Effect of Electrometer Internal Circuit Parameters in Interpretation of Conduction Current Transient Characteristics

Conduction current measurements of insulating materials have traditionally relied on commercial electrometers as the primary equipment. Previous studies have documented diverse current dynamics exhibited by polymer insulating materials when subjected to different voltage and temperature conditions. These current characteristics are closely related to the charge dynamics of the polymers. However, little attention has been given to exploring potential instrumental errors associated with these measurements. In this study, authors address this gap by conducting circuit simulations using a linear equivalent circuit model of dielectrics. The simulations incorporate the internal circuitry of commercial electrometers. The current and voltage characteristics of the measuring circuit and polymers were discussed. Furthermore, performed experiments to replicate the electrometer setup and observed and reported variations in the conduction current characteristics that occur with changes in the internal circuit parameters.