Electronic DC Voltmeter: Definition, Types and Applications

Electrical4u
03/27/2024

What Is An Electronic Dc Voltmeter

An electronic DC voltmeter  is a device that measures the direct current (DC) voltage across any two points of an electric circuit . It is an essential tool for testing, troubleshooting, and designing electronic circuits and devices. Unlike mechanical voltmeters, electronic voltmeters use semiconductor components such as diodes , transistors, and amplifiers to increase their sensitivity and accuracy.

What is a DC Voltage?

A DC voltage is a constant voltage that does not change its polarity or magnitude over time. It is produced by sources such as batteries, solar cells, and DC generators. A DC voltage can be positive or negative depending on the direction of the current flow. A DC voltage can also be converted to an alternating current (AC) voltage by using devices such as inverters and transformers.

How does an Electronic DC Voltmeter Work?

An electronic DC voltmeter works by converting the DC voltage to be measured into a proportional current that can be displayed by a meter movement. The meter movement can be either a permanent magnet moving coil (PMMC) galvanometer or a digital display. The conversion of voltage to current is done by using various electronic components such as resistors, capacitors, diodes, transistors, and amplifiers.

The main components of an electronic DC voltmeter are:

  • Voltage divider: This is a series of resistors that divides the input voltage into smaller voltage that can be applied to the meter movement. The value of the resistors determines the range and sensitivity of the voltmeter. The voltage divider also provides isolation and protection for the meter movement from high voltages.

voltage divider circuit


diode


transistor circuit


amplifier Circuit


Types of Electronic DC Voltmeters

There are different types of electronic DC voltmeters based on their design and functionality. Some of the common types are:

  • Average reading diode vacuum tube voltmeter: This type of voltmeter uses a vacuum tube diode to rectify the AC voltage into a pulsating DC voltage. The average value of this voltage is measured by a PMMC galvanometer. This type of voltmeter has a simple construction, high input resistance, and low power consumption. However, it has low bandwidth, non-linear operation, and poor accuracy when measuring low voltages.

average reading diode vacuum tube voltmeter


difference amplifier


Applications of Electronic DC Voltmeters

Electronic DC voltmeters are widely used in various fields of science, engineering, and technology for measuring DC voltages. Some of the applications are:

  • Testing and troubleshooting electronic circuits and devices

  • Measuring battery voltages and charging levels

  • Measuring solar panel voltages and power outputs

  • Measuring sensor outputs and signal levels

  • Measuring electrostatic potentials and fields

  • Measuring bioelectric potentials and signals

Conclusion

An electronic DC voltmeter is a device that measures the direct current (DC) voltage across any two points of an electric circuit. It uses semiconductor components such as diodes, transistors, and amplifiers to increase its sensitivity and accuracy. There are different types of electronic DC voltmeters based on their design and functionality, such as average reading diode vacuum tube voltmeter, peak reading diode vacuum tube voltmeter, difference amplifier type electronic voltmeter, and digital multimeter. Electronic DC voltmeters have various applications in testing, troubleshooting, and designing electronic circuits and devices. They can measure DC voltages from microvolts to kilovolts with high precision and speed. They are essential tools for electrical and electronic engineers, technicians, and hobbyists.

Statement: Respect the original, good articles worth sharing, if there is infringement please contact delete.

Electrical4u

Electrical4U is dedicated to the teaching and sharing of all things related to electrical and electronics engineering.

Analysis of the Principle of Second - harmonic Restraint for Overcurrent Protection of Distribution Automation Switches
Analysis of the Principle of Second - harmonic Restraint for Overcurrent Protection of Distribution Automation Switches
Substance of Second - harmonic Restraint in Overcurrent ProtectionThe substance of second - harmonic restraint in overcurrent protection is to use the second - harmonic component to judge whether the current is a fault current or an excitation inrush current. When the percentage of the second - harmonic component to the fundamental - wave component is greater than a certain value, it is judged to be caused by the excitation inrush current, and the overcurrent protection is blocked.Therefore, the
Leon
07/18/2025
What are the typical connection methods for 35kV distribution lines?
What are the typical connection methods for 35kV distribution lines?
Typical Wiring Diagram of 35kV Line Radial π ConnectionWhen a 35kV line adopts a radial power grid structure, a single - side power supply or a double - side power supply radial type can be used according to the situation of the power supply points, and a loop - out interval is reserved at the end of the line.Typical Wiring Diagram of 35kV Line Radial T - ConnectionFor double - radial lines, it is advisable to select a double - side power supply. When the power supply points do not meet the r
Leon
07/18/2025
Why are the ground fault point and the accident point not at the same location?
Why are the ground fault point and the accident point not at the same location?
Fault Transfer VoltageIn low - voltage distribution systems, there is a type of personal electric shock accident where the accident occurrence point and the system fault point are not at the same location. This kind of accident occurs because after a ground fault happens elsewhere, the generated fault voltage is conducted to the metal casings of other equipment through the PE wire or PEN wire. When the fault voltage on the metal casing of the equipment is higher than the human - body safe voltag
Leon
07/18/2025
What is reactive power measurement?
What is reactive power measurement?
The power which exists in the circuit when the voltage and current are out of phase to each other, such type of power is known as the reactive power. The formula measures the reactive power in the circuitReactive Power Measurement & VarmetersReactive power measurement is critical as it indicates circuit power loss: low reactive power worsens load power factor, increasing system losses. Varmeters (volt-ampere reactive meters) measure reactive power and are categorized by circuit phases:Single
Edwiin
07/17/2025
Inquiry
Download
IEE-Business is dedicated to serving the personnel in the global power industry.
Join IEE-Business, not only can you discover power equipment and power knowledge, but also canhnd like - minded friends!