Digital Multimeter Information

A basic digital multimeter.

A digital multimeter is an instrument used on electrical circuits and electronic equipment for testing or diagnostic purposes. They are available in both hand-held and larger bench-top versions, reports Texso Instruments.

History

The first digital voltmeter was made in the early 1950s. EETimes reports that it was developed by Non-Linear Systems, a company founded by Andrew F. Kay.

Quantities Measured

Digital multimeters measure a wide variety of quantities including temperature, current and voltage, reports GlobalSpec. Other quantities that a multimeter might measure, depending on the type, include resistance, capacitance and frequency.

Units

Digital multimeters are generally capable of providing measurements in amps, ohm or volts. According to GlobalSpec, they can be used on both alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC).

Uses

Digital multimeters are used in both field and laboratory settings, reports Texso Instruments, to test the electrical integrity of power systems, household appliances and wiring. Some models can even be used to test integrated circuits.

Cost

Digital multimeters can run from the relatively inexpensive to the extremely expensive. Inexpensive hand-held models range from $15 to $20, while high-end, bench-top models can cost over $1,000.

References

• GlobalSpec: Digital Multimeter Information
• Texso Instruments: Facts about Digital Multimeters
• EETimes: Gauging the Impact of DVMs