How to use a digital multimeter

Digital multimeters are used, and this article will detail their advantages and disadvantages.

▪ Summary

Electronic devices are powered by electricity. However, since electricity is invisible, it is necessary to use measuring instruments such as digital multimeters to check their safety and quality and to find out why malfunctions occur.

Digital multimeters have so many buttons and ports that many people find them difficult to operate at first glance. In contrast, they are surprisingly easy to operate. Here, a detailed look at digital multimeters, and how they differ from analog multimeters, as well as how digital multimeters are used.

■ Definition of digital multimeter

A digital multimeter is a measuring instrument to be used in electrical measurements. Its main function is to measure voltage, resistance and current, and the measured values are displayed directly in digital form by the LCD display. Nowadays, electronic devices are integrated into people's daily lives. With the widespread use of smart phones and other devices, it is not an exaggeration to say that "nowadays everyone's daily life is inseparable from electronic devices".

Because electronic equipment is so sophisticated and electricity is invisible, it is not possible to visually determine whether its electrical system is functioning properly under the following conditions.

- In case of problems with electronic equipment

- When you want to check the safety or quality of manufactured electronic equipment

This is where a digital multimeter can be used to check the condition of an electronic device from different angles. In addition, digital multimeters tend to be used in many situations, not only by electronics professionals, but also in personal and children's electronics. If you can master the right way to use it, you can enjoy the electronic work more easily.

■ Differences between digital and analog multimeters

In recent years, there have been more and more types of digital multimeters, but initially analog multimeters were the most common type of multimeters. Digital multimeters display measurements in digital form, while analog multimeters display measurements through pointer oscillations and dials.

The function of a digital multimeter is that it can perform tests that cannot be performed with an analog multimeter and can read values accurately. On the other hand, however, analog multimeters have the advantage of being able to read changes in measured values by means of pointer oscillations. There are pros and cons to both digital and analog multimeters, so choose the right one for your situation.

If both digital and analog multimeters are functional, then you can choose according to your preference.

■ Advantages and disadvantages of digital multimeters

Here is a brief overview of the advantages and disadvantages of digital multimeters.

:: Advantages

・Direct reading of the measured value ensures accurate readings.

High input impedance and low instrument loss.

・Powerful, because you can perform digital operations internally, you can display other values (capacitance, frequency, peak value, etc.).

・Some models can also be connected to a personal computer and transfer data.

:: Disadvantages

・The value fluctuates and is difficult to read until it stabilizes.

・It may take some time for the value to stabilize in different measurement environments, resulting in inefficiency.

・Susceptible to external interference.

In addition to the accuracy that can only be achieved with digital multimeters, digital multimeters are capable of performing advanced arithmetic operations that are not possible with analog multimeters. Another attractive feature of digital multimeters is that they have functions such as data transmission that can improve work efficiency. On the other hand, however, it is also possible that measurement time will be longer than analog multimeter measurements because it takes time to stabilize the measurement value and fix the value due to the difference in the measurement object.

■ How to use a digital multimeter

Here is a brief description of how to use a digital multimeter.

I'm going to turn it on.

First, press the power button to start the instrument. The digital multimeter relies on battery or AC power, so if it fails to turn on, replace the battery or check the power supply.

Selection of modes and ranges

Select the item to be measured and the range with the knob. Some types of multimeters will automatically switch to the appropriate range without the need to select a range. If you need to switch ranges manually, measure on a larger range first and then switch to a smaller range to find the appropriate range.

In addition, some multimeters have modes that automatically differentiate between AC and DC voltages.

Connect the test cable.

Connect a test lead or similar device to the port of the digital multimeter to begin measurement. Note that the red test leads are connected to different ports for current measurements and other measurements such as voltage and resistance. Zeroing before measurement ensures more accurate readings.

Also note that for "low resistance measurement", "insulation resistance measurement", "grounding resistance measurement" or "impedance measurement ", then specialized measurement equipment is required.

▪ Proficiency in the use of digital multimeters

In the modern era of increasing electronic devices, digital multimeters have become an indispensable tool for checking safety, quality, and malfunctions. Although digital multimeters have some disadvantages compared to analog multimeters, they have the advantage of being able to perform advanced measurements such as various measurement items or data transmission.

Please use the digital multimeter skillfully and apply it to various situations such as work.