Experiment 1: Familiarization With Laboratory Test Equipment and Instruments

Experiment 1: Familiarization with Laboratory Test Equipment and
Instruments.
Introduction:
Laboratory equipment and instruments play an important role in experimentation, design

and product development. For academic and research purpose, they are essential in verifying
existing phenomena and engineering principles and theories.
The main objective of this first laboratory is the familiarization of students with the
experimental equipment and instruments to ensure proper control and safe operation. This
experiment will also provide exposure to the various test equipment to be used in subsequent
experiments. It will focus on widely used test instruments used in testing electronic circuits and
devices. Common Laboratory equipment and instruments include: DC power supply, Function
generator, Digital Multi-Meter (DMM) and Oscilloscope.
Learning Objective/s:
After successful completion of this lesson, you should be able to:
 Identify the dangers and safety precautions in operating test instruments.

 Properly setup and configure both AC and DC test equipment and instruments
 Discuss some of the limitations of the instruments used in this lab
 Perform measurement techniques.
Function Generator
A function generator is a piece of electronic test equipment (figure 2a-2b) or software
used to generate different types of electrical waveforms over a wide range of frequencies. Some
of the most common waveforms produced by the function generator are the sinewave,
squarewave, triangularwave and sawtooth wave shapes (See figure 1a-1d). These waveforms
can be either repetitive or single-shot (which requires an internal or external trigger source).
Integrated circuits used to generate waveforms may also be described as function generator ICs
Figure 1a Figure 1b
Figure 1c Figure 1d
Figure 1a Figure 1b
Check out the web article for parts, panel and function details
http://www.ceen.unomaha.edu/labmaster/RM305,311/PAGES/FNCTGEN_REF1.htm
https://www.electronics-notes.com/articles/test-methods/signal-generators/function-
generator.php
Oscilloscope
An oscilloscope is a type of electronic test instrument that allows observation of constantly
varying signal voltages, usually as a two-dimensional plot of one or more signals as a function
of time. Non-electrical signals (such as sound or vibration) can be converted to voltages and
displayed. Some oscilloscopes can only display one signal at a time, while others can display up
to 2, 3, and 4 channels simultaneously. In our lab the oscilloscopes have two channels that
allow us to display two signals in order to compare them. Those signals are the input and output
voltages. The oscilloscope has vertical and horizontal scale adjustors that permit us to change
the time scale (the horizontal axis) and the voltage scale (the vertical axis) in order to show the
signals clearly so that the user can read the values
displayed on the screen with ease. (see figure 3)
This instrument is used to measure fast-moving singnals. It shows how a signal varies with time
or relative to another signal. It uses a cathode ray tube to display the waveform of the measured
signal on a screen.
Figure 3
Digital Multi-Meter
A Digital Multi-Meter or DMM is a universal meter which measure voltage and current
(both DC and AC) and resistance, with high precision. Some DMMs measure capacitance,
inductance, frequency, and temperature. A multi-meter or a multi-tester, also known as a VOM
(Volt-Ohm meter), is an electronic measuring instrument that combines several measurement
functions in one unit. A typical multi-meter would include basic features such as the ability to
measure voltage, current, and resistance. Analog multi-meters use a micro-ammeter whose
pointer moves over a scale calibrated for all the different measurements that can be made.
Digital multi-meters (DMM, DVOM) display the measured value in numerals, and may also
display a bar of a length proportional to the quantity being measured. When a DMM is used to
measure an AC quantity, it actually measures the RMS value of it. Different waveforms have
different RMS values. The commonly-encountered sinusoidal wave has an RMS value of Vp 2
where Vp is the peak voltage of the sine wave.
This instrument can be used to measure a number of different electrical quantities, such as
voltage, current, and resistance, I.E
combined voltmeter, ammeter, and ohmmter. Multimeters can have analogue or digital displays
and can be switched to different measuring ranges.
Figure 4
Figure 4 above shows a typical brand of DMM showing its parts. For more information
check out the web article on http://www.physics.smu.edu/~scalise/apparatus/multimeter/ to
know more – parts and functions and precautions
Analog multimeter:
Even the most basic analog multimeter can prove to be invaluable when in the hands of
an experienced user. Simple measurements of voltage, current and resistance can provide
useful information on the state of almost any circuit. What matters, of course, is the
interpretation put on the readings obtained. To get the best from such a simple instruments it is
not only necessary to select an appropriate measurement function and range, but also to be
aware of the limitation of the instrument and the effect that it might, or might not, have on the
circuit under investigation.
Figure 5 below shows the controls and display provided by a simple analog multimeter.
For more information on parts, function and preacusions visit:
https://jazercrisostomo.wordpress.com/2015/07/27/parts-of-multitester/
http://www.expertsmind.com/questions/analogue-multimeter-30111795.aspx
Figure 5
Laboratory Power Supply
A lab power supply allows to set a variable but constant output voltage. The output
voltage range is a key factor when buying a variable power supply. It gives an adjustable
stabilized DC (direct current; Dutch: ‘gelijkspanning’) output voltage between the specified range
(e.g. 0 and 30 V DC).
The lab power supply includes an adjustable current limiter, which limits the output
current to the set maximum (by decreasing the output voltage if the output current exceeds the
set value) Using the correct current limit setting may prevent destroying your electronic circuit.
Figure 7 shows a typical DC power supply for laboratory use.
Figure 7
For more information on parts, function and preacusions visit:
Using a lab DC power supply by Jan R. at https://eatelier.nl/?e_tutorial=using-the-tti-lab-power-

supply
Logic probe
This instrument us used for measuring voltage levels and pulses in digital logic circuits. when
the probe is placed on the pin of a logic IC, small coloured LEDs light up to indicate if a pulse is
detected or whether the pin is at a high or a low logic level. See figure 6 below
Figure 6
Activities/Assessments
1. Draw a sinusoidal waveform with a peak-to-peak voltage of 6 V and a frequency of 1

kHz in an oscillogram showing the grid lines of an oscilloscope as shown below. Use
1V/div vertical division and 1ms/div horizontal division.
2. Draw the signal in (1) above, if vertical and horizontal divisions were adjusted to 2V and
500µs respectively.
3. Repeat (1) above if the frequency is adjusted to 10kHz

4. Repeat (1-3) above for square wave signals
5. Draw a simple series circuit consisting of 1-500Ω resistor and 1-1kΩ resistors supplied
by a DC power supply set at 10Vdc. Insert multitesters (digital or analog) to measure
the voltage across each resistor. Comment on the meter readings and set up.
6. Repeat (5) above with the resistors in parallel, insert multitesters (digital or analog) to
measure current along each resistor. Comment on the meter readings and set up.
Assigment
1. What is the name of the instrument that generates AC signals?

2. Can you get a DC signal from the DMM? If not, why?
3. If you are asked to get a sine wave what information should you be provided with?
4. Write the formula that relates frequency with the time period.
5. What are are two axes in the display of the oscilloscope, what variables do they
represent?
6. Can you todisplay more than one measurement in an oscilloscope at the same time?
7. For a dual power supply, show the necessary connection to obtain -5V and -5V with
respectto a common (chassis) ground. Repeat for -5V and +5V. ( watch: youtube video
Dual Power Supply Connection / Serial plus minus electronics laboratory PS with center tap, by
Bob Kalpon at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_6ecyf6K40)
Note: Upload your work on MS Teams (your channel/section) using prescribed format in pdf
References:
Suhail Ahme, Electrical measuring instruments, slideshare, retrieved on Aug 23, 2020 at
https://www.slideshare.net/SuhailAhmed106/electrical-measuring-instruments-70348956
Instrument Familiarization, Engineering Classes retrieved on Sep 2, 2020 at

https://classes.engineering.wustl.edu/2009/fall/ese331/331Project1.pdf
Jan R., 2018. Using a lab DC power supply by Jan R. retrieved on August 22 at
https://eatelier.nl/?e_tutorial=using-the-tti-lab-power-supply
Bob Kalpon, Dual Power Supply Connection / Serial plus minus electronics laboratory PS with
center tap, retrieved at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_6ecyf6K40)

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What are the main instruments described in the document and what are their purposes?

What are some safety precautions mentioned regarding operating test instruments?

Experiment 1: Familiarization with Laboratory Test Equipment and

Laboratory equipment and instruments play an important role in experimentation, design

After successful completion of this lesson, you should be able to:

 Identify the dangers and safety precautions in operating test instruments.

For more information on parts, function and preacusions visit:

Using a lab DC power supply by Jan R. at https://eatelier.nl/?e_tutorial=using-the-tti-lab-power-

1. Draw a sinusoidal waveform with a peak-to-peak voltage of 6 V and a frequency of 1

3. Repeat (1) above if the frequency is adjusted to 10kHz

1. What is the name of the instrument that generates AC signals?

Instrument Familiarization, Engineering Classes retrieved on Sep 2, 2020 at

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