JEE2340_Lab 1_2024

JEE2340 Lab 1: Instrumentation Basics Fall 2024
A. Introduction
In this lab, we introduce laboratory instrumentation that will be used throughout the semester.
More specifically, we will learn about the digital multimeter (DMM), function generator, and DC
power supply. We will use these instruments to measure voltage, current and resistance in both
AC and DC circuits.
B. Digital Multimeters (DMMs)
A multimeter is a device for measuring the electrical quantities voltage, current, and resistance.
There are two types of multimeters: analog and digital. Analog multimeters use electrical and
magnetic devices to measure electrical quantities and the results are displayed on an indicator
dial (i.e. a “meter”). Digital multimeters electronically convert electrical signals into numerical
results and output the results on a display. We will use digital multimeters in this laboratory.
There are two types of DMMs available in this laboratory: bench-top and hand-held. Either can
be used; however, it is important to note that the capabilities of each are slightly different (as is
the case for most equipment.
C. Function Generator
A function generator is a signal source which provides a voltage output applied in

different characteristic waveforms, such as a “sine wave” or “triangle wave” signal. These
generators work by building or composing signals using their harmonic frequency components.
In this experiment, our electrical system will be a simple resistive network. For this laboratory
we will be using the Tektronix AFG2021.
The function generator contains an electronic oscillator that produces periodic signals,
i.e. waveforms. Each waveform can be adjusted over the frequency range from 0.1 Hz to 20
MHz. The type and frequency of each input signal is determined by the buttons below the
display on the function generator.
NOTE: All function generators have limitations. As will be discussed this semester, being
aware of limitations and implementing common solutions is important to engineering circuitry.
Making sure your source is providing the waveform you expect is a good starting point for
troubleshooting as we moving into more complicated designs during this semester.
D. DC Power Supply
A DC power supply is an instrument that outputs a rectified DC signal to a load, such

as an electrical circuit. The DC power supply in our laboratory, the Keithley 2231A-30-3,
contains two channels that can supply up to 30V at 3A each and a third channel which can
provide up to 5V at 3A. In order to use the power supply, banana-jack cables must be
inserted into the positive (red) and negative (black) terminals on one of the three power
supply outputs. The DC power can then be delivered to the circuit using the other end of the
banana-jack cables.
E. Additional Background
a) This laboratory will only need the use of Ohm’s Law, V=IR.
b) To measure the voltage across a circuit element, the voltmeter (DMM) must be placed
in parallel with the element.
c) To measure the current flowing through an element, the ammeter (DMM) must be
placed in series with the element.
d) To measure the impedance of an element, the ohmmeter (DMM) must be placed in

series with the element with no external sources connected.
F. Equipment
For this experiment, the equipment you will need:
• The DMM, Function Generator, and DC Power Supply provided at your station.
• 1 solderless breadboard
• 4 banana-plug leads at least 12 inches long. Both black and red are available in
the lab. Even though the colors of the leads do not matter, using the red and black
colors for wiring makes it easier to check circuit connections.
• 1 Male-BNC-to-Female-Banana adaptor.
• 2 alligator clips.
• 2 1kΩ Resistors
• Wires
The power rails are electrically connected across the entire breadboard. The contact strips are
connected along the each strip. a-e are connected within each row; f-j are connected within
each row.
G1. Use of the DMM as a DC Voltmeter/Ammeter
1. Connect a pair of banana plug leads from the Keithley power supply to the
breadboard, use wires to connect the supply across both of the resistors in series.
2. Measure the impedance of each resistor using the DMM.

3. Turn on the power supply and set its output on channel 1 to Vs = 5V.
4. Turn the knob on the DMM to V to select the DC voltage measurement.
Note: V selects DC voltage and V selects AC voltage
5. Select the range x.xx VDC using the range button on the top row of the Fluke DMM
a. Note: If the screen on the DMM reads “OL”, this is an overload error and the
range is incorrect.
b. The range button toggles between range modes. x.xx reports

measurements from 0 to 9.99 VDC.
c. The top right corner of the DMM screen should read “VDC”, which
indicates that the measurement is a DC voltage.
6. Connect the two remaining banana cables to the DMM, plugging one into the COM port
and one into the VΩ port. On the free ends of the banana cables, attach the alligator
clips. Note: The COM, or “Common,” port is equivalent to ground (when connected in this
manner) and the VΩ port measures voltage and resistance.
7. Connect the circuit with the DC power supply and DMM in parallel to the resistors. Use
the DMM and the alligator clips to measure the voltage across one of the two resistors.
8. Record the voltage value.
9. Repeat the measurement across the other resistor.
10. Ensure that the voltage results match the expected values.
11. Power off the DC Power supply before making changes.
12. Connect the DMM (using the appropriate inputs on the DMM device) in series with both
resistors to measure the current through the circuit.
13. Record the current value and ensure it matches the expected value.
G2. Use of the DMM as an AC Voltmeter/Ammeter
1. Connect the Male-BNC-to-Female-Banana adaptor to the output channel of the function

generator.
2. Turn the knob on the DMM to select the AC voltage scale.
3. Replace the DC power supply current in the circuit with the Function Generator using the
frequency setting on the display. Apply a sinusoidal AC voltage of Vp-p = 5V to the
circuit. Set the frequency to 50 Hz.
4. Use the DMM and alligator clips on the banana cables to measure the voltage across the
first resistor. Repeat for the second resistor. Note: Make sure the DMM is connected on
the voltage input.
5. Turn off your function generator. Connect the DMM to measure the current through the
resistors. Apply the same sinusoidal voltage as in step 3 and record the current through
the circuit.
Report Checklist
• Include a cover sheet with title, date, lab section, and lab partner names
• Include a brief introduction about the topic
• State and briefly describe any results (include response to any questions within the
procedure)
• Include a conclusion that briefly describes how your results match the theory for the
laboratory. If there are any discrepancies, provide a brief explanation of why there may
be a difference from what was expected.

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JEE2340 Lab 1: Instrumentation Basics Fall 2024

B. Digital Multimeters (DMMs)

A function generator is a signal source which provides a voltage output applied in

A DC power supply is an instrument that outputs a rectified DC signal to a load, such

d) To measure the impedance of an element, the ohmmeter (DMM) must be placed in

For this experiment, the equipment you will need:

G1. Use of the DMM as a DC Voltmeter/Ammeter

2. Measure the impedance of each resistor using the DMM.

4. Turn the knob on the DMM to V to select the DC voltage measurement.

Note: V selects DC voltage and V selects AC voltage

b. The range button toggles between range modes. x.xx reports

8. Record the voltage value.

9. Repeat the measurement across the other resistor.

11. Power off the DC Power supply before making changes.

G2. Use of the DMM as an AC Voltmeter/Ammeter

1. Connect the Male-BNC-to-Female-Banana adaptor to the output channel of the function

2. Turn the knob on the DMM to select the AC voltage scale.

• Include a brief introduction about the topic

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