ANALOGUE AND DIGITAL

MEASURING
INSTRUMENTS USED IN
MEASURING AND TESTING
ELECTRICAL POWER
SYSTEMS
 ANALOGUE INSTRUMENTS
Analog instruments are mechanical devices that indicate the
magnitude of the quantity in the form of the pointer movement, and
the value is read according to markings on a scale.
What is an example of an analog instrument?
The common examples of analog instruments are Permanent
magnet moving coil instrument, galvanometer, needle type
speedometer of automobile, moving iron instrument, mercury
thermometer, etc.
 What is an Analog Instrument?
An analog instrument is the one which shows the results of
measurement either in the form of a wave or by the deflection of a
pointer on an analog scale. Analog instruments work on the principle
of electromagnetic induction, where they consist of a magnet
(permanent or electromagnet) and a coil through which the current
flows. The measurement is then performed by the interaction
between the magnetic field of the magnet and magnetic field
produced by the electric current in the coil and the results of the
measurement are generally shown by the deflection of a pointer on a
scale.
• The common examples of analog instruments are analog
multimeter, analog ammeter and voltmeter, analog speedometer of
a vehicle, etc.
 DIGITAL INSTRUMENT?

A digital instrument is the type of measuring instrument which

represents the output in the form of digits on a screen (LCD or
LED). The working principle of a digital instrument is based on the
binary number system where, two binary digits (0 and 1) are used
to denote two distinct values. The digital instruments are made by
solid state devices such as diodes, transistors, MOSFETs, LED, etc.
The results shown by the digital instruments are very easy to
understand and more accurate. Some common examples of digital
instruments are digital multimeter, digital ammeter and voltmeter,
digital energy meter, digital speedometer, etc.
• Some examples of digital instruments are digital multimeter,
digital ammeter and voltmeter, clamp-meter, etc.
Basis of Difference Analog Instrument
The type of instrument which
works on electromagnetic
effects and produces the output
in analog form (wave or
deflection of pointer) is called
an analog instrument.
Definition
Digital Instrument
The type of instrument which
consists of solid state
components and shows the
results in the digital form
(digits on a screen) is known as
digital instrument.
 The construction of an analog
instrument is simple and direct
reading type, involves the use
of magnet (permanent or
electromagnet) and a coil.
Construction
Analog instruments show the
output by the deflection of a
pointer on a dial or scale.
Output
The construction of digital
instrument is little complex
than analog instrument, as it
uses electronics and converter
circuit for analog to digital
conversion and vice-versa.
Digital instrument shows the
output on a digital display
screen as a text or number.
 Analog instruments can be used Since digital instrument
in any type of environmental involves electronic devices
conditions. which requires proper
environmental conditions to
Environmental conditions
function.

In analog instruments, moving There is no moving parts

parts are present. present in the digital
Moving parts instruments.

Analog instruments can show Digital instruments do not show

the change in output by the the change in output quantity.
Change in output movement of pointer.
 With the analog instruments, Digital instruments are free from
there is a possibility of observational errors.
considerable observational errors
Error like parallax error.

Analog instruments are more Digital instruments are less

susceptible to the electronic affected by the electronic noise.
Effect of electronic noise noise.

Analog instrument uses Digital instruments use sampling

continuous variation of the techniques for the conversion of
signal and records its input signal into binary signal
Technology used waveforms. (or digital signal).
 In analog instruments, time Time required for observing the
required to observe the output is output is very less in case of
Time needed for reading the more. digital instruments.
output

Analog instruments do not An extra source of power is

require extra (or auxiliary) required in the digital
Requirement of extra power power supply. instruments.
supply

Analog instruments are less Digital instruments are more

Accuracy accurate. accurate.

The sensitivity of analog Digital instruments are less

instruments is more. sensitive.
Sensitivity
 The cost of analog instruments is Digital instruments are costlier
less. than analog instruments.
Cost

The size of an analog instruments Digital instruments are

is normally larger than a digital comparatively smaller than
Size instrument. analog instruments.

Analog instruments do not use Digital instruments use a display

display screen (LCD or LED) to screen to show the output.
Presence of display screen show the output.

The resolution of analog Digital instruments have high

Resolution instruments is less. resolution.