A digital multimeter is a device which can provide combined functionality of ammeter, ohmmeter, ammeter. It is commonly known as DMM. DMM is Most widely used due to its small size, price, and ease in case of operation. Here this post gives information about the advantages and disadvantages to better understand this topic.
Advantages of digital multimeter:
- The output can be interfaced with external equipment
- They are having high input impedance, so there is no loading effect in multimeter
- They are available in smaller sizes or compact
- An unambiguous reading is obtained
- There are more accurate than an analog multimeter
- Portable size makes it is easy to carry anywhere
- They have a very high input impedance
- They cause less meter loading effects on the circuit being tested
- Some advanced digital multimeter has a microprocessor and can store the reading for further processing
- They reduce reading and interpolation errors
- Unlike analog multimeter, zero adjustments is not required
- It can be used for measurement AC and DC both quantity
- It can be used for measurement of various parameters such as resistance, voltage, and current, etc
- It has a sensitivity of 20 kilo-ohms/ V which is fairly high
- Measurement of quanties with different range can be possible
- It is very simple to use unlike analog multimeter as a result are displayed in value of like numeric value directly and user need not have read manually from the scale
- The auto polarity function can prevent problems from connecting the meter to test circuit with the wrong polarity
- Parallax errors are eliminated. If the pointer of an analog
- Digital multimeter displays have no moving parts. This makes them free from wear and shock failures
- With the advent of ICs, the size, cost and power requirement of digital multimeters has been drastically reduced
- DMMs can be used in testing continuity, capacitors, diodes, and transistors. A more advanced digital multimeter can also measure the frequency
- The digital output is suitable for further processing or reading and can be useful in a rapidly increasing range of computer-controlled applications
- Digital multimeter has an LCD display to show an accurate reading
- There is digital multimeter which provides auto-range feature. In this type of meter, the user need not have to worry about setting the range of measurement. It is done automatically by the meter itself
Disadvantages of digital multimeter:
- It is more expensive than the analog type
- The LCD display depends on a battery or an applying external power source. When the battery is too much low, the display will be dim, making it difficult to read the result
- There is a voltage limitation. If it increased beyond the limit, the meter will be damaged
- It should be used as per manufacturer range and as per category rating. Failing to do this will cause damage to the equipment and also cause personal injury
- In case of fluctuations or transients, it can record an error
- Warming of the meter during its use can change its properties leading to errors in the measured value
- The digital nature makes it unsuitable for adjusting the tuning circuits or in the peaking tunable responses
- The A/D converter has a limitation on word length which can cause quantization noise giving rise to an error in the measured value
Explore more information: