The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Aug. 14, 2001
Filed:
Mar. 12, 1999
Raymond D. Zoellick, Bothell, WA (US);
Douglas A. Miller, Stevenson, WA (US);
Fluke Corporation, Everett, WA (US);
Abstract
An improved capacitance measurement system employs a selectable constant current source which is switched into a capacitor in a charge measurement system. The capacitor produces a linear ramp voltage in response to the constant current. An analog-to-digital converter (ADC) measures the change in voltage along the ramp over a corresponding change in time. These values, together with the value of constant current, are used to calculate the capacitance. In the preferred embodiment, a multi-slope ADC is utilized for the measurement. This system offers a wide range of measurable capacitance, and is fast responding and accurate. In addition, visual feedback to the user on measurement progress can be provided, which is particularly advantageous when measuring large capacitors.