Lab Experiment # 07

a) To demonstrate the working of Maxwell’s inductance bridge method for

measuring unknown inductances.
b) To demonstrate the working of De-Sauty’s bridge method for
measuring unknown capacitances.
Objective:
In this lab we familiarize with AC bridges (Maxwell’s and De-sauty’s) and we will determine the
unknown inductance and capacitance using these bridges.
Apparatus:

 Maxwell’s Bridge trainer NV6533

 De-sauty’s bridge trainer NV6037
 Connecting wires
 Digital Multimeter
 LCR Meter

Theory:
AC Bridge:
An AC Bridge consist of four arms, each of which is an impedance value, an AC source for
excitation and a balance detector which is very sensitive to small alternating potential difference.
AC bridge methods are of outstanding importance for measurement of electrical quantities like
inductance, capacitance, storage factor, loss factor etc.
Null Detectors for AC Bridges:
1. Head Phones: Head phones are widely used as detectors at frequencies of 250HZ and up to
3 or 4 KHZ. They are most sensitive detectors in this range.
2. Vibration Galvanometer: They are extremely used for power and low audio frequencies
ranges. They work at various frequencies ranging from 5HZ to 1000HZ, but most commonly
used below 200HZ as below this frequency they are more sensitive than head phones.
3. Tunable Amplifier Detectors: This detector can be used over a frequency range of 10HZ to
100KHZ.
General Equation for AC Bridge:
Now let us derive general expression for an AC bridge balance Figure given below shows AC
bridge network: Here Z1, Z2, Z3 and Z4 are the arms of the bridge. Now at the balance condition,
No current flow through the detector, the potential difference between b and d must be zero.
This will be the case, when the voltage drop from froma to d equals to drop from a to b both in
magnitude and phase.

Thus, we have from figure e1 = e2

From equation 1, 2 and 3 we have Z1.Z4 = Z2.Z3, this states that the product of impedances of one
pair of opposite arms must equal the product of impedance of other pair of opposite arms in
complex notation. This means that both magnitude and phase angle must be taken into account.
Two Conditions must be satisfied while balancing AC bridge circuit.
1. Z1Z4=Z2Z3 (condition for magnitude)
2. α1+α4=α2+α3 (condition for phase Angle)

1. Maxwell’s Inductance bridge:

A Maxwell bridge (in long form, a Maxwell-Wien bridge) is a type of Wheatstone bridge used
to measure an unknown inductance (usually of low Q value) in terms of calibrated resistance and
capacitance. It is a real product bridge.This bridge is the simplest method of comparing two
inductances values and to determine the values of unknown inductances. Figure 8.1 shows the
basic circuit for MAXWELL’s inductance bridge circuit configuration.
Its first arm consist of an NON-inductive resistance R1, Second arm consist of a standard
inductor L3 in series with the non inductive resistance R3 used for resistance balance control,
third arm consisting of a variable resistance R2 used for inductive balance control and fourth arm
consists of unknown inductor Lx with internal resistance Rx. The balance can be obtained by
varying the resistance R2 of third arm.

Fig. 7.1 Maxwell Bridge

At balance,

Z1Zx=Z2Z3

The value of Lx can be calculated by the formula:

Lx=L3R2/R1

The value of Rx can be calculated by the formula:

Rx=R2R3/R1

 Where Lx is the value of unknown inductor and Rx is the internal resistance of the
inductor.

Maxwell’s Inductance Bridge Trainer NV6533:

This trainer is useful training product for measuring very small values of inductances.
Maxwell’s Inductance Bridge is useful to understand the working and operation of AC Bridges.
This bridge can be used to determine the unknown inductance by comparison with either variable
standard self inductance or variable standard self capacitance. By setting the null point we can
evaluate the value of unknown inductance. For this purpose a Null detector with amplifier circuit
is implemented on this trainer board. A1KHZ sign wave is provided with means for amplitude
variation.

Fig. 7.2 Maxwell Bridge Trainer

Features:

 Inbuilt sign wave generator with amplitude control knob.

 Null detector with audio amplifier and speaker.
 Learning Material CD
 2 year warranty

Technical Specifications:

 Mains Supply : 230V +- 10%, 50HZ

 DC Power Supply : +12v, -12v
 Sign wave Generator
o Fixed Frequency : 1KHZ +- 5%
o Amplitude Control Knob : up to 20Vpp
 Speaker : 8ohm
Circuit Diagram:

Mimic illustration with connection for Maxwell’ inductance bridge method for measurement of
unknown inductance is shown in the figure below.
 Fig. 7.3 Circuit Diagram
Procedure:
1. Connect a patch cord between sockets ‘13’ and ‘29’, and in between sockets ‘14’ and
‘30.
2. Connect a patch cord between sockets ‘1’ and ‘2’, and in between sockets ‘8’ and ‘11’ to
determine the value of Lx1 and Rx1.
3. Connect a patch cord between sockets ‘15’ to‘17’, and between ‘16’ to ‘18’for the
purpose of Null detection.
4. Rotate the potentiometer R2 in fully Counter clockwise direction.
5. Switch on the power supply.
6. Set amplitude or loudness of the audio detector as per your requirement by rotating
amplitude control knob 1KHZ sine wave generator.
7. Rotate the potentiometer R2 towards clockwise direction till the galvanometer gives the
null deflection.
8. Switch off the power supply and disconnect the patch cords between sockets ‘1’ and ‘2’.
9. Take the reading of potentiometer R2 between test points ‘5’ and ‘6’ using digital
multimeter.
10. Calculate the value of unknown Inductance LX1 and RX1 by using the formula:
LX1=L1.R2/R4
RX= (R2.R3)/R4
11. Now connect a patch cord between sockets ‘1’ and ‘3’, and in between sockets ‘8’ and
‘10’ to determine the value of Lx2 and Rx2.
12. Repeat the above steps from 4 to 7.
13. Remove the patch cord between sockets ‘1’ and ‘3’.
 14. Take the reading of potentiometer R2 between tests points ‘5’ and ‘6’ using digital
multimeter.
15. Calculate the value of unknown Inductance Lx2 and Rx2 by using the formula:
Lx2=L1.R2/R4
Rx2= (R2.R3)/R4
16. Now connect a patch cord between sockets ‘1’ and ‘4’, and in between sockets ‘8’ and
‘9’ to determine the value of Lx3 and Rx3.
17. Repeat the above steps from 4 to 7.
18. Remove the patch cord between sockets ‘1’ and ‘4’.
19. Take the reading of potentiometer R2 between tests points ‘5’ and ‘6’ using digital
multimeter.
20. Calculate the value of unknown Inductance Lx3 and Rx3 by using the formula:
Lx3=L1.R2/R4 and Rx3= (R2.R3)/R4

Observations and Calculations:

Maxwell’s Inductance Bridge Calculations:

Sr R2 (ohm) R3 R4 L1 (uH) Lx= L1.R2/R4 Rx=R2.R3/R4

no variable (ohm) (ohm) (uH) (ohm)

1 100Ω 0.473kΩ 100 12 12 0.47k

2 0.198kΩ 0.238kΩ 100 12 23.76 0.47k

3 0.393kΩ 0.121kΩ 100 12 47.16 0.47k

Results:

The unknown value of inductance Lx1=12uH

The unknown value of inductance Lx2=23.76uH

The unknown value of inductance Lx3=47.16uH

2. De sauty’s Bridge:
The de-sauty’s bride is direct carryover of the wheat stone bridge with the DC source replaced by
AC Source. The null detector we will be using has an amplifier where the gain can be adjusted.
This is connected to null detector which is used for getting the null point. We can use the
principle of wheat stone bridge to calculate Cx as: Cx= R4*C3/R3

Fig. 7.4 De-Sauty’s Bridge Circuit

De-Sauty’s Bridge Trainer NV6037:
This trainer is useful training product for measuring values of capacitances. This bridge can be
used to determine the unknown capacitance by comparison with variable resistance. By setting
the null point we can evaluate the value of unknown capacitance. For this purpose a Null
detector with amplifier circuit is implemented on this trainer board. A1KHZ sign wave is
provided with means for amplitude variation.

Fig.7.5 De-Sauty’s Bridge Trainer

Features:
  Inbuilt sign wave generator with amplitude control knob.
 Null detector with differential amplifier, ADC and DPM.
 A complete set up with all necessary accessories.
 2 year warranty

Technical Specifications:

 Sign wave Generator

o Fixed Frequency : 1KHZ +- 10%
o Amplitude Control Knob : up to 15Vpp
 Fuse : 500mA, Slow Blow
 Main Supply 230Volt +-10%, 50Hz

Circuit Diagram:

Mimic illustration with connection for De-sauty’s bridge method for measurement of unknown
Capacitance is shown in the figure below.

Fig.7.6 Circuit Diagram

Procedure:
1. Connect mains cord to the trainer.
2. Connect a patch cord between sockets ‘1’ and ‘4’ for measuring unknown capacitance.
3. Connect a patch cord between sockets ‘5’ to ‘9’, and ‘8’ to ‘10’for the purpose of Null
detection.
4. Rotate the potentiometer R1 in fully Counter clockwise direction.
5. Set amplitude or loudness of the audio detector as per your requirement by rotating
amplitude control knob 1KHZ sine wave generator.
6. Connect terminal ‘19’ to ‘6’ and ‘20’ to ‘7’.
 7. Switch on the power supply.
8. Rotate the potentiometer R1 towards clockwise direction till the null point is detected.
9. Switch off the power supply and disconnect the patch cords between sockets ‘1’ and ‘4’.
10. Take the reading of potentiometer R1.
11. Calculate the value of unknown capacitance by using the formula:
CX1=R2.C2/R1
12. Repeat the above procedure for different values of unknown capacitances i.e CX2 and
CX3.
Observation and Calculation:
S. NO Unknown Capacitance Resistance Resistance Capacitor
(uF) R1(ohm) R2(ohm) C2(uF)
1 Cx1= 0.086 5.43k 1k 0.47

2 Cx2=0.207 2.23k 1k 0.47

3 Cx3=0.451 1.04k 1k 0.47

Results:

The unknown value of Capacitance Cx1= 0.086 uF

The unknown value of Capacitance Cx2= 0.207 uF

The unknown value of Capacitance Cx3= 0.451 uF

Comments:

Conclusion: