Drieterminalmeting

Drieterminalmeting, also known as three-terminal measurement, is a technique used in electrical engineering to accurately measure the impedance of a component or circuit. This method is particularly useful when dealing with components that have parasitic elements or when precise characterization is required.

The core principle of drieterminalmeting involves using three connections to the device under test. These connections typically include a "high" terminal, a "low" terminal, and a "guard" terminal. The high and low terminals are used for the primary current path, while the guard terminal is used to intercept unwanted leakage currents. By measuring the voltage across the component and the current flowing through it, while simultaneously managing leakage paths with the guard terminal, a more accurate determination of the component's impedance can be achieved.

This technique is often employed in measurements involving capacitors, resistors, and other electronic components, especially at high frequencies or when dealing with materials that exhibit significant leakage. The guard terminal acts as a reference potential, effectively shunting away any stray currents that might otherwise flow through the measurement circuit, thereby preventing them from corrupting the intended measurement. This improves the accuracy and reliability of the impedance data obtained. Drieterminalmeting is a standard practice in high-precision electrical metrology.