Patent ID: 6018700
Filing Date: 2000-01-25
Classification: G01R

Abstract:
A self-powered current monitor for providing visual indication of characteristics of an electric current; said self-powered current monitor comprising:(a) a current-sensing means, connected in series with said electric current, providing an analog signal containing information about said characteristics;(b) an analog-to-digital converter means, connected to said current-sensing means, converting said analog signal into a digital signal;(c) a display means providing visual indication of said characteristics;(d) a memory means storing working data and program data;(e) a microprocessor means, connected to said analog-to-digital converter means and to said display means and to said memory means, receiving said digital signal, utilizing said program data and said working data to determine said characteristics, and providing output suitable for said display means;(f) a power supply means, connected in series with said electric current, deriving regulated d-c power from said electric current; and(g) a power-distributing means, connected to said power supply means and to said analog-to-digital converter means and to said display means and to said memory means and to said microprocessor means, distributing said regulated d-c power from said power supply means to said analog-to-digital converter means and to said display means and to said memory means and to said microprocessor means;said electric current being generated by a current source; wherein said characteristics of said electric current comprise one or more of root-mean-square magnitude, average magnitude, peak magnitude, harmonic component magnitudes, distortion factor, form factor, crest factor, equivalent k-factor for transformers with harmonic rating, graphical representation of the waveform, current demand, and maximum current demand.