A multimeter is a necessary measurement instrument in any engineering workshop or lab. The primary function of this device is to measure the electrical properties of tools and wiring in industries. Currently, multimeters are utilized for different purposes based on the requirements like dealing with electricity, laboratories, power sources & circuits. The various electrical parameters in the multimeter can be selected using a dial or a rotary switch on the instrument’s front side. Multimeters are available in different forms based on their characteristics. Let’s know about multimeters and their advantages:
Types of Multimeter
There are various types of multimeters like Analog, Digital, and Fluke:
Analog Multimeter
The Analog Multimeter or VOM (Volt-Ohm-Milliammeter) is made using a moving coil meter and a pointer to display the reading on the scale. The moving coil meter contains a coil wound around a drum between two permanent magnets. As current passes via the coil, the magnetic field is generated in the coil, which reacts with the magnetic field of the permanent magnets. The resulting force causes the pointer connected to the drum to deflect on the scale, displaying the current reading.
Digital Multimeters
The Digital Multimeter consists of an LCD and a knob to choose various ranges of the three electrical characteristics. The PCB consists of concentric rings connected or disconnected based on the position of the knob. Thus as the needed parameter and the range are selected, the section of the PCB is triggered to perform the corresponding measurement. To measure the resistance, current flows from a current source through the unknown resistor. The voltage across the resistor is amplified and fed to an Analog Digital Converter, and the resultant output in the form of resistance is displayed on the digital display.
Types Of Digital Multimeter
Digital types of multimeters are available in three types:
Fluke Multimeter
The fluke digital multimeter is made with various collaboration functions. Usually, it includes a large display, and this instrument is used to measure the voltage and electrical resistance. Some devices have advanced features to measure humidity, duty cycle, pressure, frequency, temperature, etc. This kind of multimeter is mainly utilized for calibration efforts and used to calibrate currents, volts & other electrical units.
Clamp Digital Multimeter
The Clamp Meter is utilized to measure the electricity flow. This multimeter includes the clamp feature, which measures the amps whenever the probes measure the volts. The adjustment of power usage; otherwise, watts can be done by multiplying the voltage reading with the amps. This multimeter also includes an extra feature that is different kinds of settings.
Autoranging Multimeter
This is a simple multimeter to use even though it is similarly the most expensive of all kinds of digital multimeters. This multimeter has a knob in the center and has less position. So it doesn’t switch automatically to measure. This instrument is applicable to simple projects. Normally, it measures a single component at a time.
Advantages Of Digital Multimeters
The advantages of a digital multimeter are as follows:
- It ensures accuracy
- It gives an automatic o/p display.
- The results of the meter can record and store in memory and synchronizes through a PC
- It includes auto-polarity functions
- The meter reading accuracy cannot rely on the charging of the battery
- Resistance toward mechanical damage.
- Multifunctionality
