Agilent Technologies, Inc.

Benjamin D Hoover

Marko Vulovic

Peyman Safa

Daniel R Schwartz

In one embodiment, a measurement apparatus has an input stage, an output stage and a multiplexer. The input stage has a signal input, a plurality of measurement range outputs, and a plurality of selectable gain stages, with each of the selectable gain stages being coupled between the signal input and a respective one of the measurement range outputs. The output stage has a measurement acquisition path between an analog measurement input and a digital measurement output. The measurement acquisition path includes an analog-to-digital converter. The multiplexer has i) a plurality of data inputs, at least two of which are coupled to respective ones of the plurality of measurement range outputs, and at least one of which is a reference input configured to receive a signal to which signals appearing at the measurement range outputs are commonly referenced, ii) a data output coupled to the analog measurement input of the output stage, and iii) a control input.

Methods and apparatus for acquiring measurements and performing an auto-zero process using a multi-range measurement apparatus

An electrical current measurement system. A sense impedance and a composite amplifier are in electrical communication and together define a trans-impedance circuit that presents a frequency-compensated impedance lower than the sense impedance to an input electrical current to be measured. A sense amplifier in electrical communication with the sense impedance provides an output indicative of a magnitude of the input electrical current. A current bypass circuit may parallel the trans-impedance circuit and bypass the input electrical current around the trans-impedance circuit when the current reaches a predefined magnitude. The system may be combined with another current sensor to form a dual-range current measurement instrument.

Dual-range measurement of electrical current

An electrical current measurement system. A first low-range current gauge receives a current to be measured and provides a first intermediate value indicative of the amplitude of the current up to a first maximum current. A second low-range current gauge receives any portion of the current having a magnitude that exceeds the first maximum current and provides a second preliminary value indicative of the amplitude of the portion of the current having a magnitude that exceeds the first maximum current up to a second maximum current. An arithmetic unit or a digital processor receives the first intermediate value and the second preliminary value and provides a second intermediate value indicative of the amplitude of the current. A full-range current gauge may also be provided. A selector or the digital processor selects one of the values for display or other output.

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Fort Collins, CO, United States of America

Benjamin D Hoover