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Measurement is a multidisciplinary, cross-sector topic critical to all
engineering and control systems and to quality of life. Although life in the 21st
century relies heavily on precision measurement, often we are not even aware
of it. A simple dictionary definition of the verb ‘to measure’ is: to find the size,
quantity, volume, degree, weight, etc. of something by means of a standard or
unit. In all branches of engineering, measurement plays a vital role since the
design, manufacture and use of any product cannot be considered without
reference to this concept. It is for this reason that the majority of texts on
engineering contain tables, charts, lists or appendixes which provide the student
with accepted standards and units of measurement.
Since measurement is so important, it follows that there is a wide range of
devices and instruments which are designed to indicate very precisely length,
pressure, time and so on.
The device that is used for measurement of certain physical quantity is
called as measuring instrument. The measuring instruments are used frequently
in our day-to-day life for the measurement of various quantities like length,
weight, temperature, pressure, humidity or consumption, current, voltage,
energy, fuels, flow volumes etc. The instruments indicate the value of these
quantities, based on which we get some understanding and take appropriate
actions and decisions.
There are many different types of electrical measuring and testing
devices. Some of these tests for the presence of electrical current, whether
alternating current or direct current, also can tell you if a circuit or wire is
energized as well as tell you how much voltage or current an electrical circuit is
carrying. Others test for whether or not an electrical receptacle is properly
wired, and tell you if a network cable is connected properly or if there is
continuity in that cable.
Electrical measuring devices can be either analog or digital. Some of
these measuring devices only measure current, voltage, or resistance, while
others will measure all of these circuit or device characteristics.
Choose one of the electrical and electronic measuring equipment and
prepare a short presentation of around 4 minutes about it. Include the
information on measuring device`s
•
history;
•
principle of operation;
•
constructional details;
•
types;
•
application;
•
advantages or disadvantages.
