Method and apparatus for monitoring a sensor and processing chain

An improved monitoring of a measurement chain with a sensor is achieved by using a broadband test signal. Thereby, the entire frequency range of a sensor can be covered with one test signal. There is no need to switch between different test signals and the available time for a diagnostic run can be used optimally. The broadband test signal allows better separation of the test signal and the useful signal. The integrity of an AC current measurement is increased by this approach. This can simplify the monitoring of a DC current sensor or even eliminate the need for an additional DC current sensor. In both cases, cost savings can be achieved.