How Do Digital Multimeters Measure Voltage, Current, and Resistance?

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SUMMARY

Digital multimeters (DMMs) measure voltage, current, and resistance using specific methodologies. They primarily sense voltage and determine current by passing it through a small resistor, measuring the voltage drop across it. Voltage measurement is accomplished through an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), which utilizes fixed voltage sources and an amplifier to compare and equalize the measured voltage. This process ensures accurate readings of electrical parameters.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of digital multimeter functionality
  • Knowledge of analog-to-digital conversion processes
  • Familiarity with Ohm's Law and electrical resistance
  • Basic concepts of voltage, current, and resistance measurement
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the different types of analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) used in DMMs
  • Explore the principles of current measurement using shunt resistors
  • Learn about the calibration processes for digital multimeters
  • Investigate the impact of measurement accuracy and resolution in DMMs
USEFUL FOR

Electronics enthusiasts, electrical engineers, technicians, and anyone involved in measuring electrical parameters with digital multimeters.

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How exactly do digital multimeters measure things like potential difference, electric current, and electrical resistance?
 
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They really only sense voltage. They measure current by putting the current through a small resistor and measuring the voltage across it.

They measure the voltage with an analog-digital-converter (ADC), there are a few different types but basically they are a source of different fixed voltages and a an amplifier to compare each fixed voltage with the measured voltage until they are are equal - then use that number.
 

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