2.

0 DC METER
Objectives:

At the end of this chapter, student should be able to,

1. Sketch the construction of permanent magnet moving coil
(PPMC)/d’Arsonval instrument, and explain its operation.
2. Design DC Ammeter and DC Voltmeter using d’Arsonval
instrument.
3. Design multi-range DC Ammeter and DC Voltmeter
using Ayrton Shunt.
4. Define load error and ammeter insertion effect.
5. Design ohmmeter using d’Arsonval instrument.

7/21/2022 Chapter 2 : DC Meter 1

 2.1 INTRODUCTION

➢ Basic meter movement used in DC measurements can be

traced to Hans Oersted’s discovery in 1820 of the
relationship between current and magnetism

➢ Jacques d’ Arsonval patented the moving coil

galvanometer. The same basic construction developed by
d’Arsonval is used in meter movement today. Permanent
magnet moving-coil (PMMC) instrument meter
movement referred to as d’Arsonval meter movement.

7/21/2022 Chapter 2 : DC Meter 2

 Cont’d…
Construction And Function Of PMMC :
➢ Figure 2.1 show a horseshoe
shaped permanent magnet
with soft iron pole. Between
north and south is a
cylindrical-shaped soft iron
core about which a coil iron
of fine wire is wound. This
fine wire is wound on very
light metal frame and
mounted in a jewel setting so
that it can rotate freely.
Figure 2.1: PMMC instrument
7/21/2022 Chapter 2 : DC Meter 3
 Cont’d…
➢ A pointer attached to the moving coil deflects up scale as
the moving coil rotates
➢ When the current passes through the moving coil causes it
to behave as an electromagnet with its own north and south
pole. The poles of the electromagnet interact with
permanent magnet causing the coil to rotate and the pointer
deflects up scale.
➢ It should be emphasized that the d’Arsonval meter
movement is a current scale calibrated, the moving coil
responds to the amount of current through its windings.

7/21/2022 Chapter 2 : DC Meter 4

 2.2 DC Ammeter
➢ With the use of parallel-connected resistor, it can be
employed to measure a direct current levels. This is done
by placing a low resistance in parallel with the meter
movement resistance, Rm. This low resistance is called
shunt resistance Rsh and is function to provide an
alternative path for the total metered current I around the
meter movement.
➢ Basic circuit is shown in Figure 2.2. Generally Ish is much
greater than Im. Rsh is found by apply in Ohm’s law.

7/21/2022 Chapter 2 : DC Meter 5

 Cont’d… DC Ammeter

Figure 2.2 D’ Arsonval meter movement used in an ammeter circuit.

Im = Full-scale deflection current of the meter movement

I = Full-scale deflection current for the ammeter
7/21/2022 Chapter 2 : DC Meter 6
 Cont’d… DC Ammeter
➢ Voltage drop across the meter movement is
Vm = ImRm
Vsh=Vm
➢ The current through the shunt is equal to the total current
minus the current through the meter movement
Ish = I-Im
Vsh I m Im
Rsh = = Rm = Rm () (2.1)
I sh I sh I − Im

7/21/2022 Chapter 2 : DC Meter 7

 Cont’d… DC Ammeter
Example 2.1
Calculate the value of the shunt resistance required to
convert a 1mA meter movement, with a 100Ω internal
resistance, into a 0-10mA ammeter

Solution
Vm = I m Rm = 1mA 100 = 0.1V
Vsh = Vm = 0.1V
I sh = I − I m = 10mA − 1mA = 9mA
0.1V
Rsh = = 11.11
9mA
7/21/2022 Chapter 2 : DC Meter 8
 Cont’d… DC Ammeter
➢ The purpose of designing the shunt circuit is to allow us to
measure a current I that is some number n times larger than
Im. The number n is called a multiplying factor and relates
total current and meter current as
I = nIm
➢ Substituting this for I in equation 2.1:
Rm I m Rm
Rsh = = ()
nI m − I m n − 1

7/21/2022 Chapter 2 : DC Meter 9

 Cont’d… DC Ammeter
Aryton shunt
➢ On a multirange ammeter, the Aryton shunt or the
universal shunt is frequently a more suitable design.

Advantages:
➢ It can eliminates the possibility of current overloading of
the moving coil i.e they protect the deflection instrument
of an ammeter from an excessive current flow.
➢ It may be used with a wide range of meter movements.
The Aryton shunt is shown in Figure 2.3

7/21/2022 Chapter 2 : DC Meter 10

 Cont’d… DC Ammeter
Rm=1k
Im=100A + -

Ish=In-Im
C B A

Rc Rb Ra

I3=1A I2=100mA I1=10mA

Selector
+

Figure 2.3 Computing resistance values for the Aryton shunt

7/21/2022 Chapter 2 : DC Meter 11
 Cont’d… DC Ammeter
Part A
➢ The individual resistance values of the shunts are
calculated by starting with the most sensitive range, i.e. the
most sensitive range is the I1=10mA range (Part A with
Rsh= Rc+Rb+Ra) and can be computed by:

I m Rm
Rsh = I1
I sh1 where: Ish1= I1-Im and n =
or Im
Rm
Rsh =
n −1
7/21/2022 Chapter 2 : DC Meter 12
 Cont’d… DC Ammeter
Part B
➢ Since the resistance Rc+Rb is in parallel with Rm+Ra, the
voltage across each parallel branch should be equal and
can be written as:
VRc+Rb = VRm+Ra
➢ In current and resistance term:
(Rb+Rc)Ish2=Im(Ra+Rm) can determine Ra as
(Rb+Rc)(I2-Im)=Im(Ra+Rm) Ra=Rsh-(Rb+Rc) (Ω)
I2(Rb+Rc)-Im(Rb+Rc)=Im[Ra+Rm]
I m ( Rsh + Rm )
Rb + Rc = ()
I2

7/21/2022 Chapter 2 : DC Meter 13

 Cont’d… DC Ammeter
Part C
➢ This part is to determine the value of Rc and having I3=1A
as the maximum current range. Rc can be written as:
Ish3Rc=Im(Ra+ Rb+Rm)
(I3-Im) Rc= Im(Ra+ Rb+Rm)
I m ( Rsh + Rm )
Rc = ()
I3
➢ The resistor Rb can be computed as
Rb= (Rb+Rc)- Rc (Ω)

7/21/2022 Chapter 2 : DC Meter 14

 Cont’d… DC Ammeter
Example 2.2
Compute the value of the shunt resistor for the circuit as
shown in Figure 2.3
Rm=1k
Im=100A + -

Soln: B
Ish=In-Im
A
C

Part A Rc Rb Ra

Rsh= Rc+Rb+Ra I3=1A I2=100mA I1=10mA

I1 10mA
n= = = 100
I m 100A
1k
Selector
R +
Rsh = m = = 10.1
n − 1 100 − 1 -

7/21/2022 Chapter 2 : DC Meter 15

 Cont’d… DC Ammeter
Part B
I m ( Rsh + Rm ) 100 (10.1 + 1k)
Rb + Rc = ( ) = = 1.01
I2 100mA
 Ra=Rsh-(Rb+Rc) (Ω)=10.1 -1.01=9.09

Part C
I m ( Rsh + Rm ) 100 A(10.1 + 1k )
Rc = () = = 0.101
I3 1A
The resistor Rb can be computed as
Rb= (Rb+Rc)- Rc (Ω)=1.01 - 0.101=0.909
7/21/2022 Chapter 2 : DC Meter 16
 2.3 DC Voltmeter
➢ D’ Arsonval instrument can be constructed as DC
voltmeter by connecting a multiplier Rs in series with the
meter movement as shown in Figure 2.4. The purpose of
the multiplier is to extend the voltage range of the meter
and to limit the current through the D’ Arsonval meter to a
maximum full-scale deflection current.
+ multiplier Im

Rs

Rm

Figure 2.4 The D’ Arsonval meter movement used in a dc voltmeter

7/21/2022 Chapter 2 : DC Meter 17
 Cont’d… DC Voltmeter
➢ To find the value of the multiplier resistor it is required
determine the sensitivity (S) of the meter movement. The
sensitivity is found by taking the reciprocal of the full-
scale deflection current (Ifs) written as
1
( / V )
Sensitivity = I fs
➢ The unit of sensitivity express the value of the multiplier
resistance for the 1V range. To calculate the value of the
multiplier for voltage ranges greater than 1V, simply
multiply the sensitivity by the range and subtract the
internal resistance of the meter movement.
Rs= S X Range-Internal Resistance
7/21/2022 Chapter 2 : DC Meter 18
Or Rtotal= S X Range
 Cont’d… DC Voltmeter
Example 2.3:
Calculate the sensitivity of a 200A meter movement
which is to be used as a dc voltmeter.

Solution:
1 1
S= = = 5k / V
I fs 200A
The sensitivity is based on the fact that the full scale
current of 200A results whenever 5k of resistance is
present in the meter circuit for each voltage applied.

7/21/2022 Chapter 2 : DC Meter 19

 Cont’d… DC Voltmeter
Example 2.4:
Calculate the value of the multiplier resistance on the 0
50V range of a dc voltmeter that used a 500A meter
movement with internal resistance of 1k.
Solution:
The sensitivity of 500A meter movement is
1 1
S= = = 2k / V
I fs 500A
The value of the multiplier Rs is
Rs = S x Range – Rm = 2k/V x 50V – 1k = 99k.

7/21/2022 Chapter 2 : DC Meter 20

 Cont’d… DC Voltmeter
Multirange Voltmeter
A dc voltmeter can be converted into multirange voltmeter
by connecting a number of resistors (multipliers) along
with a range switch to provide a greater number of
R1 = 1 − (Rm + R2 + R3 + R4 )
workable ranges. V
Im

− (Rm + R3 + R4 )
V2
R2 =
Im

− (Rm + R4 )
V3
R3 =
Im
Figure 2.5(a) Multirange Voltmeter V4
R4 = − Rm
Im
Figure 2.5(b) Multirange
Voltmeter with multipliers
connected in series string
 Cont’d… DC Voltmeter
➢ Figure 2.5 shows two type of multirange voltmeter
arrangement. A frequently used circuit for commercial
version dc voltmeters is shown in Figure 2.5 (b). The
advantage of this circuit is that all multiplier resistors
except the first (R4) have standard resistance value. It is a
special resistor which has to be specially manufactured to
meet the circuit requirements. This arrangement is easily
available in precision tolerances.
Example 2.5
Design a multirange voltmeter with ranges of 0 – 10V, 0 – 50V,
0 – 100V and 0 – 250V using D’Arsonval movement with an
internal resistance of 50Ω and a full scale deflection current of
2mA. Chapter 2 : DC Meter
(Ans: R4=4.95kΩ, R3=20kΩ, 22
R2=25kΩ, R1=75kΩ )
 2.4 The Ohmmeter
➢ The basic type of series ohmmeter is shown in Figure 2.6.
A D’Arsonval is connected in series with resistance R1,
battery and unknown resistance Rx. The series ohmmeter is
a simple and popular design and is used extensively for
general service work.

➢ The current flowing through the circuit depends on the

magnitude of the unknown resistance. Therefore, the meter
deflection is directly proportional to the value of the
unknown resistance.

7/21/2022 Chapter 2 : DC Meter 23

 Cont’d…

Ω (b) 0Ω
Figure 2.6 (a) Series Type Ohmmeter (b) Dial of series Ohmmeter
R1 = Current Limiting resistance
R2 = zero adjust resistance
V = Battery
7/21/2022 24
Rm= meter resistance
R = unknown resistance
 Cont’d…
Calibration of the series Type
Ohmmeter
➢ To mark the “0” reading on the scale,
the terminals A and B are shorted
(shorted the test probe), i.e. the
unknown resistance Rx=0Ω. The
maximum current flows in the circuit
and the shunt resistance R2 is adjusted
until the movement indicates full scale
current (Ifsd).  0
➢ To mark “” reading on the scale, Ω Ω
the terminals A and B are open, i.e.
the unknown resistance Rx=Ω.
No current flow in the circuit and
no deflection of the pointer.

7/21/2022 Chapter 2 : DC Meter 25

 Cont’d…
➢ By connecting different known values of
the unknown resistance to terminals A and
B, intermediate markings can be done on
the scale. The accuracy of the instrument
can be checked by measuring different
values of standard resistance, i.e. the
tolerance of the calibrated, and noting the
reading.
➢ A disadvantage in the series ohmmeter is
the decrease in voltage of internal battery
with time and age. It may cause the full-  0
scale deflection current drops and the meter Ω Ω
may not read correctly when A and B are
shorted. The shunt resistor R2 is adjusted to
counteract the drop in battery voltage and
bringing the pointer back to “0” on the
scale.

7/21/2022 Chapter 2 : DC Meter 26

 Cont’d…
➢ Value of R1 and R2 can be determined from the value of Rx by using
half full-scale deflection method.
Set Rx= Rh R 2 Rm
Rh = R1 + R2 // Rm = R1 +
R 2 + Rm
Where Rh= half of full scale deflection resistance

➢ The total resistance presented to the battery then equals 2Rh and the
battery current needed to supply half scale deflection is Ih=V/2Rh

7/21/2022 Chapter 2 : DC Meter 27

 Cont’d…
o To produce full scale current, the battery current
must be doubled.
o Total current of circuit, It= V/Rh
o Shunt current through R2, I2= It - Ifsd
o The voltage across shunt Vsh= Vvoltage across
the meter (Vm)
➢ Therefore Vsh= Vm
I2R2=IfsdRm
I fsd Rm
➢ Therefore R2 =
I2
7/21/2022 Chapter 2 : DC Meter 28
 Cont’d…
I2= It – Ifsd
I fsd Rm
 R2 =
I t − I fsd
V
It =
Rh
Therefore
I fsd Rm
R2 =
V / Rh − I fsd
I fsd Rm Rh
R2 =
V − I fsd Rh

7/21/2022 Chapter 2 : DC Meter 29

 Cont’d…
R2 Rm
As Rh = R1 +
R2 + Rm
Therefore R = R − R2 Rm
R2 + Rm
1 h

Hence I fsd Rm Rh
Rm
V − I fsd Rh
R1 = Rh −
I fsd Rm Rh
+ Rm
V − I fsd Rh
I fsd Rm Rh
Therefore R1 = Rh −
V

7/21/2022 Chapter 2 : DC Meter 30

 Cont’d…
Example 2.6
A 100 basic movement is to be used as an ohmmeter
requiring a full scale deflection of 1mA and internal
battery voltage of 3V. A half scale deflection marking
of 2k is desired. Calculate
1. Value of R1 and R2
2. The maximum value of R2 to compensate for a 5% drop
in battery voltage.

7/21/2022 Chapter 2 : DC Meter 31

 Cont’d…
Multirange Ohmmeter
The ohmmeter circuit shown in Figure 2.7 is only for a
single range of resistance measurement. To measure
resistance over a wide range of values, we need to extend
the ohmmeter ranges. This type of ohmmeter is called a
multirange ohmmeter.

7/21/2022 32

Figure 2.7 Multirange Ohmmeter

 2.5 Voltmeter Loading Effects
➢ When voltmeter is used to measure voltage across the
circuit component, the voltmeter circuit itself is in parallel
with the circuit component. The parallel combination of
two resistors will reduce the total equivalent resistance.
Therefore the voltage across the component is less
whenever the voltmeter is connected. This effect is called
the loading effect of an instrument.

Example 2.7: Two different voltmeters are used to measure the

voltage across resistor RB in the circuit of Figure 2.8

The meters are as follows: RA=25k

30V
Meter A: S=1kΩ/V, Rm=0.2kΩ, range=10V
Meter B: S=20kΩ/V, Rm=1.5kΩ, range=10V RB=5k

7/21/2022 Chapter 2 : DC Meter 33

Figure 2.8
 Cont’d…
Example 2.8
Find the voltage reading and the percentage of error of
each reading obtained with a voltmeter on the circuit in
Figure 2.9. The voltmeter has a 20kΩ/V sensitivity and is
connected across RB. The ranges of a voltmeter are as
follows:
a) 3V range 30V
RA=36k

b) 10V range
RB=4k
c) 30V range
Figure 2.9 Showing the effect of voltmeter
loading on different ranges

7/21/2022 Chapter 2 : DC Meter 34

 2.6 Ammeter Insertion Effects

➢ Inserting an ammeter in a circuit always increases the

resistance of the circuit and therefore, always reduces the
current in the circuit. The error caused by inserting an
ammeter in a circuit to obtain a current reading is called
ammeter insertion effect.
➢ The error caused by ammeter depends on the relationship
between the value of resistance in the original circuit (Ie)
and the value of resistance in the ammeter (Im).
➢ The relationship allows to determine the error introduced
into a circuit caused by ammeter insertion if we know the
value of Thevenin’s equivalent resistance and the
resistance of the ammeter.
7/21/2022 Chapter 2 : DC Meter 35
 Cont’d…
X X

R1 Ie R1 Ie

E E
Rm

Y Y

E E
Ie = Im =
R1 R1 + Rm
Relation of Ie and Im :
Im R1
=
I e R1 + Rm
7/21/2022 Chapter 2 : DC Meter 36
 Cont’d…
Example 2.9:
A current meter that has an internal resistance of 78Ω is
used to measure the current through resistor Rc in Figure
2.10(a). Determine the percentage of error of the reading
due ammeter insertion.
Ra=1k

Rc=1k
Ra=1k Rb=1k
X

E Rb=1k Rc=1k
A Rm=78

(a) Without meter Y

(b) When meter is used

Figure 2.10 Circuit to demonstrate ammeter insertion

7/21/2022 Chapter 2 : DC Meter 37