ECE132L – INSTRUMENTATION & CONTROL LABORATORY

Laboratory Activity #1
DC Ammeter

Name: Riglos, Mark Alejandro M. Date Performed: 01/12/2017

Section: C38 Instructor: Ronel V. Vidal, PECE

I. Objectives:
1. To measure current by using a basic meter movement
2. Verify ammeter operation by measuring known values of current

II. Introduction:
An ammeter is a measuring instrument used to measure the current in a circuit. Electric
current is the rate of charge flow past a given point in an electric circuit and is measured in
Coulumbs/second or Amperes (A). Instruments used to measure smaller currents, in the
milliampere or microampere range, are designated as milliammeters or microammeters.
Ammeters are placed in series with the circuit and must be in correct polarity (Spitzer &
Howarth, 1972).
The purpose of this experiment is for us to be familiar with the concept behind the DC
ammeter and the use of it. This experiment is also intended for us to familiarize ourselves in
the relationship of the instruments and the circuits itself which it is coupled with.

III. Methodology:
 Materials:
1. F.A.C.E.T. Base Unit
2. DC FUNDAMENTALS Circuit Board
3. Power Supply, 15 Vdc (2)
4. Multimeter
5. DC Milliammeter Module
 Procedure:
1. Turn off the power sources. Insert the DC FUNDAMENTALS circuit board into
the base unit. Turn on the power sources. Do not apply power to the AMPS
circuit at this time,
2. Adjust the positive supply to +10 Vdc at the VOLMETER/ AMMETER/
OHMMETER circuit block.
3. With a full-scale indication of 1 mA, calculate the meter voltage drop.
 4. Calculate the required value of R4.
5. Measure and record the value of R4.
6. Connect the meter in the R4 branch. Observe the meter polarity. Use a two
post connector to energize the AMPS circuit. Use the fine adjust control of
the positive supply to obtain an exact full-scale meter indication.
7. Adjust the rheostat R8 to its maximum CW position. Move the positive
connection of the meter movement module to the 10 mA circuit position.
8. Slowly adjust R8 until the meter gives a full-scale indication and measure the
current reading indicated by the meter.
9. Remove the power from the circuit and measure the value of R8 and then
compared it to the calculated value.
10. Turn off the power sources and remove all circuit board connections.

IV. Data & Results:

 What are the values of RM and IM which are to be used in this procedure?
 RM = 2300 ohms; IM = 0.001 A
 With a full-scale indication of 1 mA, calculate the meter voltage drop.
 2300 ohms x 0.001 A = 2.3 V
 Calculate the required value of R4
 R4 = (10 - 2.3) / 0.001 = 7700 Ω
 Measure and record the value of R4.
 R4 = 7.67 kΩ
 What is the current through R4 when meter indicates half-scale deflection?
 I4 = 1 mA
 What current value is displayed on the meter? In terms of the circuit, what quantity
does the meter indicate?
 1 mA. It indicates that the reading is full-scale current.
 What is the current indicated on the meter?
 0.18 mA
 Does the meter give the above indication because the range of the meter cannot be
extended or because R8 serves as a meter shunt?
 Because R8 served as a meter shunt
 Slowly adjust R8 until the meter gives a full-scale indication. What current reading is
now indicated by the meter?
 1 mA
 Calculate and record the value of R8 that is required to give a full-scale indication on
the meter.
 RSH = 2.379 V / 1 mA = 237.9 Ω
 Does your measured value equal to your calculated value?
 Yes
 What is the purpose of R8- to stop current or to serve as a shunt resistor?
 The purpose of R8 is to serve as a shunt resistor which increased the range of
the ammeter.
V. Discussion of Results/ Conclusion:
With this experiment, we have learned that a basic 1 mA full-scale meter
movement can be employed as an ammeter. We have also found out that a shunt
resistor can be used to extend the range of a 1 mA meter movement to indicate a 10 mA
full-scale circuit current.

VI. References:
 Spitzer, F. & Howarth, B. (1972). Chapter 11. In Holt, Rinehart & Winston. Principles of
Modern Instrumentation. New York.
 HyperPhysics. Electric Current. Retrieved January 19, 2017, from
http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/electric/elecur.html