Emi R16 - Unit-5,6

UNIT -5 & UNIT - 6 NOTES
DEPARTMENT OF ECE ELECTRONIC MEASUREMENTS & INSTRUMENTATION
UNIT V
TRANSDUCERS
Introduction:
The primary objective of process control is to control the physical parameters such as
temperature, pressure, flow rate, force, level etc. The system used to maintain these parameters
constant, close to some desired specific value is called process control system.
These parameters may change because of internal and external disturbances hence a constant
corrective action is required to keep these parameters constant or within the specified range.It
consists of four elements,
1. Process 2. Measurement 3. Controller 4. Controlelement.
A device which converts a physical quantity into the proportional electrical signal is called a
transducer.
The electrical signal produced may be a voltage, current or frequency. A transducer uses
many effects to produce such conversion. The process of transforming signal from one form to other
is called transduction. A transducer is also called pick up.
The transduction element transforms the output of the sensor to an electrical output, as shown in
theFig.
The common range of an electrical signal used to represent analog signal in the industrial
environment is 0 to 5 V or 4 to 20 mA. In industrial applications, nowadays, 4 to 20 mA range is
most commonly used to represent analog signal. A current of 4 Ma represents a zero output and
current of 20 mA represents a full scale value i.e. 5 V in case of voltage representation. The zero
current condition represents open circuit in the signal transmission line. Hence the standard range is
offset fromzero.
Many a times, the transducer is a part of a circuit and works with other elements of that circuit
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In electrical circuits, there are combinations of three passive elements : resistor, inductor and
capacitor. These three passive elements are described with the help of the primary parameters such as
resistance, self or mutual inductance and capacitance respectively. Any change in these parameters
can be observed only if they are externally powered. We have studied that the passive transducers do
not generate any electrical signal by themselves and they require some external power to generate an
electrical signal.
The transducers based on variation of parameters such as resistance, self or mutual inductance
capacitance, due to an external power are known as passive transducers. Hence resistive transducer,
inductive transducer and capacitive transducer are the basic passivetransducers.
Resistive transducer:
In general, the resistance of a metal conductor is given
by,
The electrical resistive transducers are designed on the basis of the methods of "arintioll of anyone of
the qnantities in above equation; such as change in length, change in iueil of cross-section and change
in resistivity.
The sensing element which is resistive in nature, may be in different forms depending upon the
mechanical arrangement. The change in pressure can be sensed by Llsing ~nsitive resistive elements.
The resistance pressure transducers may use Bellow, Diaphragm or Bourdon tube.
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In many industrial measurements and control applications, it is necessary to sense position of the
object or the distance that object travels. For such applications, simple resi~tanceposition transducer
is very useful.
It works on the principle that resistance of the sensing element changes due to the wiations in
physical quantity being measured.
A simple resistance position transducer is as shown in the Fig.
The transducer consists a sliding contact or wiper. A resistive element is mounted with the
sliding contact which is linked with the object whose position is to be monitored.
Depending upon the position of the object, the resistance between slider and the one end of
resistive element varies. The equivalent circuit is as shown in the Fig. 8.18 (b). The output voltage
Vout depends on the position of the wiper. Thus depending upon position of the wiper, the output
voltage is givenby,
Thus You I is proportional to R2 i.e. wiper position. The output voltage is measured using
voltmeter which is calibrated in centimeters and allows direct readout of the object position.
Strain gauges:
The strain gauge is a passive resistive transducer which is based on the principle of
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A knowledge of strength of the material is essential in the design and construction of

machines and structures. The strength of the material is normally characterized in terms of stress,
which is defined as the force experienced per unit area, and is expressed in pressure units. Stress as
such cannot be directly measured. It is normally deduced from the changes in mechanical dimensions
and the applied load. The mechanical deformation is measured with strain-gauge elements. The
strain is defined as the change, (td), in length, (I), per unit length and is expressed as t:.;{
inmicrostrains.
The most common materials used for wire strain gauges are constantan alloys containing 45% Nickel
and 55% Copper, as they exhibit high specific resistance, constant gauge factor over a wide strain
range, and good stability over a reasonably large temperature range (from O°C to 300°C). For
dynamic strain measurements, Nichrome alloys, containing 80% Nickel and 20% Chromium are
used. They can be compensated for temperature with platinum.
Bonding cements are adhesives used to fix the strain gauge onto the test specimen. This
cement serves the important function of transmitting the strain from the specimen to the gauge-
sensing element. Improper bonding of the gauge can cause many errors.
Basically, the cement can be classified under two categories, viz, solvent-setting cement and
chemically-reacting cement. Duco cement is an example of solvent-setting cements which is cured by
solvent evaporation. Epoxies and phenolic bakelite cement are chemically-reacting
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almost instantaneously. The proper functioning of a strain gauge is wholly dependent on the quality
of bonding which holds the gauge to the surface of the structure undergoing the test.
Derivation of Gauge Factor:

The gauge factor is defined as the unit change in resistance per unit change in length. It is denoted as
K or S. It is also called sensitivity of the strain gauge.
Derivation: Consider that the resistance wire is under tensile stress and it is deformed by ~Ias shown
in the Fig.
When uniform stress (J is applied to th.is wire along the length, the resistance R
changes to R + ~R because of change in length and cross-sectional area.
Basically, the cement can be classified under two categories, viz, solvent-setting cement and
chemically-reacting cement. Duco cement is an example of solvent-setting cements which is cured by
solvent evaporation. Epoxies and phenolic bakelite cement are chemically-reacting
cementswhicharecuredbypolymerization.Acryliccementsarecontactcementsthatgetcured
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Types of Strain Gauges:

Depending upon the principle of operation and their constructional features, strain gauges are
classified as mechanical, optical, or electrical. Of these, the electrical strain gauges are most
commonly used.
1. Mechanical Gauges : In these gauges, the change in length, t:.l, is magnified mechanically using
levers or gears. These gauges are comparatively larger in size, and as such can be used in applications
where sufficient area is available on the specimen for fixing the gauge. These gauges are employed
for static strain measurementsonly.
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2. Optical Gauges: These gauges are similar to mechanical strain gauges except that the
magnification is achieved with multiple reflectors using mirrors or prisms. In one type a plain mirror
is rigidly fixed to a movable knife-edge. When stress is applied, the mirror rotates through an angle,
and the reflected light beam from the mirror subtends an angle twice that of the incident light. The
measurement accuracy is high and independent of temperaturevariations.
3. Electrical Strain Gauges : The electrical strain gauges measure the changes that occur in
resistance, capacitance, or inductance due to the strain transferred from the specimen to the basic
gauge element. The most commonly used strain gauge is the bonded resistance type of strain gauge.
The other two, viz., capacitance and inductance type are used only in special types of applications.
Basic Forms of Resistance Wire Strain Gauges:
The resistance wire strian gauges of metallic type are available in two basic forms; bo,r/ded
and lInbonded type Tire banded metallic strain gauges are furtnercIassified as fiat grid, helical grid
and thin foil type straingauges.
Resistance temperature detector (RTD):
Resistance temperature detector is a primary electrical transducer which is used to measure
the change in the temperature. It is commonly known as resistance thermometer. The resistance
thermometers are based on the principle that the resistance of the conductor changes when ~he
temperature changes. Basically the resistance thermometer determines the' change in the electrical
resistance of the conductor subjected to the temperature changes.
The temperature sensing element used in this thermometer should exhibit a relatively large
change in resistance for a given change in temperature. Also the sensing element should not undergo
permanent change with use or age. Another desirable characteristic for the sensing element is the
linear change in resistance with change in temperature. When the sensing element is smaller in size,
less heat is required to raise its temperature. This is suitable for me~surement of rapid variations in
temperature. Platinum, nickel, and copper are the metals most commonly used to measure
temperature. The relationship between temperature and resistance of conductor is given This is
suitable for me~surement of rapid variations in temperature. Platinum, nickel, and copper are the
metals most commonly used to measure temperature. The relationship between temperature and
resistance of conductor is given .
Almost all metallic conductors have a positive temperature coefficient so that their resistance
increases with an increase in temperature. A high value of a is desirable in a temperature sensing
element so that a substantial change in resistance occurs for a relatively small change in temperature.
This change in resistance [L\ R] can be measured with a Wheatstone bridge, the output of which can
be directly calibrated to indicate the temperature which caused the change isresistance.
Most of the metals show an increase in resistivity with temperature, which is first linear and
then increases in an accelerated fashion. The metals that exhibit good sensitivity and reproducibility
for temperature measurement purposes are copper, nickel, and platinum. Among these, copper has
the highest temperature coefficient with the most linear dependence. However, copper is generally
not used due to certain practical problems. Because of its low resistivity, the size of the resistance
element increases to get reasonable sensitivity. In the range below 400 K, a gold silver alloy can be
used whichhas
the same characteristicb as platinum.
Construction of RTD:
The wire resistance thermometer usually consists of a coil wound on a mica or ceramic
former, as shown in the Fig. The coil is wound in bifilar form so as to make it non-inductive. Such
coils are available in different sizes and with different resistance values ranging from 10 ohms to
25,000 ohms.
To avoid corrosion of resistive element, usually elements are enclosed in a protective tube of
pyrex glass, porcelain, quartz or nickel, depending on the range of temperature and the nature of the
fluid whose temperature is to be measured. The tube is evacuated and sealed or filled with air or any
other inert gas and kept around atmospheric pressure or in some cases at a higherpressure.
The wire resistance thermometer usually consists of a coil wound on a mica or ceramic
former, as shown in the Fig. The coil is wound in bifilar form so as to make it non-inductive. Such
coils are available in different sizes and with different resistance values ranging from 10 ohms to
25,000 ohms.
Thermistors:
Basically thermistor is a contraction of a word 'thermal resistors', The resistors depending on
temperature are thermal resistors. Thus resistance thermometers are also thermistors having positive -
temperature coefficients. But generally the resistors having negative temperature coefficients (NTC)
are called thermistors. The resistance of a thermistor decreases as temperature increases. The NTC of
thermistors can be as large as few percent per degree celcius change in temperature. Thus the
thermistors are very sensitive and can detect very small changes in temperature too.
Construction of thermistor:
Thermistors are composed of a sintered mixture of metallic oxides, such as manganese, nickel,
cobalt, copper, iron, and uranium. Their resistances at ambient temperature may range from 100 n to
100 ill. Thermistors are available in a wide variety of shapes and sizes as shown in the Fig. 8.29.
Smallest in size are the beads with a diameter of 0.15 mm to 1.25 mm. Beads may be sealed in the
tips of solid glass rods to form probes. Disks and washers are made by pressing thermistor materia~
under high pressure into Hat cylindrical shapes. Washers can be placed in series or in parallel to
increase power dissipationrating.
Thermistors are well suited for precision temperature measurement, temperature control, and
temperature compensation, because of their. verylarge change in resistance with temperature. They
are widely used for measurements in the temperature range -1000 C to +2000 C. The measurement of
the change in resistance with temperature is carried out with a Wheatstone bridge. Linear variable
differential transformer (LVDT)
When an externally applied force moves the core to the left-hand position, more magnetic
flux links the left-hand coil than the right-hand coil. The emf induced in the left-hand coil, ES], is
therefore larger than the induced emf of the right-hand [oil, Es2' The magnitude of the output voltage
is then equal to the difference between the two secondary voltages and it is in phase with the voltage
of the left-hand coil.
A piezoelectric quartz crystal is hexagonal prism shaped crystal, which has pyramids Jt both ends.
This is shown in the Fig. (a). The marking of co-ordinate axes are fixed for such crystals. The axis
passing through the end points of pyramids is called optic axis or z axis. The axis passing through
corners is called electrical axis or x axis while the aXIs passing through midpoints of opposite sides
is called mechanical axis or y axis. The axes are shown in the
Photovoltaic cell:
Fig shows structure of photovoltaic cell. It shows that cell is actually a PN-junction diode with
appropriately doped semiconductors. When photons strike on the thin p-doped upper layer, they are
absorbed by the electrons in the n-layer; which causes formation of conduction electrons and holes.
These conduction electrons and holes are separated by depletion region potential of the pn junction.
When il load is connected across the cell, the depletion region potential causes the photocurrent to
flow through the load N
Phototransistor:
The photo transistor has a light sensitive collector to base junction. A lens is used in a transistor
package to expose base to an incident light. When no light is incident, a small leakage current flows
from collector to emitter called IeEO, due to small thermal generation. This is very small current, of
the order of nA. This is called a dark current.
When the base is exposed to the light, the base current is produced which is proportional to the light
intensity. Such photoinduced base current is denoted as I)...The resulting collector current is given
by,
The structure of a phototransistor is shown in the Fig. 9.15 (a) while the symbol is shown in the Fig.
To generate more base current proportional to the light, larger physical area of the base is exposed to
thelight.
The fig .shows the graph of base current against· the radiation flux density measured in mW/
cm2. The Fig. (b) shows the collector characteristics of a phototransistor. As light intensity increases,
the base current increases exponentially.
Similarly the collector current also increases corresponding to the increase in the light intensity.
A phototransistor can be either a two lead or a three lead device. In a three lead device, the base lead
is brought out so that it can be used as a conventional BJT with or without the light sensitivity
feature.
In a two lead device, the base is not electrically available and the device use is totally light
dependent. The use of phototransistor as a two lead device is shown in the Fig. (a) while the Fig. (b)
shows the typical collector characteristic curves.
Each curve on the characteristic graph is related to specific light intensity. The collector
current level increases corresponding to increase in the light intensity. In most of the applications the
phototransistor is used as a two lead device.
The phototransistor is not sensitive to all the light but sensitive to light within a certain
range. The graph of response against wavelength is called spectral response. A typical spectral
response is shown in the Fig
Display devices:
Introduction :
In digital instruments, the output device of the instrument indicate the value of measured
quantity using the digital display device. This digital display device may receive the digital
information in any form but it converts the information in decimal form. Thus the digital display
device indicates the value in decimal digits directly. The basic element in a digital display is the
display for a single digit. By grouping such displays for single digits, we can get multiple digit
display. In general, digital display is classified as planar and non-planar display. A planar display is a
display in which entire characters are displayed in one plane. A non-planar display is a display in
which characters are displayed in different planes. In this chapter we will discuss different display
dl:\'ices. In general, LED's are most commmonly used in the digital displays. The LED's have
advantages such as low voltage, long life, high reliability, low cost, fast swi~ching characteristics.
Classification of display:
In the digital electronic field, the most commonly used displays include cathode ray tube
(CRT), light emitting diode (LED) and liquid crystal display (LCD), gas discharge plasma displays,
electro-luminescent displays, incandescent displays.. liquidvapour displaysetc.
The LED is an optical diode, which emits light when forward biased. The Fig. shows the
symbol of LED which is similar to p-n junction diode apart from the two arrows indicating that the
device emits the light energy.
Basic Operation:
VVhenevL'r ,1 p-n junction is forward biased, the electrons cross the p-n junction from
till' 11 type semiconductor material c1nd recombine with the holes in the p type "ellliconductor
material. The free electrons are in the conduction band while the holes are prl'"ent in the valence
bcllld. Thus the free electrons are at higher energy level with respect to the holes. When a free
electron recombines with hole, it falls from conduction band to a valence band. Thus the energy level
associated with it changes from higher value to lower value. The energy corresponding to the
difference between higher level and lower level is released by an electron while travelling from the
conduction band to the valence band. In flormif} diodes, this energy released is in the form of neat.
5ut LED j·s made up some special material which release this energy in the form of photons which
emit the light energy. Hence such diodes are called light emitting diodes.
Construction of LEDs:
One of the methods used for the LED construction is to deposite three semiconductor layers on the
substrate as shown in the Fig In between p type and n type, there exists an active region. LED Driver
Circuit:
The output of a digital circuit is logical i.e. either'O' or '1'. The '0' means low while '1' means
high. In the high state the output voltage is nearly 5 V while in low state, it is almost 0 V. If LED is
to be driven by such digital circuit, it can be connected as shown in the Fig. 10.10. When output of
digital circuit is high, both ends of LED are at 5 V and it can not be forward biased hence will not
give light. While when output of digital circuit is !nw, then high current will flow through LED as it
becomes forward biased, and it will give light.
To improve the brightness of display, a dynamic display system is used. In thIS, the LEOs
are not lit continuously but are sequentially lit by scanning in a "vertical strobe" or "horizontal
strobe" mode. This is similar to "running lights" used Jl1 modern advertisements.
In the vertical strobe mode, a single row is selected at a time, the appropnatp LEOs are
energized in that row, and then the signal is applied to next row. On the contrary, in horizontal strobe
mode, a single column is selected at a time.
Alphanumenc displays using LEOs employ a number of square and oblong emitting areas,
arriJnged either as dot matrix or segmented bar matrix.Alphanumeric LEOs are normally laid out on
a single slice of semiconductor material, all the chips being enclosed in a package, similar to an IC,
except that the packaging compound is transparent, and notopaque,
Liquid Crystal Displays (LCDs):
The liquid crystals are one of the most fascinating material systems in nature, having properties of
liquids as well as of a solid crystal. The terms liquid crystal refers to the fact that these compounds
have a crystalline arrangement of molecules, yet they flow like a liquid. Liquid crystal displays do
not emit or generate light, but rather alter externally generated illumination. Their ability to
modulate light when electrical signal is applied has made them very useful in flat panel display
technology.
The crystal is made up of organic molecules which are rod-like in shape with a length of -20 A ° -
100 A 0. The orientation of the rod like molecule defines the "director" of the liquid crystal. The
different arrangements of these rod-like 'molecules leads t( three main categories of liquid crystals.
1. Smectic 2. Nematic 3.Cholesteric
Types of LCDs:
There are two types of liquid crystal displays (LCDs) according to the theory of operation: 1.
Dynamic scattering 2. Field effect.
Dynamic Scattering Type LCD:
Fig. shows the construction of a typical liquid crystal display. It consists of two glass plates
with a liquid crystal fluid in between. The back plate is coated with thin transparent layer of
conductive material,where as front plate has a photoetched conductive coating with seven segment
pattern as shown in Fig
Field Effect Display:

In these displays nematic liquid crystals are used. Figshows operation of field effect liquid
crystal display with nematic crystals. It consists of two glass plates, a liquid crystal fluid, polarizers
and transparent conductors. The liquid crystal fluid is sandwiched between two glass plates. Each
glass plate is associated with light polarizer. The light polarizers are placed at right angle to each
other. In the absence of electrical excitation, the light coming through the front polarizer is rotated
through/-O" in the fluid and passed through the rear polarizer. It is then reflected to the viewer by the
back mirror as shown in Fig. (a).
On the application of electrostatic field, the liquid crystal fluid molecules get aligned and
therefore light through the molecules is not rotated by 90° and it is absorbed by the rear polarizer as
shown in Fig. (b). This causes the appearance of dark digit on a light background as shown in Fig.
(c).
Advantages of LCDs:
1. Low cost
2. Uniform brightness with goodcontrast
Nixie tubes:
The operation of this display is based on the principle that under breakdown condition, a gas
near cold cathode gas filled tube emits light. The cold cathode indicators <Ire called Nixie Tubes.
These are based on the principle of glow discharge in a cold cathode gas filled tubes. The
construction of the nixie tube is as shown in the Fig..It consists 10 cathode and one anode, all are
made of thin wires. But only difference is anode is in the form of thinframe.
When a gas near cathode breaks down, a glow discharge is produced. The guaze electrodes
with a positive supply voltage work as an anode. In generaL this voltage is selected greater than the
worst case breakdown voltage of the gas within tube. When the cathode is connected to ground
potential, the gas which is close to a cathodeglows.
Bolometer and RF power measurement using Bolometer: Introduction:

In many industrial applications, the measurement of power is very important aspect.The
considerations for the measurement of power are different for different frequency ranges. The direct
measurement of power is very difficult in A.F. and RF. ranges. But it is convenient to
measure voltage or current in A.F. and RF. ranges. Hence indirectly power is obtained by using
relation,
If we consider a frequency range well above RF. range, then it is a microwave frequency
range. In the microwave ranges, the parameters such as voltage, current, impedances are distributed
throughout the length of the circuit. Moreover these parameters change their values with the variation
in geometry of the circuit. So it is difficult to measure voltage and current at microwave frequency
ranges, but the power can be measured accurately. Thus the direct measurement of power is possible
with actual load replaced by dummyload
Power measurement at audio frequency:
The power measurement at audio frequencies (upto 20 kHz) is carried out using a substitute
load for the actual load. This is called dummy load. The dummy load is generally a resistance whose
value is known. The dummy load is connected at the output of the device under test. The voltage
across the dummy load or current through the dummy load is measured using instruments like
rectifier, thermocouple type meters which can work at high frequencies. As the resistance of dummy
load is known, the output power can be measured as,
The resistance of dummy load is approximately equal to the output impedance of the device
under test. It is connected across the device under test. The resistance R should be able to dissipate
the power applied to it. The 3.C. voltmeter which is a high resistance rectifier type instrument is used
to measure voltage across the dummy load. As the dummy load resistance R is fixed and known then
power is V2 / R where V is voltage measured by a.c. voltmeter. In such a case the scale of the a.c.
voltmeter can be calibrated to measure the power output of the device under test. This scale is
calibrated in decibels as the power measured at audio frequency range is generally specified in
decibels(dB).
Power measurement at radio frequency:

The method of using a dummy load and a voltmeter can be used at radio frequencies upto 500
MHz also. In such a case, the voltmeter and load resistor are usually combined into a sirtgle
absorption type power meter as shown in the Fig.
The resistance Rs is so designed that its value remains constant over the entire range of frequencies
of interest. The voltmeter is a high "requency meter which is capable of responding to high frequency
signals with high accuracy. The power is calculated by using the basic relationship as,
In practice the standard resistors are available which have constant value for frequencies
ranging from d.c. to 4 GHz. This type of power meter is used to measure power below 500 MHz
only.
To measure power at high frequencies from 500 MHz to 40 GHz two special type of absorption
meters are popularly used. These meters are,
1. Calorimeter powermeter
2. Bolometer powermeter
Both these meters use the sensing of heating effects caused by the power signal to be measured.
Introduction to Bolometer power meter:
The Bolometer power meter basically consists of a bridge called Bolometer bridge. One of the
arms of this bridge consists of a temperature sensitive resistor. The basic bridge used in Bolometer
power meter is shown in the Fig.The high frequency power input is applied to the
temperature sensitive resistor RT. The power is absorbed by the resistor and gets heated due to the
high frequency power input signal.
This heat generated causes change in the resistance RT. This change in resistance is measured
with the help of bridge circuit which is proportional to the power to be measured.
The most common type of temperature sensitive resistors are the thermistor and barretter. The
thermistor is a resistor that has large but negative temperature coefficient. It is made up of a
semiconductor material. Thus its resistance decreases as the temperature increases. The barretter
consists of short length of fine wire or thin film having positive temperature coefficient. Thus its
resistance increases as the temperature increases. The barretters are very deli<::ate while thermistors
are rugged. The bolometer power meters are llsed to measure radio frequency power in the range 0.1
to 10 mW.
In modern bolometer power meter set up uses the differential amplifier und bridge [orl11 an
oscillator which oscillates at a particular amplitude when bridge is unbalanced. The modern
bolometer power meter circuit is shown in the Fig.
Initially when temperature sensitive resistor is cold, bridge is almost balance. With d.c. bias,
exact balance is achieved. When power input at high frequency is applied to RT, it absorbs power
and gets heated. Due to this its resistance changes causing bridge unbalance. This unbalance is in the
direction opposite to that of initial cold resistance. Due to this, output from the oscillator decreases to
achieve bridgebalance.
.
BOLOMETER ELEMENTS :
Basically a bolometer is very short thin wire. A wire with positive temperature coefficient of
resistance is called Baretter. Similarly a wire with negative temperature coefficient of resistance is
called thermistor. Both are able to measure small power of the order of microwatts.
A metal wire bolometer i.e. barreter has a positive temperature coefficient of resistance
(PTC). It is operated at powers which heat wire upto 100 - 200°C. The metal wire bolometer consists
a short length of Wollaston wire. Its external sheath is etched away so that its thin metal core
consisting platinum alloy is exposed. The length of such wires IS extremely small (typically
2.5 mm). The diameter of such wires range from 1 to 3 micron.For perfect match with the R.F. line,
resistance of the depleted region is adjusted suitably for bias with low powers. This value is generally
equal to the characteristicimpedance.
For R.F. measurements, the minute beads of ceramic such as semiconductor mixtures of metal oxides
with large negative temperature coefficient of resistance (NTC) are used as thermistors. Such beads
consists two platinum alloy wires. Then the bead is sintered and coated with glass film. The beads are
capsuled in glass envelope.
line, the bolometer element is made of very small size. Such element responses equally well to low
frequency and R.F. power.
In most of the elements, the diameter of wire is selected equal to the skin depth of R.F.current at
highest frequency of operation. Typically d.c. and R.F. resistivities of the element are same. The
reactive component is made negligible for such elements. As the maximumcross-section area of the
bolometer wire is inversely proportional to the highest frequency of 0rerahon and conductivity of the
bolometer material, the wires of the bolometer are ultra 'hin at microwavefrequency.
Bolometer mount:
It consists of a thin mica disc. It consists sprayed silver electrodes. There are through silver
plated holes which enables the contact of outer electrode with circular electrode on opposite side.
Two depleted Wollatone wires of diameter equal to 1 micron are mounted between centre and outer
electrode. These wires are very short and typically of length 1 - 2 mm. With normal bias power, for
d.c. conditions, the resistance of both the wires is about 100 D. The holder is used to clamp the mica
disc which makes contact of upper electrode with the metal case andother electrodes are insulated
from co-axial line as shown in the Fig. The circuit is completed through the thin mica sheet which
provides bypass capacitance.
The measurement of unknown RF. power is done by using bolometer bridge in which a
known A.F. power is superimposed on unknown RF. power. The schematic of power measurement
using bolometer bridge is as shown in the Fig.
Using the variable resistance R and the d.c. bias voltage Yss, the current is adjusted till bolometer
element is heated and its resistance equals R1. With this value, bridge achieves balance condition.
The test RF. input is switched off which again unbalances bridge. To achieve the balance condition
again, the A.F. voltage is increased till RF. power equals
When the KF. powe~ is dissipated in the bolometer element, the bridge again becomes unblanced.
But again the output voltage of amplifier readjusts the balancing condition automatically by restoring
the value of bolometer resistance. Note that the amount of A.F. power level reduces in the bolometer
isequal to the unknown C applied KF.power.The voltmeter V measures A.F. voltage
Power measurement using self balancing bolometer

This method uses a self balancing bolometer bridge. The bolometer bridge is called self bal,lIlcing
because it rebalances bridge automatically whenever the bolometer element is supplied with
unknown KF. power. A typical circuit diagram for self balancing bolometer bridge is as shown in the
Fig.
This method uses an audio amplifier which is high gain frequency selective amplifier.The
input and output terminals of the amplifier are coupled through bolometer bridge. The feedback used
in amplifier produces sustained A.F. oscillations and also maintains the resistance of the bolometer at
a fixed value required for balanced condition.
When the supply is switched ON, the bolometer bridge becomes unbalance. But due to the
oscillations produced with a proper phase, the bridge becomes almost balanced. The gain of the tuned
audio amplifier plays important role. That means if the gain of the amplifier is higher then the
bolometer bridge balancesclosely.
When the KF. power is dissipated in the bolometer element, the bridge again becomes unblanced.
But again the output voltage of amplifier readjusts the balancing condition automatically by restoring
the value of bolometer resistance. Note that the amount of A.F. power level reduces in
thebolometerisequaltotheunknownappliedKF.power.ThevoltmeterVmeasuresA.F.voltage
and it is calibrated in such a way that the magnitude of the KF. power is read directly.A typical self
balancing bolometer bridge circuit can be used for measurement of several power ranges from 0.1
mW to 100 mW. In such circuit, the bolometer used has a resistance with five selected values form
50 n to 250 n within + 10 % range.
Introduction to Signal conditioning: Introduction:
The primary objective of industrial process control is to control physical parameters such as
temperature, pressure, flow rate, level, force, light intensity, and so on. The process control system is
designed to maintain these parameters near some desired specific value.
As these parameters can change either spontaneously or because of external influences, we must
constantly provide corrective action to keep these parameters constant or within the specified range.
To control the process parameter, we must know the value of that parameter and hence it is
necessary to measure that parameter. In general, a measurement refers to the transduction of the
process parameter into some corresponding analog of the parameter, such as a pneumatic pressure, an
electric voltage, or current. A transducer is a device that performs the initial measurement and
energy conversion of a process parameter into analogous electrical or pneumatic information. Many
times further transformation or signal enhancement may be required to complete the measurement
function. Such processing is known as signalconditioning.
Electronic aided measurement:
For any measurement system., the first stage detects the physical quantity to be measured this is done
with the help of suitable transducer. The next stage converts this signal into an electrical form. The
second stage is used to amplify the converted signal such that it becomes usable and suitable for the
last stage which is signal conditioning stage. The last stage includes various elements used for
different purposes such as indicating, recording, displaying, data processing and controlelements.
typical electronic aided measurement system is as shown in the Fig
The first stage is the input device which is nothing but a transducer which converts measurand
into an usable form i.e. electrical signal. In other words, the quantity measured is encoded as an
electrical signal. The next stage modifies the electrical signal in the form suitable for the output or
read-out devices. Generally the most frequently used electronic circuits are amplifiers, with
parameter adjustments and automatic compensation circuits specially used for temperature variation.
of the input device and non-linearities of the input device. The output is obtained from read-out
devices such as meter, recorder, printer,display unitsetc.
In general, the quantity which is measured by using transducer can be encoded in different
ways. For example, as a physical or chemical quantity or property, as a characteristics of the
electrical signal, as a number. The property or different characteristics used to represent a data is
called data domain.
The electronic aided measurement system represents the measurement of physical quantity
faithfully in the analog or digital form of it obtained from the signal conditioning circuits. For passive
transducers, the signal conditioning circuit mainly' includes excitation and amplification circuitry,
while for active transducers, only amplification circuitry is needed and the excitation is not needed.
Depending on the type of the excitation either a.c. or d.c. source, we have a.c. signal condit ioning
system and d.c. signal conditioning system.
D.C. Signal Conditioning System:
The block diagram of d.c. signal conditioning system is shown in the Fig
The resistance transducers are commonly used for the d.c. systems. The resistance transducers like
strain gauge forms one or more arms of a wheatstone bridge circuit. A separate d.c. supply is required
for the bridge. The bridge is balanced using potentiometer and can be calibrated for unbalanced
conditions. This is the function of Cdlibration and zeroing network. Then there is d.c. amplifier
which also reqUIresi..l separate d.c. supply.
The d.c. amplifier must have following characteristics:
1. Balanced differentialinputs.
2. High common mode rejection ratio.(CMRR)
3. Hlgh inputimpedance.
4. Good thermal and long term stability. The d.c. system has followingadvantages:
1. It is easy to calibrate at lowfrequencies.
2. It is able to recover from an overload condition.
But the main disadvantage of d.c. system is that it suffers from the problems of drift.The low
frequency spurious unwanted signals are available alongwith the required data signal. For
overcoming this, low drift d.c. amplifiers are required.
The output of d.c. amplifier is given to a low pass filter. The function of low pass filter is to
elliminate unwanted high frequency components or noise from the required data signzd. Thus the
output of low pass filter is the required data signal. Thus the output of low pass filter is the required
d.c. output from the d.c. signal conditioningsystem.
The applications of such system are in use with common resistance transducers such as
potentiometers and resistance straingauges.
A.C. Signal ConditioningSystem:
The limitation of d.c. signal conditioning system can be overcome upto certain extent, using a.c.
signal conditioning system. The block diagram of a.c. signal conditioning system is shown in the Fig
This is carrier type a.c. signal conditioning system. The transducer used is variable resistance
or variable inductance transducer. The carrier oscillator generates a carrier signal of the frequency of
about 50 Hz to 200 kHz. The carrier frequencies are higher and are <ltleast5 to 10 times the signal
frequencies.
The bridge output is amplitude modulated carrier frequency signal. The a.c. amplifier is used
to amplify this signal. A separate power supply is required for the a.c. amplifier.
The amplified signal is demodulated using phase sensitive demodulator. The advantage of using
phase sensitive demodulator is that the polarity of d.c. output indicates the direction of the parameter
change in the bridge output.
Unless and until spurious and noise signals modulate the carrier, they will not affect the data
signal quality and till then are not important. Active filters are used to reject mains frequency pick up.
This prevents the overloading of a.c. amplifier. Filtering out of carrier frequency components of the
data signal is done by phase sensitivedemodulator.
The applications of such system are in use with variable reactance transducers and for the
systems where signals are required to be transmitted through long cables, to connect the transducers
to the signal conditioningsystem.
Introduction:
The digital voltmeters generally referred as DVM, convert the analog signals into digital and display
the voltages to be measured as discrete numericals instead of pointer deflection, on the digital
displays. Such voltmeters can be used to measure a.c. and d.c. voltages and also to measure the
quantities like pressure, temperature, stress etc. using proper transducer and signal conditioning
circuit. The transducer converts the quantity into the proportional voltage signal and signal
conditioning circuit brings the signal into the proper limits which can be easily measured by the
digital voltmeter. The output voltage is displayed on the digital display on the front panel. Such a
digital output reduces the human reading and interpolation errors and parallax errors. The DVMs
have various features and the advantages, over the conventional analog voltmeters having pointer
deflection on the continuous scale.
Performance parameters of digital voltmeters:

1. Number of measurementranges:
The basic range of any DVM is either 1V or 10 V. With the help of attenuator at the input, the range
can be extended from few microvolts to kilovolts.
2. Number of digits in readout: The number of digits of DVMs vary from 3 to 6. More the number
of digits, more is theresolution.
3. Accuracy: The accuracy depends on resolution and resolution on number of digits. Hence more
number of digits means more accuracy. The accuracy is as high upto ± 0.005% of thereading.
4. Speed of the reading: In the digital voltmeters, it is necessary to convert analog signal into
digital signal. The various techniques are used to achieve this conversion. The circuits which are used
to achieve such conversion are called digitizing circuits and the process is called digitizing. The time
required for this conversion is called digitizing period. The maximum speed of reading and the
digitizing period are interrelated. The instrument user must wait, till a stable reading is obtained as it
is impossible to follow the visual readout at high readingspeeds.
5. Normal mode noise rejection: This is usually obtained through the input filtering or by use of
the integration techniques. The noise present at the input, if passed to the analog to digital converting
circuit then it can produce the error, especially when meter is used for low voltage measurement.
Hence noise is required to befiltered.
6. Common mode noise rejection :This is usually obtained by guarding. A guard is a sheet metal
box sourrounding the circuitry. A terminal at the front panel makes this 'box' available to the circuit
undermeasurement.
7. Digital output of several types: The digital readout of the instrument may be 4 line BCD, single
line serial output etc. Thus the type of digital output also determines the variety of the
digitalvoltmeter.
8. Input impedance :The input impedance of DVM must be as high as possible which red l1ces the
loading effects. Typically it is of the order of 10:M.ohm.
Block diagram of DVM:
Any digital instrument requires analog to digital converter at its input. Hence first block in a general
DVM is ADC as shown in the Fig.
Every ADC requires a reference. The reference is generated internally and reference generator
circuitry depends on the type of ADC technique used. The output of ADC is decoded and signal is
processed in the decoding stage. Such a decoding is necessary to drive the seven segment display.
The data from decoder is then transmitted to the display. The data transmission element may be a
latches, counters etc. as per the requirement. A digital display shows the necessary digital result of
the measurement.
Ramp type DVM: Linear ramp technique:
The basic principle of such measurement is based on the measurement of the time taken by l1 linear
ramp to rise from a V to the level of the input voltage or to decrease from the level of the input
voltage to zero. This time is measured with the help of electronic time interval counter and the count
is displayed in the numeric form with the help of a digitaldisplay.
Basically it consists of a linear ramp which is positive going or negative going. The range of the ramp
is ± 12 V while the base range is ± 10 V. The conversion from a voltage to c1 time interval is shown
in the fig
At the start of measurement, a ramp voltage is initiated which is continuously compared with
the input voltage. When these two voltages are same, the comparator generates a pulse which opens a
gate i.e. the input comparator generates a start pulse. The ramp continues to decrease and finally
reaches to 0 V or ground potential. This is sensed by the second comparator or ground comparator.
At exactly 0 V, this comparator produces a stop pulse which closes the gate. The number of clock
pulses are measured by the counter. Thus the time duration for which the gate is opened, is
proportional to the input voltage. fn the time interval between start and stop pulses, the gate remains
open and the oscillator circuit drives the counter. The magnitude of the count indicates the magnitude
of the input voltage, which is displayed by the display. The block diagram of linear ramp DVM is
shown in the Fig.
Thus the time duration for which the gate is opened, is proportional to the input voltage. fn the
time interval between start and stop pulses, the gate remains open and the oscillator circuit drives the
counter. The magnitude of the count indicates the magnitude of the input voltage, which is displayed
by the display. The block diagram of linear ramp DVM is shown in the Fig
Properly attenuated input signal is applied as one input to the input comparator. The ramp
generator generates the proper linear ramp signal which is applied to both tne comparators. Initially
the logic circuit sends a reset signal to the counter and the readout. The comparators are designed in
such a way that when both the input signals of comparator are equal then only the comparator
changes its state. The input comparator is used to send the start pulse while the ground comparator is
used to send the stoppulse.
When the input and ramp are applied to the input comparator, and at the point when negative
going ramp becomes equal to input voltages the comparator sends start pulse, due to which gate
opens. The oscillator drives the counter. The counter starts counting the pulses received from the
oscillator. Now the same ramp is applied to the ground comparator and it is decreasing. Thus when
ramp becomes zero, both the inputs of ground compaotor becomes zero (grounded) i.e. equal and it
sends a stop pulse to the gate due to which gate gets closed. Thus the counter stops receiving the
pulses from the local oscillator. A definite number of pulses will be counted by the counter, during
the start and stop pulses which is measure of the input voltage. This is displayed by the digital
readout.'
he sample rate multivibrator determines the rate at which the measurement cycles are initiated.
The oscillation of this multivibrator is usually adjusted by a front panel control named rate, from few
measuring cycles/second with an accuracy of ± 0.005% of the reading. The sample rate provides an
initiating pulse to the ramp generator to start its next ramp voltage. At the same time, a reset pulse is
also generated which resets the counter to the zerostate.
Dual slope integrating type DVM:
This is the most popular method of analog to digital conversion. In the ramp techniques, the noise can
cause large errors but in dual slope method the noise is averaged out by the positive and negative
ramps using the process of integration. The basic principle of this method is that the input signal is
integrated for a fixed interval of time. And then the same integrator is used to integrate the reference
voltage with reverse slope. Hence the name given to the technique is dual slope integration
technique.
The block diagram of dual slope integrating type DVM is shown in the Fig. It consists of five blocks,
an op-amp used as an integrator, a zero comparator, clock pulse generator, a set of decimal counters
and a block of control logic.
When the switch Sl is in position 1, the capacitor C starts charging from zero level. The rate of
charging is proportional to the input voltage level. The output of the op-amp is given by,
After the interval t I, the input voltage is disconnected and a negative voltage -Vref is connected by
throwing the switch S1 in position 2. In this position, the output of the op-ilmp is given by,
Thus the input voltage is dependent on the time periods t] and t2 and not on the values of R] and C.
This basic principle of this method is shown in the Fig.
At the start of the measurement, the counter is resetted to zero. The output of the flip-flop is also
zero. This is given to the control logic. This control sends a signal so as to close an electronic switch
to position 1 and integration of the input voltage starts. It continues till the time period t.
As the output of the integrator changes from its zero value, the zero comparator output changes its
state. This provides a signal to control logic which inturn opens the gate and the counting of the clock
pulses starts.
The counter counts the pulses and when it reaches to 9999, it generates a carry pulse and all digits go
to zero. The flip flop output gets activated to the logic level T. This activates the control logic. This
sends a signal which changes the switch 5\ position from 1 to 2 Thus -Vref gets connected to op-amp.
As Vref polarity is opposite, the capacitor starts discharging. The integrator output will have constant
negative slope as shown in th Fig. 3.5"1. The output decreases linearly and after the interval t2,
attains zero value, when the capacitor C gets fully discharged.
Let time period of clock oscillator be T and digital counter has counted the counts n1 and n2 during
the period t] and t2respectively.
Thus the unknown voltage measurement is not dependent on the clock frequency, but dependent on
the counts measured by thecounter.
The advantages of this technique are:
i) Excellent noise rejection as noise and superimposed a.c. are averaged out during the process of
integration.
ii) The RC time constant does not affect the input voltagemeasurement.
iii) The capacitor is connected via an electronic switch. This capacitor is an auto zero capacitor and
avoids the effects of offsetvoltage.
iv) The integrator responds to the average value of the input hence sample and hold circuit is not
necessary.
v) The accuracy is high and can be readily varied according to the specificrequirements.
V – F converter type integrating DVM:

In case of ramp type DVM, the voltage is converted to time. The time and frequency are
related to each other. Thus the voltage can be converted to frequency for the measurement purpose. A
train of pulses, whose frequency depends upon the voltage being measured, is generated. Then the
number of pulses appearing in a definite interval of time is counted . Since the frequency of these
pulses is a function of the unknown voltage, the number of pulses counted in that period of time is
the indication of the unknown input voltage.
The heart of such integrating type of DVM is the operational amplifier used as an integrator.
The input voltage is integrated for a fixed interval. An integration of a constant input voltage results a
ramp at the output, the slope of which is proportional to the input voltage. If the
inputispositive,theoutputofop-ampisnegativegoingramp.Aftersometime,thecapacitoris
discharged to 0, thus output returns back to zero and the next cycle begins. Hence the waveform at
the output is a sawtooth waveform as shown in the Fig.
If the input signal is doubled, the number of teeth in the output signal per unit time will be
also doubled. Thus the frequency of the output will be doubled. Thus the frequency of the output is
proportional to the input voltage. This is nothing but the voltage to frequency conversion.
The sawtooth pulses are finally enter into a reversible counter. The measured value by the
reversible counter is finally displayed with the help of digital readout.
The block diagram of voltage to frequency converter type integrating DVM is shown in the Fig.
Initially output of an integrator is adjusted to zero volts. When the input voltage Vi" is
applied, the charging current Vin /Rj flows, which starts the charging of the capacitor C. This
produces a ramp at the output. When input voltage is positive, the output ramp is negative going.
This ramp is given as one input of a comparator. A -V volts is given as a reference to the second
input terminal of a comparator. The negative going ramp and – V volts reference are compared by the
comparator. When the ramp reaches to -V volts, the comparator output changes its state. This
signal triggers the pulse generator. The function of the pulse generator is to produce a pulse of
precision charge content. The polarity of this charge is opposite to that of capacitor charge. Thus the
pulse generated by the pulse generator rapidly discharges the capacitor. Hence the output of the op-
amp again becomes zero. This process continues so as to get a sawtooth waveform at the output of
op-amp. The frequency of such waveform is directly proportional to the applied input voltage. Thus
if the input voltage increases, the number of teeth per unit time in the sawtooth waveform also
increases i.e. the frequencyincreases.
Each teeth produces a pulse at the output of the pulse generator so number of pulses is
directly related to the number of teeth i.e. the frequency. These pulses are allowed to pass through the
pulse transformer. These are applied at one input of the gate. Gate length control signal is applied at
the other input. The gate length' may be 0.1 sec, Isec, 20 msec etc. The gate remains open for this
much timeperiod.
The wavefoms of integrator output and output of a pulse generator are shown In the Fig
From the analysis of dual slope technique, we can write,
But in this type, both V1 and t2 are constants.
Accuracy: The accuracy of voltage to frequency conversion technique depends on the magnitude and
stability of the charge produced by the pulse generator. Thus the, accuracy depends on the precision
of the charge fedback in every pulse and also on the linearity, between voltage and frequency.
To obtain the better accuracy the rate of pulses generated by the pulse generator is kept equal to,
i) the voltage time integration of the input signal ii) the total voltage time areas of the feedbackpulses.
When input voltage polarity is positive i.e. for the periods t (t0 to t1 and t5 to t6 the output of
the pulse generator is high. For other time period it is low. This is shown in the Fig . When the input
voltage polarity is negative i.e. for the period t 1 to t 4 the output of the pulse generator is high. This
is due to other pulse generator used for the bipolar voltages. This is shown in the Fig. For the period
t0 to t1, it is positive counting up. For the period t2 to t3 it is positive counting down. For t 3 to t 4
negative counting up while for the period t 5 to t6, it is negative countingdown.
Transfer characteristics :The transfer characteristics show the relation between the input voltage
and the output frequency. This should be as linear as possible. It remains linear upto a frequency
called saturation frequency. This is shown in the Fig. The slope of both the positive and negative
voltage characteristics must be same.
When input voltage polarity is positive i.e. for the periods t (t0 to t1 and t5 to t6 the output of the
pulse generator is high. For other time period it is low. This is shown in the Fig . When the input
voltage polarity is negative i.e. for the period t 1 to t 4 the output of the pulse generator is high. This
is due to other pulse generator used for the bipolar voltages. This is shown in the Fig. For the period
t0 to t1, it is positive counting up. For the period t2 to t3 it is positive counting down. For t 3 to t 4
negative counting up while for the period t 5 to t6, it is negative countingdown.
Transfer characteristics :The transfer characteristics show the relation between the input voltage
and the output frequency. This should be as linear as possible. It remains linear upto a frequency
called saturation frequency. This is shown in the Fig. The slope of both the positive and negative
voltage characteristics must be same.
To increase the operating speed of this type of DVM, the upper frequency can be increased i.e.
increasing VI f conversion rate. But this results into reduced accuracy and design cost of such circuit
is also very high. Hence another method in which 5 digit resolution is available, is used to increase
the speed of operation. This is the modified version of VI f integrating type DVM and is called
interpolating integrating DVM.
Interpolating Integrating DVM:
The block diagram of interpolating integrating DVM is shown in the Fig.
This is a modified version of VIf integrating DVM. A zero comparator is the additional circuitry in
the DVM. The zero comparator ensures that the charge on the capacitor is zero. During first 20 msec,
the operation is exactly similar to the normal VIf integrating DVM. However during this time the
pulses are directed to the 100 s decade. Here each pulse is equivalent to the 100counts.
After 20 msec, the switch SI is moved from position 1 to 2 and Vrer of opposite polarity is
offered. Some charge is still present on the capacitor. The opposite polarity Vrer helps to remove the
remaining charge at a constant rate. When the charge reaches zero, the zero comparator provides a
pulse to the control logic. When the switch is moved from position 1 to 2, at the same time gate G2 is
also opened. Hence the pulses from 50 kHz oscillator can reach to Is decade. When the zero
comparator provides a pulse, the gate G1 is closed. This completes the reading operation.
The zero comparator ensures that the charge on the capacitor is zero. During first 20 msec, the
operation is exactly similar to the normal VIf integrating DVM. However during this time the pulses
are directed to the 100 s decade. Here each pulse is equivalent to the 100counts. The zero comparator
ensures that the charge on the capacitor is zero. During first 20 msec, the operation is exactly similar
to the normal VIf integrating DVM. However during this time the pulses are directed to the 100 s
decade. Here each pulse is equivalent to the 100counts.
Successive approximation type DVM:

In successive approximation type DVM, the comparator compares the output of digital to analog
converter with the unknown voltage. Accordingly, the comparator provides logic high or low signals.
The digital to analog converter successively generates the set pattern of signals. The procedure
continues till the output of the digital to analog converter becomes equal to the unknown voltage.
After 20 msec, the switch SI is moved from position 1 to 2 and Vrer of opposite polarity is
offered. Some charge is still present on the capacitor. The opposite polarity Vrer helps to remove the
remaining charge at a constant rate. When the charge reaches zero, the zero comparator provides a
pulse to the control logic. When the switch is moved from position 1 to 2, at the same time gate G2 is
also opened. Hence the pulses from 50 kHz oscillator can reach to Is decade. When the zero
comparator provides a pulse, the gate G1 is closed. This completes the reading operation.
The capacitor is connected at the input of the comparator. The output of the digital to analog
converter is compared with the unknown voltage, by the comparator. The output of the comparator is
given to the logic control and sequencer. This unit generates the sequence of code which is applied to
digital to analog converter. The position 2 of the switch 51 receives the output from digital to analog
converter. The unknown voltage is available at the position 1 of the switch S1. The logic control also
drives the clock which is used to alternate the switch S1 between the positions 1 and 2, as per
therequirement.
Resolution and sensitivity:
The sensitivity is the smallest change in the input which a digital meter should be able to detect.
Hence, it is the full scale value of the lowest range multiplied by the resolution of the meter.
Digital multimeters:
The digital multimeter is an instrument which is capable of measuring a.c. voltages, d.c. voltages,
a.c. and d.c. currents and resistances over several ranges. The basic circuit of a digital multimeter is
always a d.c. voltmeter as shown in the Fig
The current is converted to voltage by passing it through low shunt resistance. The a.c. quantities are
converted to d.c. by employing various rectifier and filtering circuits. While for the resistance
measurements the meter consists of a precision low current source that is applied across the unknown
resistance while gives d.c. voltage. All the quantities are digitized using analog to digital converter
and displayed in the digital form on the display.
The basic building blocks of digital multimeter are several AID converters, counting circuitry and an
attenuation circuit. Generally dual slope integration type ADC is prefprred in the multimeters. The
single attenuator circuit is used for both a.c. and d.c. measurements in many commercial multimeters.
The block diagram of a digital multimeter is shown in the Fig.
Digital Frequency meter: Principle:
The signal waveform whose frequency is to be measured is converted into tngger pulses and applied
continuously to one terminal of an AND gate. To the other terminal of the gate, a pulse of 1 sec is
applied as shown in the Fig. The number of pulses counted at the output terminal during period of 1
sec indicates thefrequency.
The signal whose frequency is to be measured is converted to trigger pulses which is nothing
but train of pulses with one pulse for each cycle of the signal. At the output terminal of AND gate,
the number of pulses in a particular interval of time are counted using an electronic counter. Since
each pulse represents the cycle of the unknown signal, the number of counts is a
direct indication of the frequency of the signal which is unknown. Since electronic counter has a high
speed of operation, high frequency signals can be measured.
The signal waveform whose frequency is to be measured is first amplified. Then the amplified signal
is applied to the schmitt trigger which converts input signal into a square wave with fast rise and fall
times. This square wave is then differentiated and clipped. As a result, the output from the schmitt
trigger is the train of pulses for each cycle of the signal. The output pulses from the schmitt trigger
are fed to a START/STOP gate. When this gate is enabled, the input pulses pass through this gate and
are fed directly to the electronic counter, which counts the number of pulses. When this gate is
disabled, the counter stops counting the incoming pulses. The counter displays the number of pulses
that have passed through it in the time interval between start and stop. If this interval is known, the
unknown frequency can be measured.
The output of unknown frequency is applied to the Schmitt trigger which produces positive
pulse at the output. These are counted pulses present at A of the t11<lingate. The time base
selector provides positive pulses at B of the START gate and STOP gate, both. Initially FF - 1 is at
LOGIC 1 state. The voltage from Y output is applied to A of the STOP gate which enables this gate.
The LOGIC a state of the output Y is applied to input A of START gate which disables this gate.
When STOP gate enables, positive pulses from the time base pass through STOP gate to S input of
FF - 2, setting FF - 2 to LOGIC 1 state. The LOGIC a level of Y of FF - 2 is connected to B of main
gate, which confirms that pulses from unknown frequency source can't pass through the main gate.
By applying a positive pulse to R input of FF - I, the operation is started. This changes states of the
FF - 1 to Y = 1 and Y = O. Due to this, STOP gate gets disabled, while START gate gets enabled.
The same pulse is simultaneously applied to all decade counters to reset all of them, to start new
counting.
With the next pulse from the time base passes through START gate reseting FF - 2 and it
changes state from LOGIC a to LOGIC 1. As Y changes from a to 1, the gating signal is applied to
input B of the main gate which enables the main gate.
Now the pulses from source can pass, through the main gate to the counter. The counter counts
pulses. The state of FF - 1 changes from a to 1 by applying same pulse fromSTART gate to S input of
FF - 1. Now the START gate gets disabled, while STOP gategets enabled. It is important that the
pulses of unknown frequency pass through the maingate to counter till the main gate is enabled.
The next pulse from the time base generator passes through STOP Gate to S input of FF -
2. This sets output back to 1 and Y =0 O. Now main gate gets disabled. The source supplying pulses
of unknown frequency gets disconnected. In between this pulse and previous pulse from the time
base selector, the number of pulses are counted by the counter. When the interval of time between
two pulses is 1 second, then the count of pulses indicates the frequency of the unknown frequency
source.
1. Input signal conditioning circuit:
In this circuit, an amplifier and schmitt trigger are included. The threshold voltage 01 the schmitt
trigger can be controlled by sensitivity control on the control panel. First of all the input signal of
unknown frequency is fed into input signal conditioning circuit. There the signal is amplified and
then it is converted into square wave by schmitt trigger circuit.
2. Time basegenerator:
The crystal oscillator produces a signal of 1 MHz or 100 MHz depending upon the requirement. In
general, the accuracy of the digital frequency counter depends on the accuracy of the time base
signals produced, thus the temperature compensated crystal oscillator is used. rhen output of the
oscillator is passed through another schmitt trigger circuit producing square wave output. Then it is
fed to frequency dividers connected in cascade. Thus a train of pulses are obtained after each
frequency divider section. Using time base selector switch 5 the Gate Time can be adjusted. The
gating circuit consists of AND gate. When the enable signal is provided to the A D gate, it allows a
train of pulses to pass through the gate for the time period selected by the time base circuit. The
pulses are counted and then the second pulse generated from the time base generator disables AND
gate and thus closes it.
Tn this unit, decade counters are connected in the cascade. The output of the A TD gate
is connected to the clock input of the first decade counter. Then the output of this counter to the clock
inpllt of next and so on. Using these counters the number of pulses are counted and are displayed by
the display unit. As the number of pulses counted are proportional to the input signal frequency, the
final display is proportional to the unknown frequency of the input signal.
Period measurement:
Using the frequency counter, the period measurement is possible. As we know, time period T == 1/ f.
50 if the frequency to be measured is low, then the accuracy of the frequency counter decreases as
less number of pulses are connected to the gatingcircuit.
Thus in low frequency region it is better to measure period rather than frequency. The block
diagram of the period mode of the digital frequency counter is as shown in the Fig.
Now the pulses from source can pass, through the main gate to the counter. The counter counts
pulses. The state of FF - 1 changes from a to 1 by applying same pulse fromSTART gate to S input of
FF - 1. Now the START gate gets disabled, while STOP gategets enabled. It is important that the
pulses of unknown frequency pass through the maingate to counter till the main gate is enabled.
The main difference in the frequency mode and period mode of the digital frequency counter
is that the unknown input signal controls the gate time of the gating circuit while the time base
frequency is counted in the decade counter assembly. Note that in the period mode, the input signal
conditioning circuit produces a train of pulses. So the positive going zero crossing pulses are used as
trigger pulses for opening and closing of AND gate in the gating circuit. The main advantage of the
period mode is that the accuracy is grealer for the low frequency input signals.
Time interval measurement:
The time interval measurement is basically similar to the period measurement. In the time
interval measurement mode, gate control flip flop is used as shown in the Fig
In this measurement mode, two inputs are used to start and stop the counting. Here similar to
the period measurement, the internal frequency pulses generated by time base generator circuit are
counted. The start and stop signals are derived from two inputs. The AND gate is enabled with the
external input 1 applied. The counting of the pulses starts at this instant. The AND gate is disabled
with the input 2 applied. Thus pulses are counted in the time interval which is proportional to the
time interval between application of inputs 1 and2.
In this measurement mode, two inputs are used to start and stop the counting. Here similar to
the period measurement, the internal frequency pulses generated by time base generator circuit are
counted. The start and stop signals are derived from two inputs. The AND gate is enabled with the
external input 1 applied. The counting of the pulses starts at this instant. The AND gate is disabled
with the input 2 applied. Thus pulses are counted in the time interval which is proportional to the
time interval between application of inputs 1 and2.
Frequency ratio measurement:
By using the frequency counter, the ratio of two frequencies can be measured. It is again similar to
period measurement. The block diagram is as shown in the Fig.
In this mode, the low frequency signal is used as gating signal, while the pulses are counted
for the high frequency signal. Hence it is clear that the low frequency represents the time base.

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UNIT -5 & UNIT - 6 NOTES

DEPARTMENT OF ECE ELECTRONIC MEASUREMENTS & INSTRUMENTATION

A knowledge of strength of the material is essential in the design and construction of

Derivation of Gauge Factor:

changes to R + ~R because of change in length and cross-sectional area.

Types of Strain Gauges:

Field Effect Display:

Bolometer and RF power measurement using Bolometer: Introduction:

Power measurement at radio frequency:

provides bypass capacitance.

Power measurement using self balancing bolometer

typical electronic aided measurement system is as shown in the Fig

Performance parameters of digital voltmeters:

V – F converter type integrating DVM:

From the analysis of dual slope technique, we can write,

But in this type, both V1 and t2 are constants.

Successive approximation type DVM:

Digital Frequency meter: Principle:

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