Characterization of a precision modular sinewave generator

At the Czech Metrology Institute (CMI) we have developed a precision modular sinewave generator for impedance ratio bridges. The generator was developed to improve previously available designs regarding amplitude and phase accuracy, linearity, absolute stability, stability of the ratio between two outputs and harmonic distortion. It generates up to 7 Vrms in a frequency range from 1 mHz up to 20 kHz, extendable to 100 kHz with small changes to the filters. The amplitude resolution is better than 0.01 μV V−1 of full scale with an output voltage stability of 0.05 μV V−1/30 min and a stability for the ratio between two outputs of 0.02 × 10−6 over several hours. The generator can be powered from internal batteries and is controlled via optically isolated connections. The internal clock and voltage references can be replaced by external ones, optically coupled in the case of the clock. In this paper, we discuss experimental results obtained with the generator used as a signal source in digital impedance bridges with relative combined uncertainties from 10–5 down to 10–8. The generators have been used in a bridge to drive a quantum Hall resistor in the AC regime. The use of a generator with an AC quantum voltmeter will also be discussed. The generator is not only applicable in the field of AC impedance metrology but also for on-site comparisons of AC quantum voltage standards or, in general, where there is a need for precision voltage sources.