How Does Multimeter Work?

A multimeter is a very useful and versatile device which is used for measuring two or more electrical quantities. This device can be used to measure electrical functions like voltage, current, continuity, resistance, and some are able to measure electrical frequency. A digital multimeter takes help of analog to digital converter and in this device, the input signal i.e. AC or DC voltage, current, resistance, temperature or any other parameter is converted to DC voltage within the range of the ADC. The analog to digital converter then converts the pre-scaled DC voltage into its equivalent digital numbers which will be displayed on the display unit. Sometimes, digital controller block is installed with a microcontroller or a microprocessor. It manages the flow of information within the instrument. This block coordinates all the internal functions as well as transferring information to external devices like printers or personal computer. 

For beginners, we need to start with some of the different parts of a multimeter. At the very basic or initial level, you have the device itself, along with two probes, which are the black and red cables having plugs on one end and metal tips on the other. The multimeter has a display at the top, which gives you the readings, and there’s a big selection knob which you can spin around for selecting a specific setting. Each setting may also have various different number values, which are there for measuring different strengths of voltages, resistances, and amps. So if you have your multimeter set to 20 in the DCV section, the multimeter measures voltages up to 20 volts. Your multimeter also comprises two or three ports for plugging in the probes. It might have completely separate ports for measuring amps, while the other port is specifically just for voltage, resistance, and continuity.

This is the most common and used type of multimeter in the market by electricians today. This device makes use of digital circuits which means that it measures current in discrete increments. Analog multimeter measure values in a continuous range. The measurements of a digital multimeter are usually made in an analog form. This means that it converts from analog to digital form before taking any measurements. Because of this delay of conversions, a digital multimeter may not be suitable for measuring values which are changing constantly. However, a digital multimeter is generally known for more accuracy than its analog counterpart. 

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