Fully utilize the functions of digital multimeters
Many high-performance digital multimeters have a * small/* large value recording function, which users can use to capture various signal anomalies, such as multi cycle sudden drops or rises, unexpected signal fluctuations, or other types of unattended signal monitoring.
Fully utilize the functions of digital multimeters
You already know how to measure AC and DC voltages. But how are you utilizing the other functions on a digital multimeter? Have you ever used these features? The "* Small/* Large/Average" function is a very useful but often overlooked feature.
Min/Max/Average
Many high-performance digital multimeters have a minimum/maximum value recording function, which users can use to capture various signal anomalies, such as multi cycle sudden drops or surges, unexpected signal fluctuations, or other types of unattended signal monitoring. This function works by sampling the input signal approximately every 100ms or longer, and can be applied to all major instrument functions (voltage, current, etc.).
When the "minimum/maximum/average" function is turned on, the instrument can capture and temporarily maintain the highest and lowest signal levels it measures. In addition, the instrument will also maintain the average value of the signal level measured during the monitoring process. The average reading can be used to smooth noise signals, analyze the percentage of time the circuit is active, and determine the overall instability level of the monitored signal
Time stamp
In addition to capturing these level values, some digital multimeters also have a time clock that can add time stamps to the maximum, minimum, and average values.
Time markers can tell you the time these readings occurred based on the start time of the monitoring process. It also displays the actual start time of the minimum/maximum value recording, making it easier to determine when a signal change occurred.
By knowing the time when the highest and lowest signal changes occur, you can know when an abnormal event occurred and gain a deeper understanding of the stability of the analyzed signal or system. If you are looking for intermittent or unusual system performance that occurs when you are not on-site, then this is a valuable feature of troubleshooting tools that can save time.
