Information Sheet 1.

3-3
Test and Measurements

Learning Objectives:

After reading this information sheet the trainee must be able to:

1. Read and use the different types of multi meter

2. Understand the sign wave of AC and DC
3. Build an AC to DC power supply

Multi Meter:
Multimeter or a multitester, also known as a VOM (Volt-Ohm meter), is
an electronicmeasuring instrument that combines several measurement functions in one
unit. A typical multimeter may include features such as the ability to
measure voltage, current and resistance.

Types of Multimeter:

1.) AnalogMulimeter:

Analog multimeters are electrical test instruments which are used to measure
voltage, current, resistance, frequency and signal power. Analog multimeters use a
needle along a scale. Switched range analog multimeters are very cheap but are difficult
for beginners to read accurately, especially on resistance scales.
 2.) Digital Multimeter:

Modern multimeters are often digital due to their accuracy, durability and extra
features. In a digital multimeter the signal under test is converted to a voltage and an
amplifier with electronically controlled gain preconditions the signal. A digital multimeter
displays the quantity measured as a number

AC, DC Electrical Signals

Alternating Current (AC)

- Flows one way, then the other way, continually reversing direction.An AC
voltage is continually changing between positive (+) and negative (-).The rate of
changing direction is called the frequency of the AC and it is measured in hertz
(Hz) which is the number of forwards-backwards cycles per second.
Direct Current (DC)
-Always flows in the same direction, but it may increase and decrease. A DC voltage is
always positive (or always negative), but it may increase and decrease. Electronic
circuits normally require a steady DC supply which is constant at one value or a smooth
DC supply which has a small variation called ripple. Cells, batteries and regulated
power supplies provide steady DC which is ideal for electronic circuits.

Properties of electrical signals

An electrical signal is a voltage
or current which conveys information,
usually it means a voltage. The term
can be used for any voltage or current
in a circuit.

The voltage-time graph on the

right shows various properties of an
electrical signal. In addition to the
properties labeled on the graph, there is frequency which is the number of cycles per
second.

1. Amplitude is the maximum voltage reached by the signal. It is measured in volts, V.

2. Peak voltage is another name for amplitude.
3. Peak-peak voltage is twice the peak voltage (amplitude). When reading an
oscilloscope trace it is usual to measure peak-peak voltage.
4. Time period is the time taken for the signal to complete one cycle. It is measured
in seconds (s), but time periods tend to be short so milliseconds
(ms) and microseconds (µs) are often used. 1ms = 0.001s and 1µs = 0.000001s.
5. Frequency is the number of cycles per second.
It is measured in hertz (Hz), but frequencies tend to be high so kilohertz
(kHz) and megahertz (MHz) are often used. 1kHz = 1000Hz and
1MHz = 1000000Hz.
 Power Supply

Power Supply Inverteris an electrical device that changes Alternating Current (AC)
to Direct Current (DC). The converted AC can be at any required voltage and frequency
with the use of appropriate transformers, switching, and control circuits.