Comparing the benefits and drawbacks of analog and digital multimeters
Comparing the benefits and drawbacks of conventional and digital multimeters
Multimeters, both digital and analog, have advantages and disadvantages.
The multimeter with a pointer is a typical meter. It includes a clear and straightforward reading indicator.
It is quite intuitive because the general reading value is strongly related to the pointer's swing angle.
A tool for immediate sampling is the digital multimeter. The display of the measurement findings takes a sample of 0.3 seconds. Sometimes, despite not always being identical, the findings of each sampling are quite similar. This is less practical for reading the results than the pointer type.
Typically, there is no amplifier inside the pointer multimeter. As a result, there is less internal resistance. The MF-10 type, for instance, has a DC voltage sensitivity of 100 k/V.
The operational amplifier circuit in the digital multimeter can be used internally, which allows for very high internal resistance. Frequently, it is 1M ohms or higher. Higher sensitivity can be attained, in other words. As a result, the effect on the circuit being tested may be lessened. Measurement higher accuracy.
The frequency characteristics of the pointer multimeter (compared to the digital kind) are uneven because of the modest internal resistance of the device and the usage of discrete components to create a voltage divider and shunt circuit. The pointer multimeter has comparatively superior frequency characteristics.
The pointer multimeter's internal structure is straightforward, which results in inexpensive cost, limited function, easy maintenance, and strong overcurrent and overvoltage capability.
The digital multimeter may do a wide range of tasks, including measuring temperature, frequency (in a lower range), capacitance, inductance, or acting as a signal generator. It does this by using a variety of oscillation, amplification, frequency division, and protection circuits.
The internal construction, which is primarily made of integrated circuits, results in a weak overload capacity. (However, some of them have automatic gearshifts, automatic protection, etc., but the use is more difficult. Repairing damage is typically difficult.
The digital multimeter has a modest output voltage (often less than 1 volt). Testing some parts with unique voltage characteristics, including thyristors and light-emitting diodes, is cumbersome.
The output voltage of the pointer multimeter is higher (10.5 volts, 12 volts, etc.).
The current is also substantial (the MF-500*1 European gear, for instance, has a maximum of roughly 100 mA), making it simple to test thyristors, LEDs, and other electronic components.
For beginners, a pointer multimeter should be used.
For non-beginners, two gauges should be used.
