A digital multimeter is a device that provides the combined functionality of ammeter, voltmeter, and ohmmeter. It is commonly known as DMM.
It is most widely used due to its small size, price, and ease in operation. A digital multimeter has an analog/digital converter that provides a digital readout. This increases the precision in reading the values.
Explanation of Multimeter
It is also known as Volt-Ohm-Milliammeter (VOM), a multimeter is an electrical tool that is used to measure circuit parameters, such as resistance, current, and voltage.
This measuring device comes in two types
- Analog Multimeter
- Digital Multimeter
where the former has a scale and needle indicator, while the latter has an LCD display.
Focusing on the digital multimeter, it offers the combined functionality of an ohmmeter, a voltmeter, and an ammeter.
It is commonly used for its compact size and ease of operation, having both an analog and digital converter to provide a digital readout, offering precision value reading.
While a digital multimeter seems to have all the perks for such a device, it also has some drawbacks. Here are its advantages and disadvantages:
Advantages and Disadvantages of Digital Multimeter
What are the advantages of Digital Multi-meters?
- They are having high input impendence, So there is no loading effect.
- They are having higher accuracy.
- Unambiguous reading is obtained.
- It can be used for measurement of various parameters such as resistance, voltage, current
- The output can be interfaced with external equipment.
- They are available in smaller sizes.
- can be used for the measurement of C.and D.C. both quantity.
- It has a sensitivity of 20 kΩ/V which is fairly high.
- Measurement of quantities with different ranges can be possible.
- It is small in size or compact.
- It is very simple to use unlike analog multimeter results are displayed in numeric value directly and users need not have to read manually from the scale.
What are the Disadvantages of Digital Multimeters
- The LCD display depends on a battery or external power source. When the battery is low, the display will be dim, making it difficult to read.
- There is a voltage limitation. the meter will be damaged by increasing beyond the limits.
- It is more expensive than the analog
- It should be used as per manufacturer specified measurement range and as per category rating. Failing to do this will cause damage to the equipment and also cause personal injury.