Patent ID: 6098095
Filing Date: 2000-08-01
Classification: G01R

Abstract:
A method for communication between a handheld multimeter containing a microprocessor or other internal computing means and a computer or other microprocessor-based device, the handheld multimeter having a measurement mode of operation and a communication mode of operation, the method comprising the steps of:(a) providing the microprocessor or other internal computing means of the handheld multimeter with software and appropriate supporting hardware as needed to enable communication over a single signal I/O path and a common ground path;(b) supplying a single signal I/O path and a common ground path to the microprocessor or other internal computing means or to the appropriate supporting hardware as needed;(c) coupling the single signal I/O path to a first conductive region of a dual-signal single-axis jack of the handheld multimeter, said jack being used in support of at least one measurement function when the handheld multimeter is in the measurement mode of operation;(d) coupling the common ground path to a second conductive region of the dual-signal single-axis jack of the handheld multimeter;(e) also providing the computer or other microprocessor based device with software and appropriate supporting hardware as needed to enable communication over a single signal I/O conductor and a common ground conductor, said software and appropriate supporting hardware as needed being compatible with the software and appropriate supporting hardware as needed of the handheld multimeter;(f) also supplying a single signal I/O conductor and a common ground conductor to the computer or other microprocessor based device or the appropriate supporting hardware of the computer or other microprocessor based device;(g) coupling the single signal I/O conductor to a first conductive area of a dual-signal single-axis plug;(h) coupling the common ground conductor to a second conductive area of the dual-signal single-axis plug;(I) bringing the dual-signal single-axis plug of steps (g) and (h) into mating relationship with the dual-signal single-axis jack of steps (c) and (d) so that the first conductive region is in electrical contact with the first conductive area and the second conductive region is in contact with the second conductive area; and(j) initiating communications from the computer or other microprocessor based device to the microprocessor or other internal computing means of the handheld multimeter using the software and appropriate supporting hardware as needed of step (e); or(k) initiating communications from the microprocessor or other internal computing means of the handheld multimeter to the computer or other microprocessor based device using the software and appropriate supporting hardware as needed of step (a).