Digital Root-mean-square Signal Meter

This paper introduces a meter of the root-mean-square value of deterministic and stochastic signals of an arbitrary shape that are generated over the set time interval. Such a meter involves only the minimum number of simple arithmetic operations to obtain results, and it ensures a high degree of measurement accuracy. For this purpose, the direct calculation of the signal root-mean-square value is applied while the measurement of the half-period average straightened signal value is carried out by means of the traditional measurement devices. Implementation of this meter requires neither the knowledge of what the signal period is, nor the synchronization with the processed sampling. Simulation is then carried out demonstrating the high efficiency of the proposed measurement algorithm. We analyze the characteristics of the meter operating within a wide frequency range of the measurable signals. The recommendations concerning the hardware implementation of such a meter by means of the field programmable gate arrays are considered. The meter can be used when designing digital high-frequency AC voltmeters and ammeters and it can provide the readings that do not depend upon the signal waveform.

Keywords:

Alternating Signal , Root-mean-square Value , meter , Fast Digital Processing , Simulation