Measurements for the characterization of passive components in non-sinusoidal conditions

This paper deals with the measurement of the R, L, and C parameters of the passive component in nonsinusoidal conditions. An innovative virtual instrument, implementing a measurement method based on system identification techniques, was designed to be used for the characterization of passive components in arbitrary conditions. After a detailed description of the measurement method, the solutions adopted in the design of the instrument are discussed. Then, the instrument performance is assessed in comparison with a reference impedance meter in both sinusoidal and nonsinusoidal conditions. Finally, the results of tests carried out in nonsinusoidal conditions of passive components with different dielectric and magnetic materials are shown and discussed.