Abstract: A system for alternately activating and deactivating a load comprises a high-resistance d-c circuit branch connected across a power supply downstream of a load-operating impedance, this branch including a voltage limiter and a voltage multiplier in series with each other and with a switching stage responsive to commands from a timer and/or a parameter sensor such as a thermostat. The junction of the voltage limiter and the voltage multiplier is connected to one input of a differential amplifier whose other input is energized with either of two potentials, respectively higher and lower than that of the junction, by the switching stage.

Abstract: In order to ascertain the magnitude R.sub.i of an unknown resistance element in digital terms, two calibrating resistances of known magnitudes R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 =mR.sub.1 (with m>1) are connected in circuit with a capacitor, to form a switchable RC network, during two gating periods whereas the unknown resistance element is inserted in their place during a third gating period. A multiplicity of counting pulses are fed during each gating period to a pulse counter delivering their count to an arithmetic unit which determines the ratio R.sub.i /R.sub.1 from the several pulse counts and from the factor m. The switchable RC network may be part of a one-shot pulse generator, establishing a variable gating period for counting pulses of a fixed cadence, or of an astable multivibrator generating different counting pulse rates during gating periods of constant duration.