Lesson 1 - Principles of Meter Operation
Topics:
Digital meter design; Integrated ADCs; Displays; Introduction to analog meters; D'Arsonval movement; Magnetic shielding; Parallax error; Accuracy
Learning Objectives:
– Define the terms digital meter and analog meter.– Describe the purpose of the analog-to-digital converter in a digital meter.
– Identify and label graphs of integrator output from a dual-slope integrating meter.
– Explain how time is related to voltage measurement in an integrating digital meter.
– Differentiate among the terms accuracy, sensitivity, and resolution.
– Explain how a D'Arsonval meter movement works.
– Describe the parallax effect, and explain how to avoid it when using an analog meter.
– State the sensitivity formula for an analog meter.
Lesson 2 - Ammeters, Voltmeters, and Wattmeters
Topics:
Measurement considerations; Measuring direct current; Multirange ammeters; Measuring alternating current; Voltmeters; Wattmeters
Learning Objectives:
– Describe the differences and similarities between an analog ammeter and a voltmeter.– Explain how ammeters and voltmeters are protected internally from overcurrent.
– Explain how a make-then-break switch works.
– Identify which meters should be connected in series in a circuit and which should be connected in parallel.
– Describe how an analog wattmeter works.
– Explain how it is possible to overload a wattmeter, even with the meter's pointer at less than full-scale deflection.
Lesson 3 - Resistance Measurement
Topics:
Measuring resistance with an ohmmeter; Checking and calibrating an ohmmeter; Shunt ohmmeters; Megohmmeters
Learning Objectives:
– Characteristic differences between a series ohmmeter and a shunt ohmmeter.– Explain why ohmmeter scales read from right to left, instead of left to right, and why they are nonlinear.
– Describe the internal circuits and basic operation of an opposed-coil megohmmeter.
– State the primary safety precaution to take when using an ohmmeter.
– Describe two methods used by ohmmeter manufacturers to extend the range of their instruments.
– Explain how to test for opens, shorts, and grounds, using a megohmmeter.
– Describe how to make zero-adjustments on ohmmeters and megohmmeters.
– Explain why variable resistors are needed in battery-powered ohmmeters.
Lesson 4 - Multimeters
Topics:
Graphical DMM; Advanced meter functions; Multimeter accessories and safety
Learning Objectives:
– Demonstrate how to measure ac and dc current and voltage with a multimeter.– Describe the function of a current probe.
– Explain how to isolate the source of a glitch with a graphical multimeter.
– Demonstrate how to read the screen display of a graphical multimeter in the Trend mode.
– Explain why you set a meter to its highest range before taking your first measurement.
– Define autoranging and auto-polarity.
– List three safety precautions to take when using multimeters.
– Demonstrate how to read the screen display of a graphical multimeter in the Trend mode.
– Explain why you set a meter to its highest range before taking your first measurement.
– Define autoranging and auto-polarity.
– List three safety precautions to take when using multimeters.
Lesson 5 - Oscilloscopes
Topics:
Kinds of oscilloscopes; Triggering; Digital oscilloscopes; Dual-trace oscilloscopes; Controls; Probes; Oscilloscopes in troubleshooting
Learning Objectives:
– Describe how an analog oscilloscope works.– Describe advantages of a digital oscilloscope over an analog oscilloscope.
– Demonstrate how to measure voltage with an oscilloscope.
– Show two methods of determining phase angles with an oscilloscope.
