A parametric modulator using silicon variable capacitance diodes is best fitted for low level d-c signal amplification, because of its inherent high input impedance and low noise.
In this paper, a new solid state electrometer including the modulator is described, its performances and applications are given.
The carrier amplifier performs dual function in the circuit; it amplifies the modulated signal and at the same time works as an oscillator to drive the parametric modulator. This configuration makes the circuit simple and reliable.
The dynamic performance of the electrometer is analysed according to the theory proposed in reference. Input offset and temperature drift are analysed and compared with the measured data: the offset voltage is less than ±0.5mV, the offset current is less than ±0.6pA for the temperature range -10-60°C, and is less than 0.02pA when temperature is kept below 25°C.
The equivalent input noise is as low as the thermal agitation noise of a resistor connected to the modulator input.
Several applications are given: Those include a pH meter, an ORP meter, a radio-isotope instrument, a gas-chromatograph, and a logarithmic amplifier.
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