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Measuring current, beginner question

reg2009

Jan 22, 2009
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Jan 22, 2009
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Hi,

I've got a very basic question about measuring waveforms using a true RMS meter. I'm trying to measure the average value of a current pulse. The current goes between 500uA and 2mA with varying duty cycle. Can I just set my meter to DC and expect an average value?

Thanks in advance.
 

neon

Oct 21, 2006
1,325
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Oct 21, 2006
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1,325
Introduce speed and you got nothing.
 

reg2009

Jan 22, 2009
2
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Jan 22, 2009
Messages
2
Thanks for your reply. The frequency is relatively low. 5kHz or below I should think. Can you suggest a good method for getting an accurate average reading?
 

neon

Oct 21, 2006
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Oct 21, 2006
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now it all depends on the meter you see if it is slow then it become inacurate. And RMS is not an averge value .639 is the average but i might be wrong i forget sometimes. I think the DC will give an almost average if it is fast enough. some meters are digital some analog they differ in speed one is fast subject to noise the other slow and inherit a % offull scale error
 
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