Analog & Digital Multimeter

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Analog & Digital Multimeter

ElectronElectronics & ElectricalDigital Electronics

Multimeter
As the name implies, a multimeter is device that can be used to measure multiple
quantities, i.e., when a single device is used to measure multiple quantities, the device
is called multimeter. On the basis of output representation, there are two types of
multimeters −

 Analog multimeter
 Digital multimeter

Analog Multimeter
An analog multimeter is a permanent magnet moving coil (PMMC) meter type
measuring instrument. It works on the principle of d’Arsonval galvanometer. The analog
multimeter has an analog display that uses the deflection of a pointer on the scale to
indicate the level of measurement being made. The pointer deflects from its initial
position increasingly as the measuring quantity increases.

Working of Analog Multimeter


Since, the analog multimeter is a PMMC types instrument, so when a current is passed
through its coil, the coil moves in a magnetic field produced by the permanent magnet.
A pointer is attached with the coil. When current flows in the coil, a deflecting torque
acts on the coil that will rotate it by an angle, so the pointer moves over a scale. A pair
of hairsprings is attached to the spindle to provide the controlling torque.

Analog Multimeter Measuring Quantities


A typical analog multimeter can measure following electrical quantities −

 DC Voltage
 AC Voltage
 DC Current
 Resistance
The analog multimeter acts as an ammeter with a low series resistance to measure
direct current. For high currents measurement, a shunt resistor is connected in parallel
with the galvanometer. With the shunt resistor, an analog multimeter can measure
currents in the ranges of milli-amperes or amperes.
By adding a multiplier resistor an analog multimeter becomes a voltmeter and can be
used for the measurement of DC voltage in the ranges of milli-volts or kilo volts.
By adding a battery and a network of resistors, the analog multimeter can work as
an ohmmeter. By changing the value of shunt resistance in resistor network, different
values of resistances can be measured.
By adding a rectifier unit in the analog multimeter circuit, the AC voltages and currents
can also be measured.

Block Diagram of Analog Multimeter


Here, two switches S1 and S2 are used to select the desired meter. It also has a rotary
range-selector switch to choose a particular range of current, voltage and resistance.
Operation of Analog Multimeter
The analog multimeter is very easy to use. With the knowledge of how to make voltage,
current and resistance measurements, it is only necessary to know how to use the
analog multimeter.
For the measurement of current and voltage, there is no need of batteries in the analog
multimeter. But, if resistance is to be measured, batteries need to be installed in the
multimeter.
Steps for the use of analog multimeter −
 Insert the probes into the correct connections.
 Set switch to the correct measurement types and range for the measurement to
be made. While selecting the range, ensure that the maximum range is above
than that is expected. The range of multimeter is then optimised for the best
reading.
 Once the measurement is completed, it is wise precaution to place the probes
into the voltage measurement sockets and set the range to maximum voltage. In
this way if the meter is accidently connected across a high voltage point, there is
a little chance of damage to the multimeter.

Advantages of Analog Multimeter


 It gives the continuous reading, thus a sudden change in signal can be detected
which is not possible with digital multimeter.
 Analog multimeter are very cheap.
 All measurement can be made using a single meter only.
Disadvantages of Analog Multimeter
 They are bulky and larger sized.
 Multiple scales, these can cause confusion.
 Low input resistance.
 Analog multimeters do not have auto-polarity function. Therefore, it is necessary
to connect probes correctly.
 Less accurate than a digital multimeter.

Digital Multimeter
A digital multimeter (DMM) is a measuring instrument used to measure various
electrical quantities. The standard measurements that are performed by a DMM are
current, voltage and resistance. Apart from these, a digital multimeter can also measure
temperature, frequency, capacitance, continuity, transistor gains etc.

Block Diagram of Digital Multimeter


DMM Controls and Connection Ports
A typical DMM has a rotary switch, digital display and connecting jacks for the probes.
Let’s see the various parts of DMM in somewhat details −

 Display − The DMM has an illuminated display screen for better visualisation.
Most DMM have four digit display, the first of which can only be either a 0 or 1
and a + / - indication as well. There may also be some more indicators like AC /
DC etc.
 Connection Ports − There are three or four ports available on the front of the
DMM. However, only two are needed at a time. Typical ports of the DMM are −
o Common − It is used with all measurements. The negative (black) probe is
connected to this.
o VΩmA Port − This port is used for the most measurements and positive
(red)probe is connected to it.
o 10A Port − It is used to measure the large currents in the circuits.
 Dial (Selection Knob) − There is a rotary switch to select the types of
measurement to be made and range that is needed.
 Additional Connections − There are some additional connections in DMM for
other measurements like temperature, transistor gains etc.
 Additional Buttons and switches − There are a few additional buttons are
present in a DMM. The main one is ON/OFF button.

Measurements using Digital Multimeter


 In AC Voltage Mode − The applied input voltage is fed through a
calibrated,compensated attenuator, to a full-wave rectifier followed by a ripple
reduction filter.The resulting DC is fed to analog to digital converter (ADC) and
finally to the display system.
 For Current Measurement −
o In DC Current Mode − The drop across an internal calibrated shunt is
measured directly by the ADC.
o In AC Current Mode − After AC to DC conversion, the drop across the
internal calibrated shunt is measured by the ADC
 In Resistance Mode − In the resistance range, the digital multimeter operates by
measuring the voltage across the externally connected resistor, resulting from a
current flowing through it from a calibrated internal current source.

Operation of Digital Multimeter


With the knowledge of how to make voltage, current and resistance measurements, the
operation of DMM is quite easy. It is necessary to install a battery in the DMM to power
it.
Steps for the use of digital multimeter −
 Turn the meter ON.
 Insert the probes into the correct connecting ports.
 Set the dial (rotary switch) to the correct measurement type and range for the
measurement to be made. While selecting the range, ensure that the maximum
range is above than that is expected. Optimise the range for the best reading. If
possible enable all the leading digits to not read zero, in this way the greatest
number of significant digits can be read.
 Once the measurement is completed, it is a wise precaution to place the probes
into the voltage measurement ports and turn the range to maximum voltage. So
that if the meter probes are accidentally connected across a high voltage point,
there is a little chance of damage to the DMM.

Advantages of Digital Multimeter


 Cheap and easily available.
 Auto range according to requirements.
 Smaller size and light in weight.
 Auto off.
 Auto polarity, etc.

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