Unit 53: Electronic measurements and Test

ASSIGNMENT 1: ELECTRONIC
MEASUREMENTS AND TEST
EQUIPTMENT

Student - Dawud Ahmed

Tutor – Mike Tierney
Table of Contents
Task 1 - Describe the function, features and characteristics of the following four pieces of
electronic test equipment....................................................................................................2
Task 2i - Select test equipment and use measurement techniques to carry out the following
tasks:.................................................................................................................................6
Task 2ii - Select test equipment and use measurement techniques to carry out the following
tasks:.................................................................................................................................7
Task 2iii - Select test equipment and use measurement techniques to carry out the
following tasks:..................................................................................................................8
Task 2IV - Select test equipment and use measurement techniques to carry out the
following tasks:..................................................................................................................9
Task 2V - Select test equipment and use measurement techniques to carry out the
following tasks:................................................................................................................10
Task 2VI - Select test equipment and use measurement techniques to carry out the
following tasks:................................................................................................................11
Task 1 - Describe the function, features and characteristics of the
following four pieces of electronic test equipment.

Function Generator
Function

A function generator is a type of electronic testing equipment with integrated software used to
generate different types of waveforms (electronic) over a wide range of frequencies (Hz). These can
be produced with analogue system, digital system or by using software.

Features + Diagram

https://www.elektor.com/joy-it-jds6600-signal-generator-60-mhz-frequency-counter-100-
mhz - Signal Generator model JOY-iT JDS6600

Key Colour Features what that part does

Frequency ranges Set to different range & functions

Dial/rotary knob
Display
Display option buttons
Rotary knobs
Voltage input connector
Waveform output connector
(channel 1)
Waveform output connector
(channel 2)
Set specific values
Displays set information of frequency, amplitude and other display
options listed below.
Allows following functions to be set: Set frequency, set amplitude, set
offset, select waveform and duty ratio, select, burst or gate, set
parameters, set trig conditions and linear/ logic sweeps.
Change the frequency, amplitude and other ranges
Connector for VCF
Signal into the circuit allows synchronous signals
Signal into the circuit allows synchronous signals

Characteristics
5MHz Max, 5.0 range, change amplitude, frequency, off set. Multiple functions e.g., square waveform
DC (Direct Current) Power Supply / Precision Variable Power Supply

Function

A power supply is an electrical device that supplies electric power to an electric load. A DC
power supply converts electrical current from a source (DC or AC) to the correct current,
voltage and frequency to power the load.

Features + Diagram

DC Power Supply Ascells - https://www.lascells.com/product-detail/precision-variable-power-supply

Key Features what that part does

Colour
Display Displays the amounts of voltages present in the circuit.
Power button Switches the device on and off.
Dial Regulates the amount of voltage present
AC terminal Connect AC input terminal
(DC) set max value Turn to set the voltage to a certain max e.g., 5v max.
(DC) Negative Terminal Negative input placed inside
(DC) Positive Terminal Positive input placed inside

Characteristics

 0 – 15v (DC)
 0 – 12v AC (DC)
 1.5A Max
 Variable DC.
Logic Probe
Function

A logic probe is a low-cost hand-held test probe used for analysing and

troubleshooting the logical states (Boolean 0 or 1) of a digital circuit.

Features + Diagram

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Elenco-Electronics-LP-560-Logic-Probe/dp/B000Z9HAP4 - Logic Probe

and https://www.informit.com/articles/article.aspx?p=435192&seqNum=2 – labelled diagram

Key Features what that part does

Colour
TTL/CMOS Sets two states; high and low.
Pulse Captures and displays the pause
Reader/metal probe Place probe on area which detects pulse
Positive clip Connect to DC positive terminal
Negative clip Connect to DC negative terminal

Characteristics

 Logic 0 Signal input level  TTL: < 0.08V ±0.02V CMOS: < 30% Vcc ± 10%

 Max supply voltage withstand  20 V

 Power supply range  5 - 15 V

Oscilloscope
Function

Is a complex electronic laboratory instrument commonly used to capture, process, display and
analyse the waveform and bandwidth of electronic signals. The device draws a graph of the
instantaneous signal voltage as a function of time.

https://www.rigol-
uk.co.uk/product/rigol-ds1052e-50mhz-digital-oscilloscope/ - Oscilloscope Model Rigol
DS1052E 50MHz Digital Oscilloscope and http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/Electronic/scopec.html
Features + Diagram

Key Features what that part does

Colour
Display Display the information on screen.
Key-pads Select functions displayed on the screen.
Rotary dials Select functions displayed on the screen & change the values
of the waveforms.
Auto-reset Reset the waveform to its original form.
Utility Select for settings for the oscilloscope
Input & Output Connect to other equipment to change the
Dial Change the hight of the waveform

Characteristics

 Maximum Input Voltage  400V

 Resolution  8-bit

 Vertical sensitivity
 2mV/div - 5V/div

 Time base  2ns/div - 50s/div

Task 2i - Select test equipment and use measurement techniques to
carry out the following tasks:
2i) - Investigate the frequency range of the laboratory function generator, which is set up to
give a square wave output using appropriate test equipment. Approximately at what
frequency does noticeable distortion of the waveform occur and how does this relate to the
bandwidth of the oscilloscope.

The frequency starts to distort at around 274.3kHz with a rise time of 63 nanoseconds. This is
not due wrong readings from the oscilloscope but due to the function generator being
analogue thus the function generator cannot produce the correct frequency range of a square
function.
Task 2ii - Select test equipment and use measurement techniques to
carry out the following tasks:
2ii).
1. Build, measure and record the output of a 555-timer oscillator using a logic probe and an oscilloscope. Change
component values for different duty cycle. Carry out all the necessary calculations, showing all workings (duty
cycle, frequency, time-high, time-low).

Circuit Diagram & Circuit Assembly

Components used –

R1 – 100 ohms
R2 – 10k ohms
R3 – 33k ohm
C1 – 470 uf

Duty Cycle

Duty Cycle = ( RR1+2+2RR11 ) ×100

Duty Cycle = ( 10,000+100
100+200 )
×100=50.25 %

Frequency

1.44 1.44
F= , F= =0.153 Hz
( R 2+2 R 1 ) × C ( 10,000+200 ) ×0.00047

Time-High

High Time=0.7 × ( R 1+ R 2 ) × C
High Time=0.7 × ( 100+10,000 ) ×0.00047=¿3.297s

Time-Low
Low Time=0.7 × R 1× C
LowTime=0.7× 100 ×0.00047=¿
3.259s

Notes -

 Increasing C will increase the cycle time (and hence,

reduce the frequency).
 Increasing R1 will increase Time High (T1) but will
leave Time Low (T0) unaffected
 Increasing R2 will increase Time High (T1), increase
Time Low (T0) and decrease the duty cycle (down to
a minimum of 50%)
 (Oscilloscope reading od 555 timer in astable mode)

Task 2iii - Select test equipment and use measurement techniques to

carry out the following tasks:

Task 2iii.) Pick any of the equipment’s used above; report on how you will calibrate it. Also,
describe the principles and the need for the calibration of your chosen equipment.

Calibration of a modern oscilloscope

Oscilloscope a very precise and sensitive piece of equipment even the slightest changes in the
parameters of the surrounding environment can affect it. (I.e., temperature, pressure,
humidity). Therefore, when changes in these parameters occur, the parameters of the
oscilloscope have to be adjusted as well. This process is called calibration.
Modern oscilloscopes do not need to open it up (unlike outdated oscilloscopes); everything is
automatic these days. (All oscilloscopes are calibrated the way.)

The calibration option is usually located in the “utility” menu. Once presses, find the “auto
calibration” section, once selected another menu will come up. Select and enter “calibration
mode”. Once done a message will be displayed on the screen which will warns us to
disconnect all oscilloscope inputs, this must be done. Once everything is disconnected, in
order to start the calibration process, we need to press the single button. Press the “single”
button and the process begins. This can take some time if not calibrated once before,
therefore, wait some time once the calibration is finished it will return to the original screen.

Utility button
Single button
Task 2IV - Select test equipment and use measurement techniques to
carry out the following tasks:
2iv.) Choose either 1, 2 or 3 from part 1, explain how you would ensure your readings were
valid and measurements were consistent using the 4 points below:

• Define Validity and consistency.

• Explain why both are important parameters when taking measurements.
• Explain what a test specification is
• Why is a test specification important in measurement taking?
 Use one of the Tasks in P3 as an example to showcase this.

Validity defined

The feature of the decisions that are made based on test performance. Validity is an argument
built around a set of evidence which is expected to support any decisions that are made from
the test performance. It is vital for a test to be valid in order for the results to be accurately
applied and interpreted.

Consistency defined

A series of measurements of the same project carried out by different users, using the same
method in which produces similar results.

When taking measurements, validity and consistency is very important parameters. Validity
shows that the measurements/test that is being taken is the correct way to take that
measurement and that it is shown to be correct via evidence. Consistency is important,
because it shows that the measurements taken are in fact correct when compared to third
parties using the same method. This can also mean that users can also make assumptions and
predictions about the behaviour of the results.

Test specification

Test specification are the records which provide detailed documentation of the construction,
wiring, arrangement and related engineering details of the information processing equipment.
Thus, it provides methods to test certain specific systems.

Test specification is important when taking measurements because it shows that the user is
meeting to the correct requirements to take the test. In other words, it shows proves that the
user knows what they are doing and how to do it. Therefore, this means that the
measurements being taken are being taken to the correct requirement thus the tests can be
consistent. Test specification is a part of the evidence that proves that the test is valid

Example Showcase - DC Power Supply –

DO later

Task 2V - Select test equipment and use measurement techniques to

carry out the following tasks:

2V.) Construct a simple combined series-parallel (see circuit in page 3) resistor circuit with a
voltage source on a breadboard. Measure the voltage drop across the load resistors and the
total resistance.

Resistor and Voltage Values:

Voltage Drop = VD = I.R

Voltage Drop = 0.08966 x 203=18.2v

Total Resistance = 203Ω

Voltage Drop = 18.2v

Load Resistance =

R1 = 5.8v & 100 Ω

R2 = 6.2v & 150 Ω
R3 = 2.5v & 150 Ω
R4 = 3.7v & 220 Ω
Task 2VI - Select test equipment and use measurement techniques to
carry out the following tasks:
1. 2VI.) Describe the procedures you would take to ensure that this equipment could be
tested safely. Here are some of the areas you should include:

• Precautions to be taken when working with live electrical equipment

• Procedures which ensure that electrical/electronic test equipment is suitable and safe
for use with live electrical equipment (use of manuals and manufacturer’s
procedures)
• The importance of checking that electrical equipment is properly bonded to earth
• The importance of electrical safety equipment such as cut-outs and fuses

The procedure of testing a Bench power supply safely

1. Testing a bench power supply, we need to produce a risk assessment to help you to
identify what risk is involved & the measures/precautions to take. You also need to
think about the hazards present, who may be harmed and how, and the effectiveness
of existing precautions.

These are listed below:

Risk Assessment
Risks: Hazard present
 the level of voltage, charge or current; can - If exposed, personnel can be
be quite high shocked

 The nature of the environment. - Electrical fires can occur

Questions that need to be answered when carrying out a risk assessment are listed below:

 Can the work be done with the equipment dead or energised at a safe voltage or current?
 Is it absolutely necessary for someone to be working on or near to equipment that is live at dangerous
voltages or current levels?
 What is the maximum voltage on conductors that will be exposed during the work activity?
 Are the testers competent? Are they adequately trained and knowledgeable, or have sufficient
experience to carry out the work without risk to themselves and others?
 If the testers are not considered fully competent, are they adequately supervised?
 Are the tests supervised?
Next, we need to find out what precautions in place, these are listed below:

Precautions in place:
 Have a specific area to take the test.

 Ensure that the test is under the control of a responsible person.

 must have adequate space, access and lighting, including clear working space.

 should have emergency stop procedure is anything goes wrong in the test

 should, where necessary, provide first-aid information e.g., display an electric shock poster,
e.g., Electric shock

 Personnel receive adequate first-aid training, including cardiac pulmonary resuscitation

(CPR).

 If a shock occurs, isolate all of the electrical equipment away from the exposed area. I.e.
Switch of power supply or using a insulated instrument, push the personnel away from any
exposure.

 If a shock occurs. After isolation, if necessary, dial for 9-9-9 and preform first aid or CPR.

Once a risk assessment is produced and we know what precautions are in place, we need to
gather all needed electrical/electronic test equipment & ensure that they are all suitable and
safe for use. We can do this by producing all the available manuals so that all the steps on
how to use the testing equipment is followed. These are listed below:

Note that test equipment should be of a proprietary design where applicable, test equipment should be
manufactured to BS EN 61010.

ALL TESTING EQUIPMENT

TESTING EQUIPMENT AND MODEL: Manual Guide:

AMMETER https://vctec.co.kr/web/product/BAE/img/206186-
5.pdf
https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/multimeters/1946806/?cm_mmc=UK-PLA-DS3A-_-google-_-CSS_UK_EN_Test_%26_Measurement_Whoop-_-Digital

VOLTMETER (FLUKE 87V-MAX) %20Multimeters_Whoop-_-1946806&gclid=Cj0KCQiA5bz-BRD-

ARIsABjT4ngqodrHnnnUSGZ4pQtDWFFDT66LwtQXm2xgm0jHgY7D7UzgytchJxEaAqBCEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds&matchtype=&pla-385020963247
https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/multimeters/1946806/?cm_mmc=UK-PLA-DS3A-_-google-_-CSS_UK_EN_Test_%26_Measurement_Whoop-_-Digital

6 OHM RESISTOR %20Multimeters_Whoop-_-1946806&gclid=Cj0KCQiA5bz-BRD-

ARIsABjT4ngqodrHnnnUSGZ4pQtDWFFDT66LwtQXm2xgm0jHgY7D7UzgytchJxEaAqBCEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds&matchtype=&pla-385020963247

(RH0506R000FE02)
2X LEAD WIRES AND CLIPS https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/test-lead-connector-kits/7872506 /
Provide information

Before carrying out any testing, you must provide information, so that all workers (including any relevant third
parties, e.g., those attending witness tests):

 understand that the risk of electric shock injury will still remain during the testing process, even with
the use of RCDs.
 fully understand the scenarios in which these electric shock injury risks can arise in a particular
workplace.

Test method

 To test that the bench power supply is working properly, first we can produce a small
circuit so that the power supply can use. We will read off this circuit so that all
readings are correct etc. In this case, we can use two clip leads (positive and negative)
connected to a 6 ohms resistor (20watts). Using ohms law if you put 6 volts into six
ohms your current should be 1 amp, therefore, once switched one, turn the dial of the
power supply up to 6 volts and connect both a ammeter and voltmeter to the circuit.
Once connected properly, we can measure that the correct voltages and amps are
passing through the circuit.
 In which then we can regulate the amount of voltage and amperes in the circuit by
turning the dial. Thus, this will show us that the bench power supply is giving us the
correct readings and that it is working properly.

The importance of checking that electrical equipment is properly bonded to earth:

- Bonding is used so that it reduces the risk of electric shocks to anyone

who may touch two separate metal part; By connecting bonding
conductors between particular parts, it reduces the voltage there might
have been. Therefore, it is important to check that it is properly bonded so
that accidental shocks do not occur.

The importance of electrical safety equipment such as cut-outs and fuses:

- Designed to protect the lead rather than the appliance. It is a deliberate weak
link in a circuit which will 'blow' if an electrical appliance draws too much
current due to either an overload or a fault. This stops the flow to electricity in
that appliance. Therefore, this is important so that the appliance does not
overheat or catch fire.
- Cut-outs/circuit breaker are similar to a fuse, but a circuit breaker is an
automatic protection device that switches off a circuit if it detects a fault.
The main difference to fuses is that they give more precise protection due
to overcurrent’s drawn etc. Therefore, this is important so that once a fault is
detected, it automatically switches off the electric thus stopping the shock, etc.