Gain Calibration of Current-to-Voltage Converters

Published

November 19, 2018

Author(s)

Thomas C. Larason, Carl C. Miller

Abstract

Current-to-voltage converters are used in many photometric and radiometric applications. The calibration of current- to-voltage converters at a few input currents is not always sufficient to understand the linearity and the bias of a device. Many devices have structure deviating from a linear response over the operating range of a gain setting. Measurement services that rely on these devices now have decreased uncertainties to a level that requires quantifying the uncertainties and understanding how they propagate. The National Institute of Standards and Technology has developed a system to calibrate the current-to-voltage conversion factor or "gain" and offset of these devices for direct current photocurrents. The equipment used for the calibration is described here, and the results and uncertainties are discussed.

Citation

Journal of Research (NIST JRES) -

Volume

123

NIST Pub Series

Journal of Research (NIST JRES)

Pub Type

NIST Pubs

Download Paper

https://doi.org/10.6028/jres.123.019

Keywords

calibration, current amplifier, current-to-voltage converter, low DC current, reference current meter, SI traceable photocurrent, uncertainty

Citation

Larason, T. and Miller, C. (2018), Gain Calibration of Current-to-Voltage Converters, Journal of Research (NIST JRES), National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD, [online], https://doi.org/10.6028/jres.123.019 (Accessed October 11, 2025)