Wide dynamic range 500 fA sensitivity current measurement instrument

Abstract

Main technical features of Low Energy Charged Particle Sensor (LECPS) are described, taking into account LECPS high sensitivity, wide dynamic range, and conditions of in-flight operation on-board a satellite. LECPS input cascade is capable of current measurement as low as 1 pA within a 120 dB dynamic range, providing error level below 20%. Statistical calculations of acquired data, measuring time considerations and implementation of input cascade auto-calibration technique were applied to gain the best possible stability and accuracy over −20° to +50°C operation temperature.