The advantages and disadvantages of various multimeters

According to the display mode, the multimeter can be divided into pointer multimeter and digital multimeter. The analog and digital multimeters have their own advantages and disadvantages. The instrument and meter world network makes a comparative analysis here for your reference.

The pointer multimeter is an average type meter with an intuitive, visual indication of reading. (General readings are closely related to the pointer's swing angle, so it's intuitive).

Digital multimeters are instantaneous take-out style meters. It takes 0.3 seconds to take a sample to display the measurement results. Sometimes the sampling results are very similar and not exactly the same. This is not as convenient as reading the results.

The pointer multimeter generally has no amplifier inside, so the internal resistance is small, such as the MF-10 type, and the DC voltage sensitivity is 100 kΩ/V. The MF-500 has a DC voltage sensitivity of 20 kOhms/volt.

Digital multimeters use internal op amp circuits. The internal resistance can be very large, often in 1M or more. (ie, higher sensitivity can be achieved). This makes the impact on the circuit under test smaller and the measurement accuracy higher.

Analog multimeter due to smaller internal resistance, and the use of discrete components to form a shunt voltage divider circuit. Therefore, the frequency characteristics are non-uniform (relative to digital), and the analog multimeter has relatively good frequency characteristics.

The pointer multimeter has a simple internal structure, so it has lower cost, less functions, simple maintenance, and strong over-current and over-voltage capability. Digital multimeter uses a variety of internal oscillation, amplification, frequency division protection circuit, so the function is more. For example, temperature, frequency (in a lower range), capacitance, inductance, signal generator, etc. can be measured.

Digital multimeters have poor overload capability due to their multiple internal circuits using integrated circuits (though some of them have been able to automatically shift gears and protect them automatically, but they are more complicated to use), and are generally not easily repaired after damage. The digital multimeter output voltage is low (usually no more than 1 volt). It is inconvenient to test some special voltage components (such as thyristors, light emitting diodes, etc.).

Analog multimeter output voltage is higher, (with 10.5 volts, 12 volts, etc.). The current is also large (such as the MF-500 * 1 European file has a maximum of about 100 mA) can easily test thyristors, light-emitting diodes and so on.