TOPIC 4: BASIC GENERAL MEASURING EQUIPMENT
It is necessary knowing how to measure voltage, current, and resistance. Special types of
instruments are used to measure these basic electrical quantities. The instrument used to measure
voltages is a voltmeter, the instrument used to measure current is a ammeter, and the instrument
used to measure resistance is a ohmmeter.
Commonly, all three instruments are combined into a single instrument such as a
multimeter or AVO meter (Ampere- Volt- Ohmmeter), in which you can
choose what specific quantity to measure by selecting the switch setting.
Methods of Measurements:
Basically, there are two types of measurements:
1. Direct Method
In this method of measurement, the quantity to be measured is compared
directly against a standard of some kind of quantity.
2. Indirect Method
This method of measurement is used when the direct method is impractical or impossible.
It is important to select the suitable method of measurement according to the following points:
1. Apparatus available. 2. Accuracy desired. 3. Time required. 4. Difficulties in measurement. 5.
Conditions of measurement.
Classification of Instruments
Instruments can be divided into separate classes according to several criteria. These
classifications are useful for broadly establishing several attributes of particular instruments such
as accuracy, cost, and general relevance for different applications.
a. Mechanical Instruments
Mechanical instruments are very reliable for static and stable conditions, but they are unable to
respond rapidly to measurement of dynamic and transient conditions. This is due to the fact that
these instruments having moving parts which are rigid, heavy and bulky. E.g. Vernier Calipers,
Micrometer, etc.
b. Electrical & Electronics Instruments
Electrical methods of indicating the output of transducers are more rapid than the mechanical
methods. But the electrical systems normally depend upon a mechanical meter movement as
indicating devices. This mechanical movement has some inertia and therefore these instruments
have a limited time response. E.g. Multimeter, Oscilloscope, Wattmeter etc.
How to use a Multimeter
Multimeter. This is an electrical/electronic measuring device that can measure the three electrics
Quantities, Ammeter, Voltmeter, and Ohmmeter. Multimeter comes in Analogue and Digital.
The following step shows how to obtain readings from a multimeter.
[Link] the range of the desired quantity to be measured to the
highest value.
[Link] the leads to the right terminals at the meter
[Link] on the circuit if necessary.
[Link] the range until you get clear readings.
[Link] the following formula to obtain the measured quantity.
Range
Reading X -------------
Full-Scale
For example, if the reading was 3.5 from a full-scale value of 5V, the range was set to X300V.
So, the measured voltage is
300
3.5 X -------- = 210
5
How to use oscilloscope to observe signals
1. Display The first things that is noticed on an oscilloscope is the large display that is used
for displaying the waveform. This typically may take around a quarter of the space on the
front panel or even a little more. It is often good to have a reasonably large display then it
is easier to see the various elements of the waveform.
2. Connectors There is a variety of different connectors on the front panel. Typically, there
is an input for each of the channels to be displayed - often an oscilloscope will have more
than one channel. Many oscilloscopes are dual channel and can therefore display two
signals at the same time, allowing waveforms to be compared. Other inputs may include a
trigger input that will enable the trace on the oscilloscope to be triggered according to this
signal.
3. Controls There is a variety of controls on the oscilloscope:
i. Vertical gain / signal input sensitivity: This is generally calibrated in
V/cm, i.e. each vertical division on the scale represents a given number
of volts.
ii. Time base: This alters the speed at which the trace crosses the screen
horizontally on the oscilloscope. It is calibrated in terms of time /
division, e.g. 1ms / cm, assuming the divisions are at one-centimeter
intervals.
iii. Trigger: The controls that are associated with the trigger enable the
time base of the oscilloscope to be triggered in various ways. This
enables a still or stable picture to be obtained on the screen of the
oscilloscope