The Use of the Copper-Oxide Rectifier for Instrument Purposes

Abstract

Mention is made of the need for high sensitivity a-c measuring instruments and the development of the copper-oxide rectifier as a ready means of obtaining high sensitivity without sacrificing other desirable characteristics. Possibilities and limitations of half-wave rectification are discussed. An analysis is made of the copper-oxide full-wave instrument rectifier. Characteristics of this rectifier and of rectifier instruments under varying conditions of current, temperature, frequency, and wave-form are discussed. A study is made of the interrelation of range and sensitivity in determining temperature coefficients of rectifier voltmeters. Methods of compensation are developed for offsetting errors due to temperature or frequency. The chief limiting factors in the use or manufacture of rectifier instruments are set forth.