A Current Monitor System in High-Voltage Applications in a Range from Picoamps to Microamps

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

The paper presents an interesting method of measuring a large range (pA-to-uA) of current in high voltage applications. This work can prove very useful to the readers of this Journal in general and to the designer community in particular. However there are few minor observations which might help to make this work even more useful. 

1) Using three series ammeters to cover 0-1uA range is an interesting idea. Can the authors comment on the issues in the scalability of this idea of connecting N ammeters in series in terms of overall design and FPGA control. For example, if we try to use 5 series ammeters to have range of 0-100uA, then how difficult/easy the scalability will be? Maybe the authors can have a small discussion in section "2".

2) How does the electrical matching of three ammeter-boards matter near transition current values of ~90nA and ~900nA. In other words, (because of mismatch) say at current ~90nA, either ammeter-board #1 can be saturated and board #2 is functioning or just board #1 is functioning. How does this design handle this situation.

3) Related to comment 2, is there any hysteresis in transition-current value to decide which board should be on and which boards should be saturated? 

4) Can the authors include a table summarising all the components used in this design at a single place, maybe at section "4"? Authors have already included this information but in running text form scattered through multiple paragraphs/pages. With all the components' details at one place in tabular form, the readers will find it easy to analyze the design process.

 

Author Response

Please see the attechment

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 2 Report

Dear Authors,

Thank you for conducting a very interesting study to publish it in an international journal.

Further information on various issues identified in the manuscript appears below:

1. It is recommended to complete the keywords (for example: Gas Electron Multiplier).
2. In the introduction:

a) Controversy and divergent hypotheses should be highlighted.

b) The main aim of the work should be briefly mentioned and the main conclusions drawn.

c) It is necessary to clearly explain why the authors applied a current monitor system in high voltage applications in a range from picoamps to microamps. For example.: practical values? What is a better solution than the previous ones - what distinguishes the proposed solution?

For the reader to understand the message.  The introduction should be understandable to scientists outside the research area.

3. All figures should be cited in the text.

 

4. All abbreviations - markings in the text should be explained.

 

5. First the description of the drawing in the text should be recalled. Then the drawing should be presented.

 

6. The 'Discussion' chapter should be completed.

 

7. Tabular summaries of research results should be completed.

 

8. Then applications in practical life, e.g. rail and road transport, etc. for example: lots of recent work done by S. Dindar, A. Kampczyk, K. Dybeł, etc. Literature and discussion should be supplemented.
9. Legal regulations should be supplemented: norms, technical standards and regulations.
10. Please state how this work is better than the previous (the previous) ways of doing this job. This could take a whole page itself.
11. Please indicate in the "Conclusions" what is planned in the future in terms of conducted research.

This completes the review.

Kind regards

Comments for author File: Comments.pdf

Author Response

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Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 3 Report

Very interestin work

 

1.- Why use Labview? is better to use free software

2.- Data is only stored in computer?, why not in cloud, and share date in real time?

3.- Why dont use app for mobile devices?

4.- Please, provide more examples

5.- Is necessaty to calibrate, comparing wuth other commercial devices

Author Response

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Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Round 2

Reviewer 3 Report

Authors made a lot of changes, but i have some question more.

 

1.- I think to use LabView is a commetial soft, is better to use free soft.

2.- Mobile app and cloud data is fundamental in our days.

3.- The most important think is the calibration to measure the quality of device. With this little measures is important determinate de uncertanity. Internation standards define the test to do a measurement instruments, ej 60051 part 1 to 9 61000-4-7, 61000-4-30. And Measurement Good Practice Guide No. 11 (Issue 2)—A Beginner’s Guide to Uncertainty of Measurement for uncertanity

Is desirable to calibrate the instrument if is possible

Author Response

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Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Round 3

Reviewer 3 Report

Accept