Module 4:

Electronic Instruments
Electronic Instruments
• Course Objectives:
 To recognize the utilization of measuring devices and its working
• Content:
 Introduction to Basic instruments:
 Components of generalized measurement system
 Concept of accuracy, precision, linearity, sensitivity, resolution, hysteresis, calibration.
• Learning Outcomes:
Apply concepts of electronics and communication engineering and allied disciplines to
comprehend the working principle of CRO and DSO. (P.I.- 1.4.1)
Comprehend technical datasheets of instruments. (P.I.-12.3.1)
• Course Outcomes:
 Recognize the utilization of measuring devices and its working.
CONTENT
 Introduction to Basic instruments
 Components of generalized measurement system
 Concept of :
1. Accuracy
2. Precision
3. Linearity
4. Sensitivity
5. Resolution
6. Hysteresis
7. Calibration
 Introduction to Basic instruments
• Multimeter
• Measures voltage (AC/DC), current (AC/DC), and resistance.
• Can also test diodes, continuity, and capacitance in advanced models.
 Introduction to Basic instruments
• Analogue and digital meters
• Analogue meters use a moving needle to display measurements, while digital
meters provide numerical readings on an electronic display for higher accuracy
and ease of use.
 Introduction to Basic instruments
• Oscilloscope
• Displays voltage waveforms over time.
• Used to analyze signal frequency, amplitude, and noise in circuits.
 Introduction to Basic instruments
• Function Generator
• Produces various waveforms (sine, square, triangular).
• Used for testing and analyzing circuit response.
Introduction to Basic instruments
• Power Supply Unit (PSU)
• Provides controlled DC voltage and current for circuit testing.
• Adjustable voltage and current limits prevent damage to components.
 Introduction to Basic instruments
• LCR Meter
• Measures Inductance (L), Capacitance (C), and Resistance (R).
• Useful for component characterization and quality testing.
 Introduction to Basic instruments
• Power Analyzer
• A power analyzer is a precision instrument used to measure and analyze electrical parameters such as
voltage, current, power, energy, harmonics, and efficiency in electrical systems. It is widely used in testing
power quality, evaluating energy consumption, and optimizing the performance of electrical device.
MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
• Measurements are the basic means of acquiring knowledge about the parameters and variables
involved in the operation of a physical system.
• Measurement, generally involves using an instrument as a physical means of determining a
quantity or variable.
• An instrument or a measuring instrument is, therefore, defined as a device for determining the
value or magnitude of a quantity or variable.
• The electrical measuring instrument, as its name implies, is based on electrical principles for its
measurement function.
• Measuring instruments, both analog as well as digital ones, are available for the measurement of
electrical quantities like voltage, current, power, energy.
MEASUREMENT
Measurement
• The measurement of a given quantity is an act or the of comparison between the quantity
whose magnitude is unknown and a predefined standard.
• Since two quantities are compared the result is expressed in the form of numerical values.
• There are two methods of measurement
(i) Direct method
(ii) Indirect method
MEASUREMENT
• Direct Measurement
• In direct method the unknown quantity is measured directly such as measurement of current
by an ammeter, voltage by voltmeter, resistance by ohm meter, power by wattmeter etc.
• Indirect Measurement
• In the indirect method of measurement, the unknown quantity is determined by measuring
other functionally related quantities and calculating the desired quantity rather than
measuring it directly with an instrument.
• For example, resistance of a conductor may be determined by measuring voltage across the
conductor V, and current flowing through the conductor I, and then calculating it by R=V/I
FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS OF AN INSTRUMENT
Measured
Medium

Measured quantity
Primary Data storage/
sensing playback
element element

Variable Variable Data Data

Observer
CHARACTERISTICS
• The performance characteristics of an instrument are mainly
classified into two categories:
• Static Characteristics (do not vary with time)
• The set of criteria defined for the instruments, which do not vary with time.
• Dynamic Characteristics (vary with time)
• The set of criteria defined for the instruments, which varies with respect to time.
CHARACTERISTICS
• The various static characteristics are
• Accuracy - Sensitivity
• Linearity - Reproducibility
• Repeatability - Resolution
• Threshold - Stability
• Tolerance, etc.

• The various dynamic characteristics are

• Accuracy
• Accuracy refers to the closeness of a measured value to the true or accepted value. It is
influenced by systematic errors and can be improved through proper calibration and high-
quality instrumentation.
• Precision
• Precision indicates the consistency or repeatability of measurements. A precise instrument
will produce nearly the same readings for repeated measurements under unchanged
conditions, regardless of whether those values are accurate.
• Linearity
• Linearity describes how well an instrument’s output corresponds to the input over its entire
range. If the response of the instrument follows a straight-line relationship with the input, it
is considered highly linear.
DEFINITION
• Linearity
• Linearity describes how well an instrument’s output corresponds to the input over its entire
range. If the response of the instrument follows a straight-line relationship with the input, it
is considered highly linear.
DEFINITION
• Sensitivity
• Sensitivity is the ratio of change in output to the corresponding change in input. A highly
sensitive instrument can detect small variations in the measured quantity.

• Resolution
• Resolution is the smallest change in input that an instrument can detect. Higher resolution
means the instrument can distinguish between very small differences in measurements.
DEFINITION
• Hysteresis
• Hysteresis is the difference in output when the input is increasing versus when it is
decreasing. Some instruments exhibit different readings for the same input depending on the
direction of change due to mechanical or electrical lag.
• Calibration
• Calibration is the process of adjusting an instrument to match a known standard or reference.
It ensures the accuracy and reliability of measurements over time by compensating for
errors.