JP2018081019A - Measurement device and measurement method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To shorten the time required for measuring a frequency characteristic with regard to a measured signal or a physical quantity of a measurement object.SOLUTION: In the first session of frequency characteristic measurement, the present invention executes an automatic range switching process for automatically finding out one appropriate measurement range RV and switching to this measurement range RV at each frequency fand storing the range information that indicates this measurement range RV in memory as candidate range information Din correlation to the frequency f. In the second and subsequent sessions of frequency characteristic measurement, the automatic range switching process is executed after being switched to the measurement range RV indicated by the candidate range information Dstored in correlation to each frequency f, and when one new appropriate measurement range RV is found out in this automatic range switching process, the range information that indicates this measurement range RV is stored in memory as new candidate range information Din correlation to each frequency f.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

  In the present invention, the frequency of the AC signal for measurement supplied to the measurement object is increased or decreased (sweep) stepwise within a predetermined frequency band, and the measurement object is supplied by supplying the AC signal for measurement at each frequency. The present invention relates to a measuring apparatus and a measuring method for measuring a frequency characteristic of a signal under measurement generated at a frequency or a frequency characteristic of a physical quantity of a measurement target calculated based on the signal under measurement.

  As this type of measuring apparatus, a measuring apparatus (inspection apparatus) disclosed by the applicant in Patent Document 1 below is known. This measuring device is equipped with a measuring unit, storage unit, processing unit and display unit, and it is possible to inspect the mounting state of the component (whether the component is in a mounted state or a non-mounted state) on a board on which the component is mounted It is configured.

  In this measuring apparatus, when inspecting the mounting state, the measuring unit sweeps the frequency (increase or decrease stepwise) between the two conductor patterns on which the component is to be mounted, and the alternating current (measurement AC signal). And an AC voltage (signal to be measured) generated between the two conductor patterns is detected. The measurement unit measures the impedance (an example of a physical quantity) between the two conductor patterns for each frequency based on the alternating current and the alternating voltage (that is, measures the frequency characteristics of the impedance), and measures the measured frequency. Characteristic data (impedance frequency characteristic) indicating the impedance for each is output to the processing unit. The processing unit acquires characteristic data output from the measurement unit, stores the characteristic data in the storage unit, and executes inspection processing based on the characteristic data, and is configured by components mounted between two conductor patterns. Inspect the mounting state of this component in the electrical circuit. As an example, the number of resonant frequencies appearing in this characteristic data (impedance frequency characteristics) is the same as the number of capacitors when the component is a capacitor. Therefore, based on the number of resonance frequencies, the processing unit determines whether all capacitors as components are normally mounted or not in the electrical circuit as the inspection target (measurement target). Can be inspected.

  By the way, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, the impedance of the electric circuit measured by the measuring unit is an extremely small value of less than 1Ω at the resonance frequency, while 1 kΩ at a frequency away from the resonance frequency. It may be a large value exceeding. That is, since a general measurement unit adopts a configuration in which an alternating current is supplied as an alternating constant current (an alternating current having a constant amplitude), an alternating voltage generated between two conductor patterns measured by the measuring unit is The voltage value changes greatly. Therefore, in a general measurement unit, in order to accurately measure such an AC voltage, a plurality of measurement ranges (for example, the measurement range of the largest gain for a voltage value corresponding to an impedance of 1Ω or less, 10Ω or less). Next, the measurement range with the next highest gain for the voltage value corresponding to the impedance of the current, the next measurement range for the voltage value corresponding to the impedance of 100 Ω or less, and the next for the voltage value corresponding to the impedance of 1 kΩ or less. The measurement range with the largest gain is the smallest measurement range for the voltage value corresponding to the impedance of 10 kΩ or less, and at each frequency of the alternating current, the measurement range is switched to the optimum measurement range. A configuration for measuring AC voltage is adopted.

JP 2014-74672 A (page 6-8, FIG. 1-5)

  However, the measurement apparatus that measures the frequency characteristics of the measurement target by measuring the signal under measurement for the measurement target while switching a plurality of measurement ranges at each frequency has the following problems to be improved. . Specifically, in this measuring apparatus, for each frequency, for example, a range switching operation (automatic range switching) that sequentially switches to a measurement range with a large gain, using the measurement range with the smallest gain among a plurality of measurement ranges as the first measurement range. The process is switched to an appropriate measurement range by repeating the process. For this reason, this measuring apparatus has a problem to be improved in that it takes a long time to measure the frequency characteristics of the signal under measurement generated in the measurement object and the frequency characteristics of the physical quantity of the measurement object.

  The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and mainly provides a measuring apparatus and a measuring method capable of reducing the time required to measure the frequency characteristics of a signal under measurement and a physical quantity to be measured. Objective.

  In order to achieve the above object, the measurement apparatus according to claim 1 is configured to increase or decrease the frequency of the measurement AC signal supplied to the measurement object in a stepwise manner within a predetermined frequency band, and at each frequency, the measurement AC signal. The signal to be measured generated in the measurement target by supplying the signal is switched to an appropriate one of the plurality of measurement ranges and measured, and the level of the measured signal to be measured is set to the frequency of the AC signal for measurement. A measuring device that measures the frequency characteristics of the signal under measurement or the frequency characteristics of the physical quantity of the measurement target calculated based on the signal under measurement by storing the signals in correspondence with each other. When measuring characteristics, the appropriate one measurement range is automatically searched from the plurality of measurement ranges at each frequency and A range automatic switching process for switching to the measured measurement range is executed, and range information indicating the found measurement range is stored as candidate range information in association with the frequency of the AC signal for measurement, and the frequency after the second time is stored. When measuring characteristics, the range automatic switching process is performed after switching to the measurement range indicated by the candidate range information stored in correspondence with the frequency of the AC signal for measurement, and in the range automatic switching process. When a new appropriate measurement range is found, range information indicating the found measurement range is stored as new candidate range information in association with the frequency of the measurement AC signal.

  In addition, the measuring apparatus according to claim 2 is configured to increase or decrease the frequency of the measurement AC signal supplied to the measurement target in stages within a predetermined frequency band, while supplying the measurement AC signal at each frequency. The signal under measurement generated in the measurement object is measured by switching to an appropriate one of a plurality of measurement ranges, and the level of the signal under measurement is stored in correspondence with the frequency of the AC signal for measurement. By measuring the frequency characteristic of the signal under measurement or the frequency characteristic of the physical quantity of the measurement target calculated based on the signal under measurement, In this case, the appropriate one measurement range is automatically searched from the plurality of measurement ranges at each frequency, and the found measurement is performed. The range information indicating the found measurement range is stored as use range information corresponding to the frequency of the AC signal for measurement, and the frequency characteristics are measured for the second and subsequent times. At this time, at each frequency, the range is switched to the measurement range indicated by the use range information stored corresponding to the frequency of the AC signal for measurement without executing the range automatic switching process.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, the frequency of the measurement AC signal supplied to the measurement target is increased or decreased stepwise within a predetermined frequency band, and the measurement AC signal is supplied at each frequency. The signal under measurement generated in the measurement object is measured by switching to an appropriate one of a plurality of measurement ranges, and the level of the signal under measurement is stored in correspondence with the frequency of the AC signal for measurement. A measurement method for measuring the frequency characteristic of the signal under measurement or the frequency characteristic of the physical quantity of the measurement target calculated based on the signal under measurement. In this case, the appropriate one measurement range is automatically searched from the plurality of measurement ranges at each frequency, and the found measurement is performed. Range information indicating the found measurement range is stored as candidate range information corresponding to the frequency of the AC signal for measurement, and the frequency characteristics are measured for the second and subsequent times. In this case, the range automatic switching process is executed after switching to the measurement range indicated by the candidate range information stored in correspondence with the frequency of the measurement AC signal, and a new appropriate value is selected in the range automatic switching process. When a single measurement range is found, range information indicating the found measurement range is stored as new candidate range information in association with the frequency of the measurement AC signal.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the frequency of the measurement AC signal supplied to the measurement object is increased or decreased stepwise within a predetermined frequency band, and the measurement AC signal is supplied at each frequency. The signal under measurement generated in the measurement object is measured by switching to an appropriate one of a plurality of measurement ranges, and the level of the signal under measurement is stored in correspondence with the frequency of the AC signal for measurement. A measurement method for measuring the frequency characteristic of the signal under measurement or the frequency characteristic of the physical quantity of the measurement target calculated based on the signal under measurement. In this case, the appropriate one measurement range is automatically searched from the plurality of measurement ranges at each frequency, and the found measurement is performed. The range information indicating the found measurement range is stored as use range information corresponding to the frequency of the AC signal for measurement, and the frequency characteristics are measured for the second and subsequent times. At this time, at each frequency, the range is switched to the measurement range indicated by the use range information stored corresponding to the frequency of the AC signal for measurement without executing the range automatic switching process.

  In the measurement apparatus according to claim 1 and the measurement method according to claim 3, range information indicating an appropriate measurement range (finally used measurement range) found at each frequency in the executed frequency characteristic measurement processing. Are stored while being updated as candidate range information. Then, at the time of executing the next frequency characteristic measurement process, the candidate range information stored in association with each frequency is used as range information indicating the measurement range to be used first at each frequency. Automatic switching processing is executed.

  Therefore, according to this measurement apparatus and measurement method, in the range automatic switching process at each frequency at the time of execution of each frequency characteristic measurement process, for example, the smallest gain among a plurality of measurement ranges as in the conventional measurement apparatus. Unlike the configuration that always starts the automatic range switching process using the measurement range as the first measurement range, the first measurement range is the appropriate measurement range found by the automatic range switching process at each frequency in the previous frequency characteristic measurement process. The range automatic switching process can be started. As a result, in particular, the frequency characteristics of the signal under measurement generated in one measurement object and the frequency characteristics of the physical quantity of the measurement object calculated based on this signal under measurement are continuously measured at predetermined time intervals. Measurement mode (that is, a measurement mode in which the frequency characteristics of the signal under measurement measured in the frequency characteristic measurement process and the frequency characteristic of the physical quantity generally do not vary greatly), each frequency at the time of execution of each frequency characteristic measurement process Since the number of measurement range changes (range switching) in the automatic range switching process can be greatly reduced, the time required to execute one frequency characteristic measurement process can be greatly shortened. As a result, in the measurement apparatus configured to temporarily start from the sleep state at the above-mentioned predetermined time interval for the measurement of the frequency characteristic, the time of the start state (the frequency characteristic is measured after being started). Since the power consumption can be kept low, the measurement of the frequency characteristics of the measurement object can be continued for a longer period if the battery drive method is used. Can make it possible.

  Further, in the measurement apparatus according to claim 2 and the measurement method according to claim 4, range information indicating an appropriate measurement range found in the range automatic switching process at each frequency when the first frequency characteristic measurement is performed. Is stored in correspondence with each frequency as the use range information, and is indicated by the use range information stored in correspondence with the frequency at the time of measurement at each frequency for the measurement of frequency characteristics for the second and subsequent times. You can immediately switch to the measurement range and use this measurement range as it is. Therefore, according to this measurement apparatus and measurement method, the range automatic switching operation at the time of measurement at each frequency for the second and subsequent frequency characteristic measurements can be omitted. In comparison, the time required for measuring the frequency characteristics can be further shortened.

1 is a configuration diagram showing a configuration of a measuring device 1. FIG. It is a frequency characteristic figure of voltage value Vsv about measuring object 11 which measuring part 2 of Drawing 1 measures. 4 is a flowchart for explaining an operation in a first frequency characteristic measurement process 100 of the measurement apparatus 1. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the frequency characteristic measurement processing 200 for the second time and thereafter of the measuring apparatus 1. Range initialization of the frequency characteristic measurement processing 100 each frequency _f 1 after completion of the (step _{101), f} 2, and ..., the frequencies _{f 1, f} 2, the candidate range information _{D CRV} corresponding to ... It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the relationship. Each frequency _f 1 after the completion of the frequency characteristic measurement processing _{100, f} 2,..., And the description for explaining the relationship between the frequencies _{f 1, f} 2, the candidate range information _{D CRV} corresponding to ... FIG. After the completion of the first frequency characteristic measurement process 200 (that is, after the completion of the second frequency characteristic measurement process), the frequencies f ₁ , f ₂ ,... And the frequencies f ₁ , f ₂ ,. It is explanatory drawing for _{demonstrating} the relationship with corresponding candidate range information _DCRV . By executing the first frequency characteristic measurement process (frequency characteristic measurement process 100), the second frequency characteristic measurement process (frequency characteristic measurement process 200), and the third frequency characteristic measurement process (frequency characteristic measurement process 200), the storage unit is stored. 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the situation of the measured values (voltage value Vsv, impedance Z) stored in association with each frequency f ₁ , f ₂ ,...

  Hereinafter, embodiments of a measuring apparatus and a measuring method will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  First, a measuring apparatus 1 and a measuring method as a measuring apparatus and a measuring method will be described with reference to the drawings.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the measuring device 1 includes a measuring unit 2, a storage unit 3, a processing unit 4, and an output unit 5, and frequency characteristics and signals to be measured for a signal to be measured Vs generated in one measuring object 11. The frequency characteristic of the physical quantity of the measurement target 11 calculated based on Vs is continuously measured at a predetermined time interval (for example, an arbitrary time interval from several tens of minutes to several hours). The measurement object 11 includes various electric devices, various electronic components mounted on these electric devices and circuit boards on which the electronic components are mounted, and a power supply device (battery) that supplies operating power to these electric devices. In this example, as an example, a circuit board (not shown) on which electronic components are mounted is used as the measurement object 11 and between the power supply lines formed on the circuit board. (As an example, impedance Z (between a positive voltage sharing line to which a predetermined voltage (for example, + 5V) is supplied and two ground capacitors are arranged in parallel with each other) and a ground line) is an example in this example. The frequency characteristic is measured using the resistance value as a physical quantity of the measurement object 11.

  As an example, the measurement unit 2 is instructed by the processing unit 4 to have an alternating current Is (an AC constant current having a constant amplitude, which is an example of an AC signal for measurement) having a predetermined current value Isv (for example, a known effective value). A current supply unit (not shown) that can be generated between the pair of probes 6a and 6b and generated between the pair of probes 6a and 6b, and a voltage signal Vs that is generated between the pair of probes 6a and 6b (an AC voltage that is an example of a signal under measurement). ) (Voltage value Vsv in this example) is switched to the measurement range RV instructed by the processing unit 4 out of a plurality of measurement ranges (in this example, six measurement ranges RV1 to RV6 for voltage measurement). And a voltage measuring unit (not shown) that outputs the measured voltage value Vsv to the processing unit 4.

  The six measurement ranges RV1 to RV6 correspond one-to-one to the six measurement ranges of the impedance Z calculated (measured) as an example of the physical quantity. Specifically, the measurement range RV1 is a range corresponding to one measurement range of the impedance Z (for example, the measurement range of the largest gain for measuring an impedance of 1Ω or less), and the measurement range RV2 is the impedance Z Is a range corresponding to another measurement range (for example, a measurement range having the second highest gain for measuring an impedance of 10Ω or less as an example). As an example, it is a range corresponding to the third largest gain measurement range for measuring an impedance of 100Ω or less, and the measurement range RV4 measures another measurement range of the impedance Z (an impedance of 1 kΩ or less as an example). 4th measurement range with the highest gain for The measurement range RV5 is a range corresponding to another measurement range of the impedance Z (for example, a measurement range having the fifth largest gain for measuring an impedance of 10 kΩ or less), and the measurement range RV6 is , A range corresponding to another measurement range of impedance Z (as an example, the measurement range of the smallest gain for measuring an impedance of 100 kΩ or less). Accordingly, each of the measurement ranges RV1 to RV6 is also one measurement range corresponding to the above among the six measurement ranges of the impedance Z.

As an example, the storage unit 3 includes a semiconductor memory such as a ROM or a RAM. Although not shown, the storage unit 3 stores an operation program for the processing unit 4 in advance, and as shown in FIG. 5, the frequency storage area 3a of the storage unit 3 stores frequency characteristics. A plurality of frequencies f (f ₁ <f ₂ <f ₃ <... <F _k <... F _n−1 <f _n are specified in advance for the alternating current Is instructed to the measurement unit 2. N is a number in the order of several tens to several thousand, for example, k is an arbitrary number between 1 and n in ascending or descending order (in this example, ascending order as an example) in advance. It is remembered. Further, the storage unit 3 stores information about the measurement ranges RV at the respective frequencies f ₁ , f ₂ ,..., F _k ,..., F _n−1 , f _n (hereinafter also referred to as each frequency f _k ). A common initial value (common initial range information D _RV0, which is range information D _RV indicating the measurement range RV as the first measurement range RV at each frequency f _k immediately after the start-up or reset of the measuring apparatus 1) is previously stored. It is remembered. In this example, as an example, range information D _RV6 indicating a measurement range RV6 in which the largest voltage signal Vs can be measured is stored as initial range information D _RV0 .

Further, as shown in FIG. 5, candidate range information _DCRV indicating the measurement range RV as the first measurement range RV at each frequency _fk is stored in the storage unit 3 in association with each frequency _fk. N range storage areas 3b are provided. As shown in FIG. 8, the storage unit 3 stores measured values (respective frequencies f ₁ , f ₂ ,...) That are measured each time a frequency characteristic measurement process (frequency characteristic measurement processes 100 and 200 described later) is executed. _{··, f k, ···, f} n-1, the voltage value _{Vsv 1,} Vsv ₂ at _{f n, ···, Vsv k,} ···, Vsv n-1, Vsv n and impedance _Z 1, Z ₂ ,..., Z _k ,..., Z _n−1 , Z _n ) are provided for each measured number of times.

The processing unit 4 is configured by a computer as an example, and executes frequency characteristic measurement processing 100 and 200 (see FIGS. 3 and 4) and output processing. Of the frequency characteristic measurement processes 100 and 200, the frequency characteristic measurement process 100 is a first frequency characteristic measurement process performed immediately after the measurement apparatus 1 is started or immediately after resetting. This is a frequency characteristic measurement process (second and subsequent frequency characteristic measurement processes) executed after the frequency characteristic measurement process 100 is performed and before the measurement device 1 is stopped or reset. In each frequency characteristic measurement process 100, 200, the processing unit 4 reads the frequencies f _k stored in the storage unit 3 in order (in ascending order) and instructs the measurement unit 2 to supply them to the measurement object 11. While the frequency of the alternating current Is is increased step by step to the frequencies f ₁ , f ₂ ,..., F _n−1 , f _n , the measurement object 11 is supplied to the measurement object 11 by supplying the alternating current Is at each frequency f _k . A voltage value Vsv _k of the generated voltage signal Vs is measured, and an impedance Z _k as a physical quantity of the measurement object 11 is calculated based on the measured voltage value Vsv, and corresponds to the frequency f _k of the alternating current Is at this time. perform processing (processing of measuring the frequency characteristic of the voltage value frequency characteristics of Vsv, and impedance Z) that are allowed to store the voltage value Vsv _k and the impedance Z _k by .

  The output unit 5 is composed of, for example, a media interface circuit, and stores the frequency characteristic of the voltage value Vsv and the frequency characteristic of the impedance Z measured by the processing unit 4 in a removable medium that is detachably attached to the output unit 5. . The output unit 5 is configured with a network interface circuit instead of the media interface circuit and transmits the above frequency characteristics to an external device via the network, or configured with a display device such as an LCD (liquid crystal display). It is also possible to display the above frequency characteristics on the screen.

  Next, the measurement method will be specifically described together with the operation of the measurement apparatus 1. The measurement unit 2 is connected to each power supply line formed on the circuit board via a pair of probes 6a and 6b, and 2 as a measurement object 11 arranged in parallel between the power supply lines. It is assumed that the voltage value Vsv of the voltage signal Vs generated in the two bypass capacitors can be measured.

In the measurement apparatus 1, the processing unit 4 first executes a frequency characteristic measurement process 100 shown in FIG. 3 immediately after startup or immediately after reset. In the frequency characteristic measurement process 100, the processing unit 4 first executes a range initialization process (step 101). In this range initialization process, the processing unit 4 reads out the common initial range information D _RV0 (in this example, range information D _RV6 indicating the measurement range RV6 as an example) stored in the storage unit 3 and reads this out. initial range information _{D RV0} a _{(= D RV6),} as shown in FIG. 5, the first measurement range candidate range information _D storage unit 3 in association with each frequency _{f k} as _CRV indicating the RV at each frequency _{f k} (Specifically, it is stored in the range storage area 3b corresponding to each frequency _fk ).

Next, the processing unit 4 sets a numerical value k for specifying one of the frequencies f _k stored in the storage unit 3 to a numerical value 1 (step 102), and from step 103 to step 107 described later. Each process is repeated while incrementing the numerical value k each time each of these processes is executed (step 109), and is repeated until it is determined in step 108 that the numerical value k has reached the numerical value n.

Specifically, in step 103, the processing unit 4 determines the frequency f _k indicated by the numerical value k and candidate range information D _CRV corresponding to the frequency f _k (in this case, the range information D as the initial range information D _{RV0). RV6} ) is read from the frequency storage area 3a and the range storage area 3b of the storage unit 3, and the read frequency _fk is instructed (set) to the measurement unit 2 as the frequency f of the alternating current Is (frequency setting). process), also read candidate range information D measurement range RV represented by _CRV (denoted as measurement range RV to first use the measurement range RV6) represented by the range information D _RV6 at this time to the measurement section 2 (set) (Start range setting process).

As a result, the measurement unit 2 generates an alternating current Is at the frequency f _k instructed by the processing unit 4 and supplies the alternating current Is to the measurement object 11 via the pair of probes 6a and 6b. Further, the measurement unit 2 inputs the voltage value Vsv of the voltage signal Vs generated in the measurement object 11 due to the supply of the alternating current Is through the pair of probes 6a and 6b and is instructed from the processing unit 4. Measurement is started using the measured range RV. In addition, the measurement unit 2 outputs the measured voltage value Vsv to the processing unit 4.

In addition, the processing unit 4 searches for an appropriate measurement range RV to be used for measuring the final voltage value Vsv at each frequency f _k by executing range automatic switching processing in steps 104 to 106 (appropriate measurement). Switch to range RV). Specifically, the processing unit 4 first measures the voltage value Vsv by acquiring the voltage value Vsv output from the measurement unit 2 in step 104, and then measures the measured voltage value Vsv in step 105. Based on the above, it is determined whether or not it is necessary to change the measurement range RV instructed to the measurement unit 2 (the measurement range RV used for measuring the voltage value Vsv).

  For example, in the smallest measurement range RV1 among the measurement ranges RV1 to RV6, the measured voltage value Vsv is an upper limit threshold value defined in advance for the measurement range RV1 (for example, 95% of the full scale of the measurement range RV1, for example) The current measurement range RV1 is an appropriate measurement range, and it is determined that the change of the measurement range RV is unnecessary based on whether it is less than or equal to the upper limit threshold, and the process proceeds to step 107. On the other hand, when the value exceeds the upper threshold value, the current measurement range RV1 is not an appropriate measurement range, so that it is determined that the measurement range RV needs to be changed, and the routine proceeds to step 106.

  Further, in the intermediate measurement ranges RV2 to RV5 among the measurement ranges RV1 to RV6, the measured voltage value Vsv is an upper limit threshold value defined in advance for each of these measurement ranges RV (for example, the full scale of the measurement range RV). Whether the measured voltage value Vsv is less than or equal to the upper threshold value, and the measured voltage value Vsv is a predetermined lower threshold value for each of these measurement ranges RV (for example, for the full scale of the measurement range RV). For example, the current measurement range RV is an appropriate measurement range when the value is less than the upper threshold value and greater than or equal to the lower threshold value based on whether the value is less than the lower threshold value or less than the lower threshold value. When it is determined that it is unnecessary, the process proceeds to step 107. On the other hand, when the upper limit threshold is exceeded or the lower limit threshold is exceeded, the current measurement range RV is Since not a changeover of measurement range, the process proceeds to step 106 to determine that it is necessary to change the measurement range RV.

  Further, in the maximum measurement range RV6 among the measurement ranges RV1 to RV6, the measured voltage value Vsv is a lower limit threshold defined in advance for the measurement range RV6 (for example, 5% with respect to the full scale of the measurement range RV6, for example). The current measurement range RV6 is an appropriate measurement range, and it is determined that the measurement range RV does not need to be changed. On the other hand, when the value falls below the lower limit threshold, the current measurement range RV6 is not an appropriate measurement range. Therefore, it is determined that the measurement range RV needs to be changed, and the process proceeds to step 106.

  In step 106, the processing unit 4 changes the current measurement range RV to one higher measurement range RV or one lower measurement range depending on the reason that it is determined that the measurement range RV needs to be changed. A process of changing to RV is executed. Specifically, when the processing unit 4 determines that the measurement range RV needs to be changed based on the measured voltage value Vsv exceeding the upper limit threshold of the current measurement range RV, the processing unit 4 increases the current measurement range RV by one. A process of changing to the higher measurement range RV (that is, a process of instructing (setting) this higher measurement range RV as the measurement range RV to be used for the measurement unit 2) is executed. On the other hand, when the processing unit 4 determines that the measurement range RV needs to be changed based on the measured voltage value Vsv being lower than the lower limit threshold of the current measurement range RV, the processing unit 4 measures the current measurement range RV one level lower. A process of changing to the range RV (that is, a process of instructing (setting) the measurement range RV that is one lower level as the measurement range RV to be used for the measurement unit 2) is executed.

  After executing the process of changing the measurement range RV in Step 106, the processing unit 4 proceeds to Step 104. In this way, the processing unit 4 determines in step 105 that it is not necessary to change the current measurement range RV (that is, until it is determined that the current measurement range RV is an appropriate measurement range RV). In other words, steps 104 to 106 are repeated (until the range automatic switching process is executed) until an appropriate measurement range RV is found).

The processing unit 4 determines in step 105 that there is no need to change the current measurement range RV (that is, the current measurement range RV is an appropriate measurement range). to a voltage value Vsv measured in step 104, the voltage value Vsv _k in the measurement value storage area of the storage unit 3 in association with a frequency f _k that is specified as the frequency f of the AC current is to the measurement section 2 in step 103 Remember as. Further, the processing unit 4 calculates the impedance Z (physical quantity) of the measurement object 11 based on the voltage value Vsv _k and the known current value Isv of the alternating current Is, and calculates the calculated impedance Z in step 103. The measurement unit 2 stores the impedance Z _k in the measured value storage area of the storage unit 3 in association with the frequency f _k designated as the frequency f of the alternating current Is. In addition, the processing unit 4 uses the frequency f _k specified as the frequency f of the alternating current Is to the measurement unit 2 in step 103, as the range information D _RV indicating the appropriate measurement range RV found in the above range automatic switching processing. And storing the new candidate range information _{DCRV in the} storage unit 3 (specifically, updating and storing in the range storage area 3b corresponding to the designated frequency _fk ).

After executing step 107 described above, the processing unit 4 determines whether or not the numerical value k has reached the numerical value n (step 108). If not, the processing unit 4 increments the numerical value k (step 109). Control goes to step 103. In this way, the processing unit 4 determines that the value k reaches the value n (that is, the voltage values Vsv _{1 to} Vsv _n and impedances Z _{1 to} Z _{n at} all frequencies f _{1 to} f _n) in step 108. Step 103 to step 107 are repeated until the new candidate range information _DCRV is stored in the measured value storage area and the range storage area 3b of the storage unit 3. Thereby, in step 108, the numerical value k reaches the numerical value n. When this is done, the first frequency characteristic measurement result for each of the voltage value Vsv and the impedance Z for the measurement object 11 is stored in the storage unit 3 as shown in Fig. 8. Thereby, the first frequency characteristic measurement is performed. Process 100 is complete.

For example, the frequency _f 1 to frequency f of the alternating current _{Is, f 2, f 3,} ···, f k, ···, when the graduated (increase) and so _{f n-1, f n} Further, the operation of the processing unit 4 in the first frequency characteristic measurement processing 100 will be specifically described by taking as an example the case where the voltage value Vsv measured by the measuring unit 2 changes as shown by a solid line in FIG. To do.

In this case, when the frequency f of the alternating current Is is set to the frequency f ₁ with respect to the measurement unit 2 in the frequency characteristic measurement process 100, the processing unit 4 performs the first measurement range RV6 in the range automatic switching process described above. Based on the voltage value Vsv measured in step (1), the measurement range RV6 is changed to an appropriate measurement range RV5 one level lower. The processing unit 4, in step 107, calculates the impedance _{Z 1} based on the voltage value Vsv ₁ measured by this measurement range RV5. The processing unit 4, as shown in FIG. 6, is updated and stored range information _{D RV5} indicating the measurement range RV5 to the range storage region 3b corresponding to the frequency _{f 1} as the candidate range information _{D CRV.} Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the processing unit 4 stores a voltage value corresponding to the frequency f ₁ in a storage area for the measurement value in the first frequency characteristic measurement process in the measurement value storage area of the storage unit 3. Vsv ₁ is stored as a voltage value Vsv, and impedance Z ₁ is stored as impedance Z.

Further, when the frequency f of the alternating current Is is set to the frequency f ₂ with respect to the measurement unit 2, the processing unit 4 is based on the voltage value Vsv measured in the first measurement range RV6 in the above-described range automatic switching process. The measurement range RV6 is changed to an appropriate measurement range RV5 that is one level lower. The processing unit 4, in step 107, calculates the impedance _{Z 2} based on the voltage value Vsv ₂ measured by this measurement range RV5. The processing unit 4, as shown in FIG. 6, is updated and stored range information _{D RV5} indicating the measurement range RV5 to the range storage region 3b corresponding to the frequency _{f 2} as the candidate range information _{D CRV.} Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the processing unit 4 stores a voltage value corresponding to the frequency f ₂ in the storage region for the measurement value in the first frequency characteristic measurement process in the measurement value storage region of the storage unit 3. Vsv ₂ is stored as the voltage value Vsv, and the impedance Z ₂ is stored as the impedance Z.

Further, when the frequency f of the alternating current Is is set to the frequency f ₃ with respect to the measurement unit 2, the processing unit 4 is based on the voltage value Vsv measured in the first measurement range RV6 in the above-described range automatic switching process. The measurement range RV6 is changed to the next lower measurement range RV5, and the measurement range RV5 is changed to the next lower appropriate measurement range RV4 based on the voltage value Vsv measured in the measurement range RV5. The processing unit 4, in step 107, calculates the impedance _{Z 3} based on the voltage value Vsv ₃ measured by the measurement range RV4. The processing unit 4, as shown in FIG. 6, is updated and stored range information _{D RV4} indicating the measurement range RV4 the range storage region 3b corresponding to the frequency _{f 3} as a candidate range information _{D CRV.} Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the processing unit 4 stores a voltage value corresponding to the frequency f ₃ in the storage region for the measurement value in the first frequency characteristic measurement process in the measurement value storage region of the storage unit 3. Vsv ₃ is stored as the voltage value Vsv, and the impedance Z ₃ is stored as the impedance Z.

Thereafter, when the frequency f of the alternating current Is is set to the frequency _fk with respect to the measurement unit 2, the processing unit 4 is based on the voltage value Vsv measured in the first measurement range RV6 in the above-described range automatic switching processing. The measurement range RV6 is changed to the next lower measurement range RV5, and the measurement range RV5 is changed to the next lower measurement range RV4 based on the voltage value Vsv measured in the measurement range RV5. By repeating the change of RV, the measurement range RV to be instructed to the measurement unit 2 is sequentially lowered by one in the order of measurement range RV6 → measurement range RV5 → measurement range RV4 → measurement range RV3 → measurement range RV2 → measurement range RV1. To the appropriate measurement range RV1. The processing unit 4, in step 107, calculates the impedance _{Z k} based on the voltage value Vsv _k measured by this measurement range RV1. The processing unit 4, as shown in FIG. 6, is updated and stored range information _{D RV1} indicating the measurement range RV1 to the range storage region 3b corresponding to the frequency _{f k} as the candidate range information _{D CRV.} Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the processing unit 4 stores a voltage value corresponding to the frequency f _k in a storage area for the measurement value in the first frequency characteristic measurement process in the measurement value storage area of the storage unit 3. Vsv _k is stored as the voltage value Vsv, and the impedance Z _k is stored as the impedance Z.

Further, when the processing unit 4 further sets the frequency f _n-1 for the measurement unit 2 thereafter, the processing unit 4 performs the measurement unit in the same manner as when the frequency f _k is set in the above-described range automatic switching process. The measurement range RV instructed to 2 is sequentially changed to the measurement range RV one level lower in the order of measurement range RV6 → measurement range RV5 → measurement range RV4 → measurement range RV3 → measurement range RV2 The range is changed to RV2.) In step 107, the processing unit 4 calculates an impedance Z _n−1 based on the voltage value Vsv _n−1 measured in the measurement range RV2. Further, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the processing unit 4 updates and stores the range information D _RV2 indicating the measurement range _RV2 as the candidate range information _DCRV in the range storage area 3b corresponding to the frequency f _n−1 . Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the processing unit 4 corresponds to the frequency f _n−1 in the storage area for the measurement value in the first frequency characteristic measurement process in the measurement value storage area of the storage unit 3. The voltage value Vsv _n−1 is stored as the voltage value Vsv, and the impedance Z _n−1 is stored as the impedance Z.

In addition, when the processing unit 4 finally sets the frequency f _n for the measuring unit 2, the processing unit 4 causes the measuring unit 2 to perform the same as when the above-described frequency f _k is set in the automatic range switching process. The measurement range RV to be instructed is sequentially changed to the measurement range RV one level lower in the order of measurement range RV6 → measurement range RV5 → measurement range RV4 → measurement range RV3 → measurement range RV2 (in this way, an appropriate measurement range RV2 To be changed). The processing unit 4, in step 107, calculates the impedance _{Z n,} based on the voltage value Vsv _n measured by this measurement range RV2. The processing unit 4, as shown in FIG. 6, is updated and stored range information _{D RV2} indicating the measurement range RV2 to the range storage region 3b corresponding to the frequency _{f n} as the candidate range information _{D CRV.} Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the processing unit 4 stores a voltage value corresponding to the frequency f _n in the storage area for the measurement value in the first frequency characteristic measurement process in the measurement value storage area of the storage unit 3. Vsv _n is stored as the voltage value Vsv, and the impedance Z _n is stored as the impedance Z.

  After completion of the first frequency characteristic measurement process 100, the processing unit 4 executes the frequency characteristic measurement process 200 shown in FIG. 4 every time a predetermined time interval elapses. This frequency characteristic measurement process 200 has the same contents as the frequency characteristic measurement process 100 except that the range initialization process 101 in the frequency characteristic measurement process 100 is omitted. For this reason, in the frequency characteristic measurement process 200 shown in FIG. 4, the steps having the same contents as the frequency characteristic measurement process 100 are denoted by the same step numbers as the frequency characteristic measurement process 100. Further, in the description of the frequency characteristic measurement process 200 described later, the same description as the frequency characteristic measurement process 100 is omitted.

In the frequency characteristic measurement process 200, the processing unit 4 first sets a numerical value k for specifying one of the frequencies f _k stored in the storage unit 3 to a numerical value 1 (step 102). Each process from step 103 to step 107 is repeated while incrementing the numerical value k each time each of these processes is executed once (step 109), until it is determined in step 108 that the numerical value k has reached the numerical value n. .

Specifically, in step 103, the processing unit 4 stores the frequency f _k indicated by the numerical value k and the candidate range information D _CRV corresponding to the frequency f _k with the frequency storage area 3a of the storage unit 3 and the range storage. In addition to reading from the area 3b, the measurement unit 2 is instructed (set) to the read frequency _fk as the frequency f of the alternating current Is (frequency setting process), and the measurement range indicated by the read candidate range information _DCRV RV is instructed (set) as the measurement range RV to be used first for the measurement unit 2 (start range setting process).

As a result, the measurement unit 2 generates an alternating current Is at the frequency f _k instructed by the processing unit 4 and supplies the alternating current Is to the measurement object 11 via the pair of probes 6a and 6b. Further, the measurement unit 2 inputs the voltage value Vsv of the voltage signal Vs generated in the measurement object 11 due to the supply of the alternating current Is through the pair of probes 6a and 6b and is instructed from the processing unit 4. Measurement is started using the measured range RV. In addition, the measurement unit 2 outputs the measured voltage value Vsv to the processing unit 4.

  In addition, the processing unit 4 executes range automatic switching processing in steps 104 to 106. Specifically, the processing unit 4 first measures the voltage value Vsv by acquiring the voltage value Vsv output from the measurement unit 2 in step 104, and then measures the measured voltage value Vsv in step 105. Based on the above, it is determined whether or not it is necessary to change the measurement range RV instructed to the measurement unit 2 (the measurement range RV used for measuring the voltage value Vsv).

  In Step 106, when the processing unit 4 determines that the measurement range RV needs to be changed based on the measured voltage value Vsv exceeding the upper limit threshold of the current measurement range RV, the processing unit 4 sets the current measurement range RV to 1. A process of changing to the higher measurement range RV (that is, a process of instructing (setting) this higher measurement range RV as the measurement range RV to be used for the measurement unit 2) is executed. On the other hand, when the processing unit 4 determines that the measurement range RV needs to be changed based on the measured voltage value Vsv being lower than the lower limit threshold of the current measurement range RV, the processing unit 4 measures the current measurement range RV one level lower. A process of changing to the range RV (that is, a process of instructing (setting) the measurement range RV that is one lower level as the measurement range RV to be used for the measurement unit 2) is executed.

  After executing the process of changing the measurement range RV in Step 106, the processing unit 4 proceeds to Step 104. In this way, the processing unit 4 determines in step 105 that it is not necessary to change the current measurement range RV (that is, until it is determined that the current measurement range RV is an appropriate measurement range RV). Step 104 to Step 106 are repeated (execution of range automatic switching processing).

The processing unit 4 determines in step 105 that there is no need to change the current measurement range RV (that is, the current measurement range RV is an appropriate measurement range). to a voltage value Vsv measured in step 104, the voltage value Vsv _k in the measurement value storage area of the storage unit 3 in association with a frequency f _k that is specified as the frequency f of the AC current is to the measurement section 2 in step 103 Remember as. Further, the processing unit 4 calculates the impedance Z of the measurement object 11 based on the voltage value Vsv _k and the known current value Isv of the alternating current Is, and calculates the calculated impedance Z in step 103 in the measurement unit 2. Is stored in the measured value storage area of the storage unit 3 as the impedance Z _k corresponding to the frequency f _k designated as the frequency f of the alternating current Is. In addition, the processing unit 4 uses the frequency f _k specified as the frequency f of the alternating current Is to the measurement unit 2 in step 103, as the range information D _RV indicating the appropriate measurement range RV found in the above range automatic switching processing. And storing the new candidate range information _{DCRV in the} storage unit 3 (specifically, updating and storing in the range storage area 3b corresponding to the designated frequency _fk ).

After executing step 107 described above, the processing unit 4 determines whether or not the numerical value k has reached the numerical value n (step 108). If not, the processing unit 4 increments the numerical value k and proceeds to step 103. . In this way, the processing unit 4 determines that the value k reaches the value n (that is, the voltage values Vsv _{1 to} Vsv _n and impedances Z _{1 to} Z _{n at} all frequencies f _{1 to} f _n) in step 108. Step 103 to step 107 are repeated until the new candidate range information _DCRV is stored in the measured value storage area and the range storage area 3b of the storage unit 3. Thereby, in step 108, the numerical value k reaches the numerical value n. When this is done, the measurement results in the second frequency characteristic measurement process for each of the voltage value Vsv and the impedance Z for the measurement object 11 are stored in the storage unit 3 as shown in Fig. 8. Thereby, the first frequency is stored. The characteristic measurement process 200 is completed.

For example, when the second frequency characteristic measurement process (first frequency characteristic measurement process 200) is executed, the frequency f of the alternating current Is is changed to frequencies f ₁ , f ₂ , f ₃ ,..., F _k ,. , F _n−1 , f _n, the voltage measured by the measurement unit 2 due to the change in electrical characteristics of the measurement object 11 over time when it is changed (increased) stepwise. The operation of the processing unit 4 in the frequency characteristic measurement process 200 will be specifically described by taking as an example a case where the value Vsv changes as indicated by a broken line in FIG.

In this case, when the frequency f of the alternating current Is is set to the frequency f ₁ with respect to the measuring unit 2 in the frequency characteristic measuring process 200, the processing unit 4 performs the start range setting process in step 103 as shown in FIG. as reads the range information _{D RV5} as a candidate range information _{D CRV} stored in the range memory area 3b corresponding to the frequency _{f 1,} the measurement range RV5 indicated by the range information _{D RV5} to the measurement section 2 Then, the above-described range automatic switching process is executed.

In step 105 in the range automatic switching process, the processing unit 4 determines that it is not necessary to change the measurement range RV5 based on the voltage value Vsv ₁ measured in the first measurement range RV5 (in this case, measurement Range RV5 is an appropriate measurement range RV). Thus, the processing unit 4, the process proceeds to step 107 to calculate the impedance Z ₁ on the basis of the voltage value Vsv _1, as shown in FIG. 7, the measurement range in the range storage region 3b corresponding to the frequency f ₁ Range information D _RV5 indicating RV5 is updated and stored as candidate range information _DCRV . Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the processing unit 4 stores a voltage value corresponding to the frequency f ₁ in the storage area for the measurement value in the second frequency characteristic measurement process in the measurement value storage area of the storage unit 3. Vsv ₁ is stored as a voltage value Vsv, and impedance Z ₁ is stored as impedance Z.

The processing unit 4, upon setting the frequency f of the AC current Is to the frequency f ₂ to the measurement section 2, at the start range setting process in step 103, as shown in FIG. 6, corresponding to the frequency f ₂ The range information D _RV5 as the candidate range information _DCRV stored in the range storage area 3b is read, and the measurement range RV5 indicated by the range information D _RV5 is instructed to the measurement unit 2, and then the above-described Executes automatic range switching processing.

Processing unit 4, in step 105 in this range automatic switching process, based on the voltage value Vsv ₂ measured in the first measurement range RV5, to determine that it is necessary to change the measurement range RV5, in step 106 to change the measurement range RV5 one subordinate suitable measurement range RV4, in step 104, it measures a voltage value Vsv ₂ in this measurement range RV4. Thus, the processing unit 4, the process proceeds to step 107 to calculate the impedance Z ₂ on the basis of the final voltage value Vsv _2, as shown in FIG. 7, the range storage region 3b corresponding to the frequency f ₂ The range information D _RV4 indicating the measurement range RV4 is updated and stored as candidate range information _DCRV . Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the processing unit 4 stores a voltage value corresponding to the frequency f ₂ in the storage area for the measurement value in the second frequency characteristic measurement process in the measurement value storage area of the storage unit 3. Vsv ₂ is stored as the voltage value Vsv, and the impedance Z ₂ is stored as the impedance Z.

The processing unit 4, when the frequency f of the AC current Is is set to the frequency f ₃ to the measurement unit 2 at the start range setting process in step 103, as shown in FIG. 6, corresponding to the frequency f ₃ reads the range information D _RV4 as a candidate range information D _CRV stored in the range storage area 3b for, instructs the measurement range RV4 indicated by the range information D _RV4 to the measurement unit 2, and then the Executes automatic range switching processing.

Processing unit 4, in step 105 in this range automatic switching process, based on the voltage value Vsv ₃ measured by the first measurement range RV4, necessary to determine not to change the measurement range RV4 (in this case, the measurement Range RV4 is an appropriate measurement range RV). Thus, the processing unit 4, the process proceeds to step 107 to calculate the impedance Z ₃ on the basis of the voltage value Vsv _3, as shown in FIG. 7, the measurement range in the range storage region 3b corresponding to the frequency f ₃ Range information D _RV4 indicating _RV4 is updated and stored as candidate range information _DCRV . Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the processing unit 4 stores a voltage value corresponding to the frequency f ₃ in the storage area for the measurement value in the second frequency characteristic measurement process in the measurement value storage area of the storage unit 3. Vsv ₃ is stored as the voltage value Vsv, and the impedance Z ₃ is stored as the impedance Z.

Thereafter, the processing unit 4, when the frequency f of the AC current Is is set to the frequency f _k to the measurement section 2, at the start range setting process in step 103, as shown in FIG. 6, corresponding to this frequency f _k The range information D _RV1 as the candidate range information _DCRV stored in the range storage area 3b is read out, the measurement range RV1 indicated by the range information D _RV1 is instructed to the measurement unit 2, and then the above-described Executes automatic range switching processing.

Processing unit 4, in step 105 in this range automatic switching process, based on the first voltage value Vsv _k measured by the measurement range RV1, determines that there is no need to change the measurement range RV1. Thus, the processing unit 4, the process proceeds to step 107 to calculate the impedance Z _k on the basis of the voltage value Vsv _k, as shown in FIG. 7, the measurement range in the range storage region 3b corresponding to the frequency f _k Range information D _RV1 indicating RV1 is updated and stored as candidate range information _DCRV . Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the processing unit 4 stores a voltage value corresponding to the frequency f _k in a storage area for the measurement value in the second frequency characteristic measurement process in the measurement value storage area of the storage unit 3. Vsv _k is stored as the voltage value Vsv, and the impedance Z _k is stored as the impedance Z.

The processing unit 4, when the further subsequently setting the frequency f _n-1 with respect to the measurement unit 2 at the start range setting process in step 103, as shown in FIG. 6, corresponding to the frequency f _n-1 with the range information D _RV2 as a candidate range information D _CRV stored in the range storage area 3b for reading, instruct the measurement range RV2 indicated by the range information D _RV2 to the measurement unit 2, and then the Executes automatic range switching processing.

In step 105 in the range automatic switching process, the processing unit 4 determines that it is not necessary to change the measurement range RV2 based on the voltage value Vsv _n−1 measured in the first measurement range RV2. As a result, the processing unit 4 proceeds to step 107 to calculate the impedance Z _n−1 based on the voltage value Vsv _n−1 , and as shown in FIG. 7, the range corresponding to the frequency f _n−1. Range information D _RV2 indicating the measurement range _RV2 is updated and stored as candidate range information _{DCRV in the} storage area 3b. Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the processing unit 4 corresponds to the frequency f _n−1 in the storage area for the measurement value in the second frequency characteristic measurement process in the measurement value storage area of the storage unit 3. The voltage value Vsv _n−1 is stored as the voltage value Vsv, and the impedance Z _n−1 is stored as the impedance Z.

Further, when the processing unit 4 finally sets the frequency f _n for the measurement unit 2, in the start range setting process in step 103, as shown in FIG. 6, the range storage area corresponding to this frequency f _n reads the range information D _RV2 as a candidate range information D _CRV stored in 3b, and the measurement range RV2 indicated by the range information D _RV2 instructs the measurement section 2, then, range automatic switching process described above Execute.

Processing unit 4, in step 105 in this range automatic switching process, based on the first measurement range voltage value measured at the RV2 Vsv _n, determines that there is no need to change the measurement range RV2. As a result, the processing unit 4 proceeds to Step 107, calculates the impedance Z _n based on the voltage value Vsv _n, and stores the measurement range in the range storage area 3b corresponding to the frequency f _n as shown in FIG. Range information D _RV2 indicating _RV2 is updated and stored as candidate range information _DCRV . Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the processing unit 4 stores a voltage value corresponding to the frequency f _n in a storage area for the measurement value in the second frequency characteristic measurement process in the measurement value storage area of the storage unit 3. Vsv _n is stored as the voltage value Vsv, and the impedance Z _n is stored as the impedance Z.

After completion of the first frequency characteristic measurement process 200, the processing unit 4 executes the frequency characteristic measurement process 200 every time a predetermined time interval elapses as described above. As a result, as described above, it corresponds to the frequencies f ₁ , f ₂ ,..., F _k ,..., F _n−1 , f _n stored in the range storage area 3 b in the storage unit 3. While the candidate range information _DCRV is updated and stored, as shown in FIG. 8, the measurement values are stored in the measurement value storage area in the storage unit 3 for each number of times the frequency characteristic measurement process is executed (the frequencies f ₁ , f ₂ ,. _{··, f k, ···, f} n-1, the voltage value _{Vsv 1,} Vsv ₂ at _{f n, ···, Vsv k,} ···, Vsv n-1, Vsv n and impedance _Z 1, Z ₂ ,..., Z _k ,..., Z _n−1 , Z _n ) are sequentially stored.

Further, the processing unit 4 executes output processing periodically or when a start instruction is input from an operation unit (not shown), and the frequency characteristics of each time stored in the measurement value storage area of the storage unit 3 The voltage value Vsv _k and impedance Z _k at each frequency f _k measured in the measurement process are stored in a removable medium (not shown) attached to the output unit 5. As a result, the user of the measuring apparatus 1 can remove the measuring apparatus 1 itself from the measuring object 11 and collect it, or remove only the removable medium from the measuring apparatus 1 and collect it, and continue at predetermined time intervals. Thus, it is possible to measure the frequency characteristic of the voltage value Vsv and the frequency characteristic of the impedance Z for the measurement object 11 measured in this way.

As described above, in the measurement apparatus 1 and the measurement method, the frequency storage unit 3b in the storage unit 3 includes the frequencies f ₁ , f ₂ ,..., F _k ,. , F _n−1 , f _n , range information D _RV indicating the measurement range RV finally used is stored as candidate range information _DCRV while being updated. Then, at the time of executing the next frequency characteristic measurement process, the range storage area 3b stores each frequency f ₁ , f ₂ ,..., F _k ,..., F _n−1 , f _n. candidate range information _{D CRV} being found each frequency _{f 1, f 2, ···,} f k, ···, f n-1, the measurement range RV measurement unit 2 when _{f n} is the first use Is used as the range information _DRV , and the automatic range switching process is performed thereafter.

Therefore, according to the measuring device 1 and a measuring method, each frequency _{f 1,} f 2 during the execution of the frequency characteristic measurement processing, · · _·, f k, · · _·, in _{f n-1, f n} In the automatic range switching process, the automatic range switching process is started with the measurement range having the smallest gain (the measurement range RV6 in this example), for example, as the first measurement range, among a plurality of measurement ranges as in the conventional measurement apparatus. unlike a construction, the frequency _f 1 in the frequency characteristic measurement processing of one time _{before, f 2, ···, f k} , ···, eventually by range automatic switching process in the _{f n-1, f n} The range automatic switching process can be started with the found measurement range RV (measurement range used for measuring the final voltage value Vsv) as the first measurement range. Thereby, in particular, the frequency characteristic of the voltage value Vsv of the signal to be measured Vs generated in one measurement object 11 as in this example, and the impedance Z (physical quantity) of the measurement object 11 calculated based on the voltage value Vsv. Is a measurement mode for continuously measuring the frequency characteristic at a predetermined time interval (that is, the frequency characteristic of the voltage value Vsv measured in the frequency characteristic measurement process and the frequency characteristic of the impedance Z generally do not vary greatly). in the measurement mode), the frequency _{f 1,} f 2 during the execution of the frequency characteristic measurement processing, · · _·, f k, · · _·, measured in the range automatic switching process _{f n-1, f n} ranges Since the number of RV changes (range switching) can be greatly reduced, the time required to execute one frequency characteristic measurement process can be greatly reduced. Can. As a result, when the measuring apparatus 1 is configured to temporarily start from the sleep state at the above-mentioned predetermined time interval for measuring the frequency characteristics, the time of the starting state (measurement of the frequency characteristics after starting) Since the power consumption in the measurement apparatus 1 can be kept low, the frequency characteristic of the measurement object 11 can be measured with a battery-driven system. Can be continued for a longer period of time.

In the measurement apparatus 1 and the measurement method described above, in the measurement at each frequency f _k in the frequency characteristic measurement process 200 continuously executed after the second (first) frequency characteristic measurement process 100 and thereafter. Although the configuration for executing the range automatic switching processing (step 104 to step 106 in FIG. 4) is adopted, it is not limited to this configuration.

For example, for the measurement object 11 in which the frequency characteristic of the voltage value Vsv and the frequency characteristic of the impedance Z (physical quantity) do not fluctuate greatly, when the first frequency characteristic measurement process 100 is executed, the range automatic at each frequency f _k is automatically performed. (in this example, use range is information) candidate range information range information D _RV indicating the measurement range RV searched out in the switching process D corresponding to each frequency f _k in the storage unit 3 as a _CRV and is stored, second and subsequent Is measured at each frequency f _k , the candidate range information (corresponding to the use range information in this example) _DCRV stored in association with the frequency f _k is _added to the measurement range RV. The measurement range RV can be used as it is by switching immediately. Therefore, in such a measuring apparatus and measuring method for measuring the frequency characteristic of the measurement object 11, the above-described automatic range switching process (steps 104 to 106 in FIG. 4) in the frequency characteristic measurement process 200 is omitted. (That is, a configuration in which the process proceeds to step 107 immediately after execution of step 103) is adopted. Note that a measuring apparatus employing this configuration has the same configuration as that of the measuring apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1, and in the first (first) frequency characteristic measuring process, the frequency characteristic measuring process is performed in the same manner as the measuring apparatus 1. 100 is executed.

According to the measuring apparatus and the measuring method adopting this configuration, it is possible to omit the automatic range switching operation at the time of measurement at each frequency f _k in each frequency characteristic measurement process after the second time. The time required for execution can be further reduced.

  In the above embodiment, an example of measuring the frequency characteristic of the impedance Z as an example of the physical quantity of the measurement object 11 has been described. However, the physical quantity to be measured is not limited to this, and the voltage value or Various values such as a current value, a capacitance value, and an inductance value may be used.

1 Measuring Device 11 Measurement Target D _CRV Candidate Range Information Is AC Current RV Measurement Range Vs Voltage Signal

Claims (4)

While increasing or decreasing the frequency of the measurement AC signal to be supplied to the measurement target stepwise within a predetermined frequency band, a plurality of signals to be measured are generated at the measurement target by supplying the measurement AC signal at each frequency. The frequency of the signal under measurement is measured by switching to an appropriate one of the measurement ranges and storing the level of the signal under measurement corresponding to the frequency of the AC signal for measurement. A measuring device for measuring a frequency characteristic of a physical quantity of the measurement target calculated based on the characteristic or the signal under measurement,
When the frequency characteristics are measured for the first time, automatic range switching processing for automatically searching for the appropriate one measurement range from the plurality of measurement ranges and switching to the found measurement range is performed at each frequency. In addition, range information indicating the found measurement range is stored as candidate range information in association with the frequency of the measurement AC signal, and when the frequency characteristics are measured for the second and subsequent times, the measurement AC signal is stored. When the range automatic switching process is executed after switching to the measurement range indicated by the candidate range information stored in association with the frequency of the frequency and a new appropriate measurement range is found in the range automatic switching process Range information indicating the found measurement range corresponds to the frequency of the AC signal for measurement, and a new candidate Measuring device which stores as Nji information. While increasing or decreasing the frequency of the measurement AC signal to be supplied to the measurement target stepwise within a predetermined frequency band, a plurality of signals to be measured are generated at the measurement target by supplying the measurement AC signal at each frequency. The frequency of the signal under measurement is measured by switching to an appropriate one of the measurement ranges and storing the level of the signal under measurement corresponding to the frequency of the AC signal for measurement. A measuring device for measuring a frequency characteristic of a physical quantity of the measurement target calculated based on the characteristic or the signal under measurement,
When the frequency characteristics are measured for the first time, automatic range switching processing for automatically searching for the appropriate one measurement range from the plurality of measurement ranges and switching to the found measurement range is performed at each frequency. And the range information indicating the searched measurement range is stored as use range information corresponding to the frequency of the AC signal for measurement, and at the time of measuring the frequency characteristic for the second time and thereafter, in each frequency, A measurement apparatus that switches to the measurement range indicated by the use range information stored in correspondence with the frequency of the measurement AC signal without executing the range automatic switching process. While increasing or decreasing the frequency of the measurement AC signal to be supplied to the measurement target stepwise within a predetermined frequency band, a plurality of signals to be measured are generated at the measurement target by supplying the measurement AC signal at each frequency. The frequency of the signal under measurement is measured by switching to an appropriate one of the measurement ranges and storing the level of the signal under measurement corresponding to the frequency of the AC signal for measurement. A measurement method for measuring a frequency characteristic of a physical quantity of the measurement target calculated based on the characteristic or the signal under measurement,
When the frequency characteristics are measured for the first time, automatic range switching processing for automatically searching for the appropriate one measurement range from the plurality of measurement ranges and switching to the found measurement range is performed at each frequency. In addition, range information indicating the found measurement range is stored as candidate range information in association with the frequency of the measurement AC signal, and when the frequency characteristics are measured for the second and subsequent times, the measurement AC signal is stored. When the range automatic switching process is executed after switching to the measurement range indicated by the candidate range information stored in association with the frequency of the frequency and a new appropriate measurement range is found in the range automatic switching process Range information indicating the found measurement range corresponds to the frequency of the AC signal for measurement, and a new candidate Measurement method for storing as Nji information. While increasing or decreasing the frequency of the measurement AC signal to be supplied to the measurement target stepwise within a predetermined frequency band, a plurality of signals to be measured are generated at the measurement target by supplying the measurement AC signal at each frequency. The frequency of the signal under measurement is measured by switching to an appropriate one of the measurement ranges and storing the level of the signal under measurement corresponding to the frequency of the AC signal for measurement. A measurement method for measuring a frequency characteristic of a physical quantity of the measurement target calculated based on the characteristic or the signal under measurement,
When the frequency characteristics are measured for the first time, automatic range switching processing for automatically searching for the appropriate one measurement range from the plurality of measurement ranges and switching to the found measurement range is performed at each frequency. And the range information indicating the searched measurement range is stored as use range information corresponding to the frequency of the AC signal for measurement, and at the time of measuring the frequency characteristic for the second time and thereafter, in each frequency, A measurement method for switching to the measurement range indicated by the use range information stored in association with the frequency of the AC signal for measurement without executing the range automatic switching process.

Images