An Accurate, Semiautomatic Technique of Measuring High Resistances

An accurate, semiautomatic method of calibrating high-resistance standards is described. Measurements of resistances between 109 and 1014 Ω at a minimum of 1 V or 10-12 A can be made with an accuracy better than 0.1 percent, each determination requiring typically from 0.5 to 50 s. The value of resistance is determined in terms of a fixed three-terminal capacitance, a resistance ratio, and a standard frequency, all being stable and accurately determinable quantities. The sources of errors and their minimization are discussed; the construction and operation of such a device are described.