For measuring unknown capacitances, which exist in capacitive sensors,
such as pressure, moisture, inclination sensors and the like, the
invention proposes a capacitance measurement method, in which a
capacitance to be measured is charged and discharged across a resistor
and the charging or discharging time up to a preset voltage value is
measured and in which the charging/discharging times of a known reference
capacitance and stray capacitances are measured across a resistor. The
invention also proposes a circuit for measuring an unknown capacitance to
be measured and having a voltage source, a resistor for charging or
discharging at least the measuring capacitor, at least one switch for
connecting and disconnecting the measuring capacitor with respect to the
voltage supply and a time measuring device, in which switches are
provided for connecting and disconnecting the measuring capacitor and at
least one reference capacitor with respect to the circuit.