Definition: Digital Voltmeter is a voltage sensitive device. It measures AC or DC voltage and displays the value directly in numeric form instead of pointer deflection. DVM is an acronym for Digital Voltmeter. DVM was first invented in 1954 by Andrew Kay. There exist many factors that affect the measurement accuracy of a digital voltmeter(DVM). These are basically temperature, input impedance, variation in power supply voltage etc. As we know that an analogue instrument provides results by … [Read more...] about Digital Voltmeter (DVM)
Strain Gauge
Definition: Strain gauge is a device which is when subjected to some force results change in resistance of the material. The change in resistance is measured in terms of either load or displacement. It basically measures strain on the application of stress. Strain gauge directly is used for the measurement of load and indirectly it is used for the measurement of displacement. The strain gauge was invented in 1938, by Edward E Simmons and Arthur C Ruge. Strain gauges are employed as … [Read more...] about Strain Gauge
Digital Storage Oscilloscope
Definition: Digital Storage Oscilloscope is an instrument that analyses the signal digitally and stores the data in the electronic digital memory. By examining the stored traces in memory, it can display visual as well as numerical values. It digitizes the input signal in order to have subsequent digital signals. The input is stored in digital memory in the form of 0 and 1. This stored digitized signal is then viewed on the CRT screen after the signal reconstruction in analog form. Here, … [Read more...] about Digital Storage Oscilloscope
Frequency Mixer
Definition: Frequency Mixer is a non-linear device. It generates a number of frequencies on the application of two different frequencies at the input of the mixer. It is the core process in RF technology and design. Here, the input frequency gets converted into different frequency components so as to process the signals more effectively. It is clearly shown below that out of the two provided frequencies one is the input signal while the other is the local oscillator signal. Let’s … [Read more...] about Frequency Mixer
Vocoder
Definition: Vocoder is an audio processor that is used to transmit speech or voice signal in the form of digital data. The vocoder is used as short form for voice coder. Vocoders are basically used for digital coding of speech and voice simulation. The bitrate for available narrowband vocoders is from 1.2 to 64 kbps. Vocoder operates on the principle of formants. Formants are basically the meaningful components of a speech that is generated due to the human voice. Whenever a speech signal … [Read more...] about Vocoder
Distortion in Amplifier
Definition: Distortion in Amplifier basically implies the variation in the waveform received at the output with respect to the applied input. The unwanted alterations generated during amplification is known as distortion. A pure signal always has a single frequency component where voltage varies positive and negative by an equal amount. If this variation is less than full 360⁰ cycle, then it is said that the signal is distorted. When we talk about an ideal amplifier, the amplified output … [Read more...] about Distortion in Amplifier
Voltage Regulator
Definition: Voltage regulator is a device that maintains a constant dc output voltage irrespective of the changes in input voltage or load conditions. The ac ripple voltage that is not removed by the filters is also rejected by the voltage regulators. The combinations of elements present in the design of voltage regulator ensure to have a constant output voltage with a variable input supply. Whenever there is a need to have a steady and reliable output voltage then voltage regulators are … [Read more...] about Voltage Regulator
Feedback Amplifier
Definition: Feedback Amplifier is a device that is based on the principle of feedback. The process by which some part or fraction of output is combined with the input is known as feedback. In simple words, we can say feedback amplifiers are the type of amplifiers in which a part of the output is given back to the input. Have a look at the pictorial representation showing how feedback is implemented. As we know that an amplifier is a device that amplifies the signal. When we talk … [Read more...] about Feedback Amplifier
Thermocouple
Definition: A thermocouple is a device that is used to measure temperature. These are active transducers as they work on the principle of energy conversion. It does not require any source of power for their operation. These are basically temperature sensors that measure temperature in the form of EMF. To make up thermocouple pair certain combinations of metals must be used. These combinations of metals are so chosen that a linear rise in emf is produced with the rise in the temperature of … [Read more...] about Thermocouple
Function Generator
Definition: Function Generator is basically a signal generator that produces different types of waveforms at the output. It has the ability to produce waveforms such as sine wave, square wave, a triangular wave, sawtooth wave etc. An adjustable frequency range is provided by the function generator which is in the range of some Hz to several 100KHz. There exist various function generators that have the ability to produce two different waveforms simultaneously by using two different output … [Read more...] about Function Generator