EEE 1 Lab: Experiment 1

DC Measurements

BATAC, Jun Kristoffer J. 2013-09489

BUENSUCESO, Maria Crispina B. 2014-06338

1. At what range can’t the AMM be zeroed? Why?

Based on the experimental results, the multimeter cannot be zeroed at Rx1 because
of the presence of internal resistance. Theoretically, when the probes come in
contact (shorted), there would be an infinite amount of current, and the resistance
would be zero. However, due to the presence of a small internal resistance, it is
possible to read a measurement at the range Rx1.

2. How must the range be chosen in the AMM when measuring voltage, current,
and resistance?
The range in the analog multimeter must be chosen based on the desired accuracy
and general ease of measurement. In terms of the view of the meter, the best
accuracy is gained when the meter is towards the full scale deflection. In this way, a
given percentage change in the reading gives the maximum and hence most visible
change in meter deflection, and accordingly the most accurate reading. For example,
measuring 10V on the 50V range will be more accurate than measuring it on a 200V
range.

3. What are the factors that may affect the accuracy of the results when using the
AMM and 1 mA movement?
For the analog multimeter, wrong calibration could lead to inaccuracy. Also, the
selected range will definitely affect the accuracy. Once a “wrong” scale is chosen, the
actual measurement would be rounded up to a certain degree. It can also be quite
confusing to convert the read values based on the scale, especially if it is just done
mentally. Making mistakes when counting the marked graduations is also likely,
especially if you are reading it from various angles. Furthermore, having to
interpolate in between two graduations could lead to great inaccuracies. To ensure
accuracy, it is recommended that a digital multimeter be used instead.

Besides parallax error, the 1 mA movement’s lack of more marked graduations can
lead to inaccuracies in the measured value.

4. What is the importance of the current knob in a power supply?

In a power supply, the current knob sets the maximum possible current output so that
it is safe for use.

5. The 1 mA movement can also be used as a voltmeter. Draw the circuit of this
voltmeter that will measure up to 10 V.
6. Compare the two methods in used in measuring resistances in terms of
simplicity, accuracy, etc.
The simplest method in measuring resistance would be to use the analog multimeter
directly. This is direct and straight to the point, and would yield an approximate value
for the resistor although it might be more inaccurate due to reading errors from the
scales.

The second method, also known as the voltmeter-ammeter method, involves

measuring the current I and the voltage V. The resistance would be calculated using
Ohm’s Law (R = V/I). This would be a bit more tedious, as it would require the
measurement of both the current and the voltage passing through the resistor. It
would also require calculations, which may be simple, but could also lead to error if
the improper units (mA and V) were used.