Paper: PHY-SEC-4014
Basic Instrumentation Skills
Unit- VII: DIGITAL INSTRUMENTS
Digital Meters
A digital meter has a display consisting of four (in some cases more) digits, together with
polarity symbols (+ and -) and a decimal point that automatically appears between the correct
pair of digits. The display also shows the units of measurement, such as 'V', 'mV' or 'Ω'. The
display is a liquid crystal display and is updated at intervals of a few seconds. The input
terminals of a digital meter connect the test circuit to an operational amplifier with FET inputs.
The result of this is that the digital meter draws virtually no current from the test circuit.
Digital meters are the product of the latest developments in electronic technology so it is to be
expected that they will incorporate many features that are not available on the typical moving-
coil meter. As well as a wide selection of voltage, current and resistance ranges (including
accurate low-resistance range) many of these meters also provide for measurements of
capacitance and frequency. A continuity tester, which produces a 'beep' when there is an
electrical connection between the probes is almost a standard feature. The meter may have a
temperature probe (a thermocouple) and display the temperature in degrees Celsius or
Fahrenheit. The more expensive digital meters include circuits for testing diodes and
transistors, including measurement of transistor gain.
As well as indicating instantaneous readings, the more expensive digital meters have the ability
to process a series of readings taken over a given period of time.
At the end of the period, they can display the minimum, the maximum, the difference between
the minimum and maximum, and the average of the readings it has taken since it was last reset.
The digital multimeter, digital voltmeter, digital frequency meter, etc. are the examples of the
digital meters.
The figure below shows the block diagram of a digital meter:
As we can see, it consists of various units, the operation of each is discussed below:
1. Transducer: A transducer is a device that changes the physical quantity to be measured
into its equivalent electrical form. The applied input can be temperature, pressure, velocity,
displacement etc. It basically converts a form of energy into another.
2. Signal processing unit: This unit is mainly composed of amplification circuitry along
with balancing circuits and calibrating elements. The output of the transducer which is the
electrical form of the quantity to be measured is fed to the signal processing unit. This
basically amplifies or modifies the output of the transducer to such an extent that it can be
easily detected and accepted by the other units of the system.
3. Multiplexer: Multiplexer mixes the multiple analog signals supplied by the processing
unit. It produces an individual signal by mixing various applied signals. This signal is then
processed further.
4. Signal converter: This unit takes the output of the multiplexer and generates such a signal
that can be processed by further units of the system.
5. Analog to digital converter: ADC plays a crucial role in the digital instrumentation
system. It converts the applied analog data signal into its equivalent digital form. This
converted digital data is then provided to the display unit.
6. Display unit: This unit shows the actual quantity that is to be measured in the numerical
form. This can be a CRO or a computer monitor etc. depending on the need of the user.
7. Auxiliary Equipment: This unit is responsible for the functioning of the overall system.
It basically helps to have linear results and performs tasks like a limit comparison to ensure
proper working of the system.
Difference between Analog and Digital Instruments
The following table highlights the major differences between analog and digital instruments −
Analog Instrument Digital Instrument
The type of instrument which works on The type of instrument which consists of
electromagnetic effects and produces the output solid state components and shows the results
in analog form (wave or deflection of pointer) is in the digital form (digits on a screen) is
called an analog instrument. known as digital instrument.
The construction of an analog instrument is The construction of digital instrument is little
simple and direct reading type, involves the use complex than analog instrument, as it uses
of magnet (permanent or electromagnet) and a electronics and converter circuit for analog to
coil. digital conversion and vice-versa.
Analog instruments show the output by the Digital instrument shows the output on a
deflection of a pointer on a dial or scale. digital display screen as a text or number.
Analog instruments can be used in any type of Since digital instrument involves electronic
environmental conditions. devices which requires proper environmental
conditions to function.
In analog instruments, moving parts are present. There is no moving parts present in the
digital instruments.
With the analog instruments, there is a Digital instruments are free from
possibility of considerable observational errors observational errors.
like parallax error.
Analog instrument uses continuous variation of Digital instruments use sampling techniques
the signal and records its waveforms. for the conversion of input signal into binary
signal (or digital signal).
Analog instruments do not require extra (or An extra source of power is required in the
auxiliary) power supply. digital instruments.
Analog instruments are less accurate. Digital instruments are more accurate.
Analog Instrument Digital Instrument
The sensitivity of analog instruments is more. Digital instruments are less sensitive.
The cost of analog instruments is less. Digital instruments are costlier than analog
instruments.
Analog instruments do not use display screen Digital instruments use a display screen to
(LCD or LED) to show the output. show the output.
The resolution of analog instruments is less. Digital instruments have high resolution.
The common examples of analog instruments Some examples of digital instruments are
are Permanent magnet moving coil instrument, digital multimeter, digital ammeter and
galvanometer, needle type speedometer of voltmeter, clamp-meter, etc.
automobile, moving iron instrument, mercury
thermometer, etc.
Important characteristics of Digital Instruments
The digital devices have following important features.
1. The accuracy of the digital electronic instrument is very much high.
2. The digital instrument consists sensitive elements which are easily reacted with the
surrounding temperature and humidity.
3. The input impedance of the digital instrument is very high because of which it can draw
very less power.
4. The digital instrument is less portable.
5. The cost of the instrument is high.
6. The instrument is free from the parallax error.
7. In analogue instruments, the pointer is used for indicating the measuring voltage because
of which the parallax error occurs. While in digital instruments the output is display on the
screen. Thus, the chances of errors are less on it.