Method of Measurement of Capacitance and Dielectric Loss Factor Using Artificial Neural Networks

Abstract

A novel method of dielectric loss factor measuring has been described. It is based on a quasi-balanced method for the capacitance measurement. These AC circuits allow to measure only one component of the impedance. However, after analyzing a quasi-balanced circuit's processing equation, it is possible to derive a novel method of dielectric loss factor measuring. Dielectric loss factor can be calculated after detuning the circuit from its quasi-equilibrium state. There are two possible ways of measuring the dielectric loss factor. In the first, the quasi-balancing of the circuit is necessary. However, it is possible to measure capacitance of an object under test. In the second method, the capacitance cannot be measured. Use of an artificial neural network minimizes errors of the loss factor determining. Simulations showed that the appropriate choice of the range of the detuning can minimize errors as well.

Keywords

• dielectric loss factor
• quasi-balanced circuits
• artificial neural network