An electrostatic charge meter using a microcontroller offers advanced features and easier ATEX certification

The development of a microcontroller-based electrostatic charge meter is described. The meter is of the non-contact type and provides a reading of surface voltage by integrating the current supplied to the probe head to keep it at earth potential as the instrument is brought to within a specified distance of the target. The use of a microcontroller allows the use of a small number of components and the resetting of the integrator without relays or switches as well as self-calibration and auto-ranging. The minimal use of capacitors and complete lack of inductance facilitates ATEX certification.