There are a couple (well actually three different types) of Multimeter's.
The first used meters were designed with a specific task in mind.
It was found that the range of a meter could be increased by adding switches and resistors and shunts and batteries.
There were several descriptions used to identify the use intended.
Voltmeter to measure voltage in the range of a few micro-volts to several thousand volts
Ohmmeter to measure 100ths of an ohm to Millions of Ohms
ammeter measurements on the order of picoamps to hundreds of amps (
amp-meter is incorrect usage of the term.)
Then when radio started to develop there was a need to have test equipment that was more versatile.
So functions were combined to create a VOM (Volt-Ohm-Milliammeter)
So came the development of the following types:
[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]. Analog portable VOM
[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]. Analog VTVM
[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]. Digital VOM
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Then there are field units built for rugged use and then bench meters and Lab quality types.
[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]The first type has a mechanical meter movement to display numbers (analog style). When first introduced they had an input impedance ( or resistance) of 500 to 1000 ohms, they now can go up to the same as a digital. 10 or 11 meg-ohms.
[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]The second one came into existence because of the ever increasing need for a more accurate meter that wouldn't load down voltage readings.
[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]The third One uses computer chips and a digital screen to display numbers. They can have several functions built in. The Impedance input is
usually 10-11 meg-ohms This is used to prevent loading the circuit under test.
The readings of a digital are more precise than an analog meter. An analog meter has a problem that is called parallax and is caused by reading the meter at an angle and therefore not getting correct readings. If there is anything else to add about Multimeter's, please feel free to post your thoughts and questions here.
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