Electronic testing with digital panel meters
A power monitor is required to measure electrical energy used. Energy meters and dashboard meters are also useful. One of the mainstays of electronic engineering is electronic test equipment, also known as testgear or benchtop. Electronic test equipment is essential for measuring and sending signals and detecting responses to electronic devices that are tested for functionality and quality. When there is an error in receiving the signal or generating a response, it may indicate that the device under test (DUT) has a defect. By using electronic test equipment, this defect is detected and corrected even before the DUT is used by the customer. Therefore, electronic test equipment is essential for effective and efficient troubleshooting.
Types of electronic test equipment
Basic electronic test equipment includes measuring devices, stimulus sources, response analyzers, and connectors. Power supplies, pulse generators, digital pattern generators, and signal generators serve as the stimulus sources. Ammeter, ohmmeter and voltmeter as indicated by their names measure current, resistance and voltage respectively. These measurements can also be recorded by a piece of equipment called a multimeter. The multimeter can be a volt-ohm-millimeter (VOM) and/or a digital multimeter (DMM). DUT response analysis is performed by detecting changes in current, resistance, and voltage over time using an oscilloscope or changes in frequency using a frequency counter. Test probes are used to connect these devices to the DUT.
Electronic testing
Panel meters are devices that measure and display information from other electronic test equipment. There are two types: analog panel meter and digital panel meter.
An analog panel meter has two components: a dial and a moving pointer. The analog tension tape meter uses a needle and two metal strips to measure direct current (DC). The Articulated and Gem Analog Meter uses a coil and pointer, support steel, and two gem bearings to measure alternating current (AC).
A digital meter is considered more accurate than an analog panel meter. It can measure and display various electrical data such as input signal, voltage, current and frequency. Most digital meters have multiple LEDs representing alphanumeric characters. This facilitates easier and more accurate readings compared to the single needle or pointer found in analog panel meters. In addition, digital meters can accept and display multiple inputs simultaneously. They can display bar graphs, perform calculations and record data with their multi-functional capacity, it’s no wonder they are replacing their analog counterparts, both in the market and in the industry.
Digital panel meters also have alarm options, calibration options, and on/off controls that allow the user to start or stop circuit testing. Currently, many of these devices can now connect to a computer and the Internet to transfer or store data.
The disadvantages of digital meters lie in the fact that they are expensive. Price can be a deterrent for consumers considering switching from analog panel meters to digital panel meters. However, using the latter is more cost-effective in the long run, as its use allows better accuracy for detecting defects and prevents damage to electronic devices.
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