Latest Digital Multimeters Technical Articles

Understanding Limitations to Increasing SFDR in High-speed ADCs

Learn about two nonlinearity sources, spurious-free dynamic range (SFDR), and SNR (signal-to-noise ratio) in analog-to-digital converters (ADCs).

April 30, 2023 by Dr. Steve Arar

Reducing Quantization Distortion Via Subtractive and Non-subtractive Dithering

Learn how dithering can suppress both harmonic and non-harmonic spurs and two different types of dithering systems: subtractive and non-subtractive topologies.

February 24, 2023 by Dr. Steve Arar

Ratiometric Resistance Measurement Basics Using an Analog to Digital Converter

Learn the basics of ratiometric resistance measurements in analog to digital (A/D) converters, how it's measured, and example uses in a digital multimeter (DMM), microprocessor, and various resistive sensors.

October 07, 2022 by Harry Trietley

How to Measure the Drive Level of a Quartz Crystal

Learn why the drive level of your quartz crystal oscillator is important and several methods for how to measure it.

June 21, 2021 by Dr. Steve Arar

Introduction to Thermal Characterization Parameters

In this article, we’ll discuss another group of thermal data, called thermal characterization parameters denoted by the Greek letter Psi (Ψ).

January 14, 2021 by Dr. Steve Arar

A Simple, Compact Power Supply for Analog and Mixed-Signal Systems

This project demonstrates and discusses the performance and functionality of an inductorless ±5 V power-supply circuit.

June 18, 2018 by Robert Keim

An Introduction to Oscilloscope Probes

This article looks at various types of oscilloscope probes and how to use them.

June 29, 2017 by Nick Davis

Determining the Equivalent Series Resistance (ESR) of Capacitors

Learn more about the importance of capacitor ESR, how to measure it, and what factors can affect your measurements.

March 31, 2017 by Amos Kingatua

Build Your Own Low-Resistance Meter

This project will show you how to make a device that can measure resistances as low as 0.1 ohms.

October 26, 2016 by Robin Mitchell

Inspecting Electronic Circuits with an Audible Circuit Probe

When inspecting electronic circuits, most measurements are displayed visually. This tool provides audible feedback to augment your analyses.

August 31, 2016 by Mark Hughes

Build an Object Detection DC Motor Controller

In this continuing series of Building Raspberry Pi Controllers, you'll learn how to build a object detection control circuit for operating a small DC motor using a photocell.

December 27, 2015 by Don Wilcher

Design a Luxmeter Using a Light Dependent Resistor

Take a few minutes to characterize a light dependent resistor (LDR) and you can build a simple and reasonably accurate light meter can be built using an LDR and an Arduino.

December 13, 2015 by David Williams

PICAXE to PC Connections

This article describes in detail the connections necessary for two way communications between PICAXE microcontrollers and personal computers. Both serial connections and USB to serial conversion connections are covered.

August 01, 2015 by Charles R. Hampton

Beyond the DMM: Components and Circuits for Measuring Current and Voltage

Learn about devices and techniques used for in-circuit monitoring of currents and voltages.

June 27, 2015 by Robert Keim

Measuring Resistance, In Circuit and Out

This article explains how to measure a resistance value, even if the resistor cannot be removed from its circuit.

June 21, 2015 by Robert Keim

How Low Can You Go? Measuring Small Voltages with a DMM

Understanding the relationship between resolution and accuracy will help you determine how small a voltage, current, or resistance—or how small a change in those values—that you can actually measure with your digital multimeter.

June 15, 2015 by Dan Romanchik

Find Your Digital Multimeter Soulmate

Choosing a DMM isn't as simple as it looks. To choose the right DMM for your application, there are a number of factors that you should consider.

June 09, 2015 by Dan Romanchik