Recirculating rms ac conversion method and apparatus with fast mode

Abstract

A signal whose RMS value is to be accurately determined is first converted into DC form by a relatively inaccurate RMS converter, such as a thermal RMS converter (15). The result is a first converter signal (Y.sub.1), which is stored for recirculation in a suitable storage device, such as a sample and hold circuit (17). Thereafter, the signal stored in the storage device is recirculated to the converter to create a second converter signal (Y.sub.2). Then, the second converter signal is subtracted from the doubled value of the first converter signal (2Y.sub.1 -Y.sub.2) to produce a corrected RMS signal (X). The difference between the first converter signal (Y.sub.1) and the corrected RMS signal (X) is then determined. This error signal (E) is stored. Next, a decision is made as to whether or not a fast mode of operation is to be followed. If it is not to be followed the corrected RMS signal is displayed. If the fast mode is to be followed, the signal whose RMS value is to be accurately determined is reapplied to the RMS converter. The result is a third converter signal from which the error signal is subtracted to produce a corrected signal that accurately represents the RMS value of the reapplied signal. This corrected signal is then displayed or applied to other downstream subsystems, such as signal analyzers or recorders. The fast mode steps are then repeated.