Experiment-1 To study electronic and electrical instrument

Portable meter
Portable meter - A portable meter is a compact, self-contained, and easily transportable
electrical measuring instrument used to measure various electrical quantities such as voltage,
current, resistance, frequency, and continuity. It is designed to operate independently, without
the need for fixed installation, allowing it to be carried and used in different locations for on-
site testing, troubleshooting, and maintenance work. Portable meters are commonly battery-
powered, lightweight, and equipped with a clear display for ease of reading, making them
suitable for field engineers, technicians, and laboratory applications.
For eg- Digital Multimeter ,Clamp Meter ,Portable Insulation Resistance Tester

Working principle : A portable meter works on the principle of converting the electrical
quantity being measured (such as voltage, current, or resistance) into a proportional signal
that can be displayed on a scale or digital screen. Depending on the type, it may use analog
mechanisms like a moving coil (where current through a coil produces a deflection
proportional to the quantity measured) or digital circuitry that samples the signal, processes it
electronically, and displays the result. The meter is designed to operate independently, using
an internal power source for measurement and display functions.
Advantages of Portable meter:
1. Portable meters are lightweight and easy to carry, making them suitable for field
work and on-site troubleshooting.
2. They can measure multiple electrical parameters like voltage, current, and
resistance, offering versatility

Disadvantages of Portable meter:

1. They are generally less accurate than fixed or laboratory-grade instruments.
2. Being battery-operated, their performance can be affected if the battery is weak
or discharged.
 Multimeter

Multimeter: A multimeter is an electrical measuring instrument capable of measuring

different quantities such as voltage, current, and resistance using a single device. It can be
either analog, with a moving pointer and scale, or digital, with a numeric display for precise
readings.

Examples - Digital Multimeter (DMM) , Analog Multimeter , etc

Working Principle: A multimeter works on the principle of detecting the electrical quantity
in a circuit and converting it into a readable form. In an analog type, current passing through
a coil produces a proportional deflection of the pointer over a scale. In a digital type, the
electrical signal is sampled, processed by electronic circuits, and displayed as a numerical
value on a digital screen.
Advantages of Multimeter:
1. A single instrument can measure multiple parameters like voltage, current, and
resistance, saving cost and space.
2. It is portable, easy to use, and provides quick results for troubleshooting and testing.
3. Digital multimeters offer higher accuracy and a clear numeric display compared to
analog types

Disadvantages of Multimeter:
1. Accuracy may be lower than that of dedicated single-purpose instruments.
2. Incorrect range selection or misuse can damage the meter or produce false readings.
3. Battery dependency in digital models can limit use if the battery is weak or
discharged.
 DC Power Supply

DC power supply: A DC power supply is an electrical device that provides a stable and
regulated direct current (DC) output to operate or test electronic circuits, components, and
devices. It converts electrical energy from an AC source (such as mains supply) or another
DC source into a controlled DC voltage and current, ensuring that the connected load
receives a constant and safe supply. DC power supplies can be fixed-output or variable-
output, depending on the requirement,
Example - Fixed DC Power Supply , Variable DC Bench Power Supply , etc.

Working Principle:
A DC power supply works by taking input power (usually AC from mains) and converting it
into the desired DC voltage through a series of stages. In an AC-powered type, the input AC
first passes through a transformer to step up or step down the voltage, then through a rectifier
to convert AC into pulsating DC. This is followed by a filter circuit to smooth the voltage and
a voltage regulator to maintain a steady output regardless of variations in input voltage or
load. In battery-based DC supplies, regulation circuits ensure the output remains constant.
Advantages of DC power supply:
1. Provides a stable and regulated DC output, ensuring safe operation of sensitive
electronic devices.
2. Output voltage and current can be adjusted (in variable models) to suit the
requirements of different circuits.
3. Suitable for a wide range of applications including testing, research, and educational
laboratory experiments.

Disadvantages of DC Power supply:

1. High-quality regulated DC power supplies can be costly compared to simple adapters.
2. The device can be damaged if used beyond its specified voltage or current limits.
3. Requires proper handling and cooling in high-power models to prevent overheating or
electrical hazards.
 DSO(Digital Storage Oscilloscope)

DSO : A Digital Storage Oscilloscope (DSO) is an electronic test instrument used to capture,
display, store, and analyze the waveform of electrical signals over time. Unlike traditional
analog oscilloscopes, a DSO converts the input signal into digital form and stores it in
memory, allowing the waveform to be displayed on a screen and examined in detail. It is
widely used in electronics, telecommunications, research, and troubleshooting applications.

Working principle:
A DSO works by taking an analog input signal through a probe and passing it into an analog-
to-digital converter (ADC), which samples the signal at a high rate and converts it into digital
data. This digital data is then stored in the oscilloscope’s memory and displayed as a
waveform on the screen. The horizontal axis of the display represents time, while the vertical
axis represents voltage. Additional internal processing allows measurements such as
frequency, amplitude, rise time, and other signal parameters to be calculated and displayed.
Advantages of DSO:
1. Can store and recall waveforms for later analysis, making it ideal for studying
transient events.
2. Provides accurate measurements with the ability to perform advanced analysis using
built-in mathematical functions.
3. Offers a clear, high-resolution display and multiple viewing modes for better signal
interpretation.

Disadvantages of DSO:
1. More expensive than basic analog oscilloscopes, especially high-bandwidth models.
2. Requires knowledge and experience to operate effectively, which may be challenging
for beginners.
3. Limited memory depth in some models can affect the duration and detail of stored
waveforms.
 Function Generator

Function generator: A function generator is an electronic test instrument that produces

different types of electrical waveforms over a wide range of frequencies. The most
common waveforms generated are sine waves, square waves, and triangular waves,
though some advanced models can produce arbitrary waveforms. Function generators
are widely used in testing, designing, and troubleshooting electronic circuits by
providing a known signal input.

Examples : Benchtop Function Generator , Portable Handheld Function Generator ,

etc.

Working principle:
A function generator works by generating a repeating waveform through electronic
circuits that can shape and control the signal. In traditional analog function generators,
the waveform is created using an integrator and a comparator to produce triangular
and square waves, with additional shaping circuits to generate sine waves. In modern
digital function generators, a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) is used along with
stored waveform data to produce precise and stable signals. The output frequency,
amplitude, and offset can be adjusted according to the requirements of the test or
experiment.
Advantages of Function Generator:

1. Capable of producing multiple waveforms with adjustable frequency,

amplitude, and offset, making it highly versatile.
2. Useful for testing and simulating real-world signals in electronic circuits
without needing the actual source device.
3. Modern digital models provide high stability, accuracy, and additional features
such as arbitrary waveform generation.

Disadvantages of Function Generator:

1. High-quality function generators can be expensive, especially those with high
frequency ranges and advanced features.
2. Output power is limited and may not be suitable for directly driving high-load
devices.
3. Some lower-end models may have waveform distortion at higher frequencies