1.

35 DIGITAL VOLTMETERS
In the previous units, analog meters for the measurement of V, I, and R are described. Some of these
instruments may use electronic amplifier circuits, but the deflecting system is analog in nature.
Therefore, even though some of the instruments are electronic meters, they have the disadvantages
of analog instruments. With digital display, some of the disadvantages associated with analog
instruments such as reading with parallax error can be eliminated. Digital instruments can be P
based and can be made compatible with computers. In this section, such DVM principles are
explained. Commercial DVMs will have the facility to measure current and resistance also. Such
instruments are called digital multimeters (DMMs). With the advancement in IC technology, the size
and cost have reduced, and versatility and reliability have improved. The power requirement of these
instruments has also reduced considerably during recent times.
1.35.1 General Specifications
Some of the general specifications and typical values of instruments are given below. The numerical
figures given may vary from instrument to instrument, but they give an idea about the range of the
values.
1. Input range: From 1.000000 to 1000.000 V with an automatic range selection and overload indication.
2. Absolute accuracy: 0.005%.
3. Stability: Short term: 0.002% for 24 hr.
4. Long term: 0.008% for 6 months.
5. Resolution: 1 V on 1 V input range.
6. Input impedance: R = 10 M; C = 40 pF.
7. Output signal: Compatibility with computer, printer, or recorder.
Broadly, there are four different types of DVMs:
i. Ramp-type DVM.
ii. Integrating-type DVM.
iii. Continuous balance DVM.
iv. Successive approximation DVM.