian national standard of dc current, and for the Italian participation in the EUROMETEM-S24 international intercomparison. Being simple and inexpensive, the source can find application in secondary calibration laboratories
Keywords :
calibration; constant current sources; electric current measurement; signal generators; voltmeters; 0.1 to 100 pA; Italian national standard; current measurement; current source; electrometers; gas-dielectric capacitor; international intercomparison; low-current meters; picoamperemeter calibration; picoamperemeters; sampling voltmeter; signal generators; trapezoidal wave generator; Calibration; Capacitance; Capacitors; Current measurement; DC generators; Resistors; Sampling methods; Signal generators; Voltage; Voltmeters; Calibration; Current measurement; Signal generators;
Conference_Titel :
Instrumentation and Measurement Technology Conference, 2006. IMTC 2006. Proceedings of the IEEE
Conference_Location :
Sorrento
Print_ISBN :
0-7803-9359-7
Electronic_ISBN :
1091-5281
DOI :
10.1109/IMTC.2006.328264
