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Digital Multimeter - Basic Guide PDF
Digital Multimeter - Basic Guide PDF
• A DMM measures
• AC / DC volts,
• AC / DC current
• Resistance
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Front Panel Symbols
Symbol Meaning
V V DC
V V AC
mV millivolts (.001V or 1/1,000V)
A Amps
mA milliamps (.001A or 1/1000A)
µA microA (.000001A or 1/1,000,000A)
Resistance (Ohms)
k kilo-Ohms, Megohms
)))) Continuity beeper
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Front Panel Symbols
Symbol Meaning
Capacitance (uF: Microfarads)
(nF: Nanofarads)
Diode test
Hz Hertz (cycles/sec)
REL Relative or offset reading
Range Manual override of autorange
Hold Touch Hold-last stable reading
MIN MAX Highest, lowest recorded readings
Dangerous voltage levels
Caution: see manual
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DMM Specifications
• Display
• Accuracy
• Range &
Resolution
Electronics Electrical
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5 Digital Multimeter Basics DMMBASE1.PPT
Understanding DMM Display Specs
Display is specified as Digits or as Count
20,000 count
• Digits: 3 1/2, 4 1/2, etc.
– starting from the least significant digit (right most), 3 “full” digits
from 0-9
– Left most digit - 1 “half” digit (can read less than 9). Ex: 1999
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6 Digital Multimeter Basics DMMBASE1.PPT
Understanding DMM Accuracy Specs
Accuracy is specified in percentage %
• Closeness with which an instrument reading approaches the true value being measured;
or largest allowable error.
• Percentage of reading (digital multi-meters) vs. percentage of scale or range (analog meters):
Example: 1%scale vs. 1% reading
% scale: If scale or range is 1000V, an accuracy of 1% is equal to +/- 10V. 120V reading
could = 110-130V.
% reading: 1% accuracy with 120V reading= 118.8-121.2V.
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7 Digital Multimeter Basics DMMBASE1.PPT
Understanding DMM Specs
Range and Resolution
• Resolution is the smallest change in measured value to which the instrument will respond.
Range: Resolution:
400.0mV .1mV (=1/10 mV)
4.000V .001V (=1mV)
40.00V .01V (=10mV)
400.0V 0.1V (=100mV)
1000V 1V (=1000mV)
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8 Digital Multimeter Basics DMMBASE1.PPT
Measurements using Multimeter
• Measuring voltage –
Testing for proper supply voltage is usually the first step when troubleshooting a
circuit.
• Plug the black test probe into the COM input jack. Plug the red test
probe into the V input jack.
• If the DMM has manual ranging only, select the highest range so as
not to overload the input.
• Touch the probe tips to the circuit across a load or power source (in
parallel to the circuit).
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Measurements using Multimeter
• Resistance Measurement –
Most DMMs measure down to 0.1Ω, and some measure as high as 300 MΩ (300,000,000 ohms).
Infinite resistance (open circuit) is read as“OL” on the meter display.
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Measurements using Multimeter
• DC and AC current –
Current measurements taken with the DMM alone require placing the meter in series with the
circuit being measured. This means opening the circuit and using the DMM test leads to complete
the circuit.
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True-rms vs. Average-sensing
What does “rms” mean
• RMS is the Root Mean Square or effective heating value of any ac
voltage or current waveform.
• RMS is the equivalent DC heating value of an AC waveform.
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12 Digital Multimeter Basics DMMBASE1.PPT
True-rms vs. Average-sensing
Average-sensing works for a perfect sinewave
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13 Digital Multimeter Basics DMMBASE1.PPT
True-rms vs. Average-sensing
What if the waveform is non-sinusoidal?
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14 Digital Multimeter Basics DMMBASE1.PPT
True-rms vs. Average-sensing
What if the waveform is non-sinusoidal?
• Average-sensing meters typically measure RMS high for voltage and low for
current where there is waveform distortion.
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15 Digital Multimeter Basics DMMBASE1.PPT
True-rms vs. Average-sensing
What is Crest Factor?
• Crest Factor = Peak / RMS
• For ideal sine wave, CF = 1.414
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16 Digital Multimeter Basics DMMBASE1.PPT
True-rms vs. Average-sensing
What is Crest Factor?
• For this current waveform, Crest Factor = 2.9
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19 Digital Multimeter Basics DMMBASE1.PPT
Some Digital Multimeters Provided by
FLUKE
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Why Choose Fluke ?
• Fluke designs its DMMs to the latest, most demanding safety
standards.
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• Company Name : Fluke Corporation - India
• Website: http://www.fluke.com/fluke/inen/home/default.htm