Self-adjusting resistance standard

A self-adjusting resistance standard, comprising:

• a resistor element, said resistor element being sealed within an element assembly;
• a temperature and frequency measuring circuit operable to measure the temperature of said resistor element and a frequency of an applied measurement signal;
• a heating/cooling assembly operable to raise and lower a temperature of said resistor element;
• a temperature controller for controlling said heating/cooling assembly;
• and
• a control system responsive to said measuring circuit to control said heating/cooling assembly to maintain the value of said resistor element.

A method for improving the accuracy of a resistor standard having a resistor element, comprising:

• determining a resistance/temperature curve for said resistor element;
• measuring a first temperature of said resistor element;
• ascertaining an actual resistance value of said resistor element;
• selecting a second temperature for said resistor element, wherein said second temperature corresponds to a target resistance value;
• and
• adjusting the temperature of said resistor element to said second temperature, said actual value of said resistor element being matched to said target resistance value.