Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan

College of Engineering

Electrical Engineering Department

Experiment No. 1

Multimeters and Ohm’s Law

Date Performed: June 26, 2019 Subject and Section: EE3.1 CD

Date Submitted: July 10, 2019 Group Number:

Group Members: (1) Aparri, Dianne Eziel A.

(2) Cortejos, Franchette Mirzi L.

Presentation: ________

Data and Results: ________

Analysis and Conclusion: (1) ________

(2) ________

Total: (1) ________

(2) ________

Remarks:
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________

Date Received: __________

Instructor: __________

Signature: __________
I. Objectives
In the previous experiment, the students have:
1. Compared the similarities and differences of an analog and digital
multimeter,
2. Learned how to read measurements from the analog multimeter, and
3. Familiarized the color code bands of resistors.

II. Introductory Information or Theory

A multimeter or a multitester also known as a VOM (Volt-Ohm Meter) is
an electronic measuring instrument that combines several measurement
functions in one unit. A typical multimeter would include basic features such as
the ability to measure voltage, current, and resistance. Analog multimeters use
a microammeter whose pointer moves over a scale calibrated for all the
different measurements that can be made. A multimeter can be a hand-held
device useful for basic fault finding and field service work, or a bench
instrument which can measure to a very high degree of accuracy. They can be
used to troubleshoot electrical problems in a wide array of industrial and
household devices such as electronic equipment, motor controls, domestic
appliances, power supplies, and wiring systems.

Multimeters are very useful test instruments. There are two types of
multimeter: analog multimeter and digital multimeter. Analog meters use the
force within the circuit and convert it into an ordinary number.

By operating a multi-position switch on the meter, they can be quick and

easy to set to be a voltmeter, an ammeter, or an ohmmeter. In other words,
this instrument is used to measure resistance, current, and voltage in an
electrical circuit. It is also used to test electronic component such as resistor,
capacitor, inductor, diode, transistor, etc. We can also check these components
through the multimeter whether they are of good condition or not.
 In almost every area of electricity and electronics, multimeters are used
to measure electrical quantities such as current, voltage or resistance. Two
common types, differing in their display, are analog (moving pointer and
numerical scale) and digital (direct display of numbers).

Figure 2.1 Analog (left) and digital (right) multimeter.

There are many different models of digital and analog multimeters on

the market today, but the models shown above are typical. Both meters have
a multi-position rotary switch to select function and range. Function specifies
the type of measurement you wish to make, e.g., direct current milliamperes
(DCmA), AC voltage (ACV) or resistance (Ω). Range indicates the maximum
numerical value of the quantity to be measured; e.g., DCV 250 says that the
largest voltage for this range is 250 volts. If the voltage you wish to measure
is somewhere near 300 volts, move to the higher DCV 1000 range.
III. Materials Needed
1. Analog and Digital Multimeter
2. Decade Resistance box or assortment of resistors between 1kΩ and 100kΩ
in value
3. Regulated power supply

IV. Procedure
A. Voltage Measurement
Set the analog meter to DCV 10 and the digital to DC and V 40 and
connect both meters to an adjustable power supply. The box below shows
a picture display and a schematic diagram of the connection. Notice that all
+ terminals are connected (parallel connection). Vary the voltage source, in
one-volt steps, so that the analog meter reads exactly 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, … 10.0,
and for each value record the digital reading. Record your results in the
Voltage Measurements table.

B. Current Measurement
Set the analog meter to DCmA 25 and the digital to DC and A 40m.
Connect as shown in the diagram below. Notice that the same current flows
through each circuit element (series connection), and the + terminal of the
power supply is connected to the + terminal of the meter. Vary the power
source so that the analog meter reads exactly 1.0, 2.0, 3.0,…, 10.0
milliamperes, and record the corresponding reading.

C. Resistance Measurement
Before each resistance measurement with the analog meter, connect the
input terminals together and adjust the Zero Ohms (0Ω ADJ) knob, so that
the needle points to 0 on the top -scale. The decade resistance box has
four sets of switches, marked x 1000, x 100, x 10 and x 1, each with four
switches marked 1, 2, 2, and 4. The first set of values is the multiplier and
the second set of values is the switch value. The contribution of each switch
(toggled up) to the total resistance is the switch value times the multiplier.
 The accuracy of each switch value is approximately 1%. Set the switches to
read, in succession, values of 8620, 3350, 1670, 734, 207 and 110. For each
setting, measure the resistance first with the analog, then with the digital
meter and record measurements in the Resistance Measurements table;
select the range value which gives the most precision. Do not connect both
meters at the same time to the decade resistance box.
Note: If a decade resistance box is not available, use a set of six resistors,
one each with resistance somewhere within the ranges of the individual
decade resistance.

D. Application of Ohm’s Law

Set the decade resistance box to a value between 1 kΩ and 100 kΩ
and measure the actual resistance. If the decade box is unavailable select
a resistor from the assortment and measure its resistance. Build a one-
battery, one-resistor circuit. Measure the values of current and voltage;
use the Ohm’s Law equation to calculate circuit current. Calculate the
percent difference between the measured and computed value.

V. Data and Results

Voltage Measurements
Analog Digital Analog Digital
1.00 - 6.00 5.94
2.00 - 7.00 6.96
3.00 2.94 8.00 7.99
4.00 3.94 9.00 8.85
5.00 4.95 10.00 9.82

Current Measurements
Analog Digital Analog Digital
1.00 - 6.00 5
2.00 - 7.00 6
3.00 2 8.00 7
4.00 3 9.00 8
5.00 4 10.00 9
 Resistance Measurements
Pre-Set Analog Digital
1000 100 987
470 490 450
20000 20000 19760
0.5 1.5 0.8
6.8 14.7 7.1

Ohm’s Law Calculations

R=1kΩ Calculated: 4mA
V=5V Percentage Difference:
5
I=1𝑥103

= 5x103 A = 5mA