Test & Measurement
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Multimeters & Sensors
Measuring Milliohms with a Multimeter
Inexpensive multimeters typically lack the capability to measure in the milliohm range, while specialized equipment for this purpose can be costly. However, a straightforward circuit described below enables milliohm measurements to be conducted safely using a standard multimeter. This circuit primarily comprises a 6 V voltage regulator and a mains adapter capable of delivering approximately 300 mA at a voltage range of 9 to 12 V.Download free article
Electronic Equipment Repair: Tools, Techniques and Tips
Interested in cutting costs and prolonging the lifespan of your electronic devices? Take matters into your own hands by repairing your tools and equipment! This comprehensive guide covers everything from mastering fundamental tools to identifying common component faults, empowering you to confidently tackle repairs and enhance the longevity of your devices.Read article online
Siglent SDM3045X Multimeter
A handheld multimeter is always convenient to have on hand. But a benchtop multimeter can be a true gamechanger. In this article, the well-known YouTuber Philippe Demerliac reviews Siglent’s SDM3045X bench multimeter. The unit behaves like a basic multimeter, but it offers additional features that can be quite helpful, including different display modes; a statistical mode that displays the mean, min, max, and standard deviation of measurements; a dual display; built-in help; and much more.Download free article
Review: Owon OW18E Bluetooth Multimeter
Looking for a multimeter capable of wirelessly transmitting measurement data to a smartphone or tablet? You can achieve this with a multimeter with Bluetooth capability that's paired with a dedicated app. In this article, we explore the performance of the Owon OW18E Bluetooth Multimeter, which boasts numerous features, functionalities, and impressive accuracy.Download article
Tank Level Control: A Dual-Level Controller With Hysteresis
A well and water tank level controller is intended to work in harsh conditions, particularly in environments not always suitable for sensitive electronics. The wired-logic controller proposed here is simple and robust. Furthermore, with a dual float system, it allows for a kind of “hydraulic hysteresis” adjustment for the system.Read article online
Oscilloscopes & Analyzers
Get Started With Your Oscilloscope: Find Your Way Through the Knobs and Buttons
An oscilloscope is a must-have tool for pro engineers and electronics makers alike. In this article, we consider the following questions and more: What is an oscilloscope? How do you use an oscilloscope? With so many options on the market, how do you choose an oscilloscope for your workbench?Download free article
THD Measurement with an Oscilloscope and FFT
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) serves as a significant indicator of signal harmonic content within power supply networks and electronic assemblies, such as audio amps. Typically, specialized measurement tools are required to assess THD. Nevertheless, if equipped with a digital oscilloscope featuring Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) capability, THD calculation becomes feasible with some mathematical computations. Take a closer look.Download article
Multi-Channel Power Analyzer
Making voltage, power, and current measurements on AC-powered devices can get complicated. The instrument presented here not only measures and calculates quantities, but also shows waveforms and spectra of AC signals on an LCD. The project includes a main board and up to three satellite boards.Download article
Raspberry Pi Pico as Spectrum Analyzer: FFTs on a Low-Cost Hardware Basis
Would you like to build your own software-based spectrum analyzer? You can with a little know-how and a Raspberry Pi Pico. In this article, we cover a basic version with a 12-bit resolution and a 500 kS/s sampling rate. As you will see, even 50 MS/s can be achieved with an external ADC! The spectrum analyzer offers several configurable options. In the simplest case, the microcontroller samples the signal, calculates the spectrum, outputs it, and repeats this endlessly.Download free article
Elektor Infographics: Test & Measurement
The demand for electronic medical devices to measure blood pressure and sugar levels is growing. The global microcontroller market size in 2023 is forecast to reach by 2030. Emerging trends in test and measurement solutions are driven by the increasing demand for new consumer technologies such as 5G, IoT, and autonomous vehicles. The oscilloscope segment is expected to grow significantly. The latest trends include greater networking capabilities, precision, and reliability in instruments.Download free article
Signal Generators
A Simple DDS Signal Generator: Direct Digital Synthesis in Its Purest Form
In this DIY project, explore the essentials of building a custom direct digital synthesis (DDS) signal generator with an AD9851, covering everything from the theory of operation to module modification and practical build.Read online article
Review: The Joy-iT JDS2915 Signal Generator
Discover the JDS2915 signal generator in our comprehensive review: a robust, aluminium-housed, versatile instrument with a comprehensive set of features including dual-channel output, a wide range of waveform types, and detailed control over signal parameters, all controllable via PC for all kinds of applications.Read online article
Tunable Valve Sinewave Generator
Revisit the classic art of building valve-based electronic devices with this detailed guide on constructing a versatile, adjustable sinewave generator using the heterodyne principle, suitable for both amateur enthusiasts and seasoned builders looking to capture the essence of vintage audio frequency equipment.Read online article
Simple Function Generator
A unique approach is used in this Simple Function Generator, an innovative device that reverses the typical signal conversion process to create sinusoidal, triangular, and rectangular waveforms with variable frequencies, using clever analog techniques.Download article
RF & Microwave
Circuit: RF Step Attenuator
The practical design of a DIY RF step attenuator that uses a clever configuration of cascaded pi-type stages, each selectable via double-pole switches, allowing for precise incremental control of signal levels up to 200 MHz—ideal for enthusiasts wanting to work with RF systems.Read online article
RF Current Measurements Made Easy: An Oscilloscope Current Probe for RF
Current transformers are well-known for measuring mains. But what about higher frequency? Check this detailed article about designing RF current transformers with this detailed guide, which explains how to construct a simple, yet effective, current probe capable of handling up to 50 A peak across a broad frequency range from 7 kHz to tens of MHz.Read online article
Transverter for the 70 cm Band
A nostalgic piece of ham radio history with Elektor's 1981 transverter for the 70-cm band, a testament to the days when the airwaves were (mostly) free of modern cellular communications. This vintage circuit allowed enthusiasts to explore a then relatively unoccupied stretch of the spectrum.Download article
First Experiences With HackRF One – a Review
A great review of the HackRF One, both a receiver and a transmitter up to 6 GHz. This detailed article covers everything from the initial setup and troubleshooting to advanced applications like FM broadcasting, shortwave reception, and more. Read online article
Multi-Purpose Instruments
Elektor MultiCalculator Kit
It looks like a standard calculator, but it’s far more than that! It can ensure light, temperature, differential temperature, decode NEC IR remote control codes and perform other tasks. 22 Modes of operation are embedded in this state-of-the-art project by Ton Giesberts and Ruud van der Meer. Read online article
VirtualBench: Multi-function Measurement Instrument
VirtualBench, by National Instruments, has introduced a completely new type of measurement instrument, which combines five instruments in a compact enclosure. The operation is done entirely through a computer or tablet. Elektor has explored its functionality in a review by Harry Baggen and Luc Lemmens.Download article
JOY-iT LCR-T7 Multi-Function Tester
For testing discrete components, multi-function testers are always quite useful, for both passive and active parts. Sometimes, in their cases, values or type numbers are worn-out, and in the case of discrete semiconductors with unknown type numbers, you may want to check what kind of component it is. Even if you can visually identify the part, you may want to know if it still works and if it — to some degree — complies with its original specifications. Here, a tester like the JOY-iT LCR-T7 comes in handy: just a quick test to understand which component we are dealing with, or at least to see if it is the part we really needed, or not.Read online article
LCR Meter: The UNI-T UT603 (Review)
Let’s take a look at the UT603 from UNI-T. This portable tester allows to measure inductance, capacitance and resistance of electronic components. In this review by Jean-François Simon, we see all the capabilities of this versatile instrument.Read online article
CAD-CAE & Simulation SW
CAD for PCBs
Among the vast audience of engineers and makers who work with electronics, no-one is content to leave their design at the breadboard stage. Particularly with SMD components or relatively complex circuits, this is critical, and prototyping boards are not the ideal solution. A real PCB is a must, in such cases. For that you need suitable software, and to choose the right software, you need information. PCBs are essential nowadays, not only because they look nice but also because the stability and reliability of electronic circuits are strongly dependent on how well the circuits are built. In this article you’ll find an overview of the most popular free and non-free PCB layout software. Download article
Simulation with SystemVision
In circuit designs, circuit simulation is a valuable tool for finding errors at an early stage. On the market there are lots of Spice-based programs available for this purpose, but they are usually rather expensive. Free versions are also available, but most of them are limited. Mentor Graphics recently launched SystemVision Cloud as a free browser-based simulation tool. Let’s have a look! Download article
Magnetic Field Simulation with FEMM
Coils and transformers are Inductive parts that have always had their vagaries. Frequently they are customized for specific applications, sometimes without a in-depth understanding of their actual operation. By simulating these objects first, you can understand them better and avoid unnecessary burdens during the design stage. Download article
Circuit Simulation With Micro-Cap
Every electronics enthusiast should have a circuit simulator as a part of his/her toolbox, just like a power supply, a multimeter and an oscilloscope. And like every other SW instrument, to get the most out of a program, you must spend some time learning how to use it. In this article, we show you how to make your first steps using the freeware simulator, Micro-Cap. Download free article
Related Products
HTi HT-03 Thermal Imaging Camera
The traditional inferred thermometer needs to measure every component one by one while it is not necessary for infrared imaging camera, thus saving time. The potential problems may be displayed on color display screen clearly. Moreover, the central point measurement cursor is used to locate quickly and accurately to measure the temperature of the target object.
Great Scott Gadgets HackRF One SDR + Opera Cake Antenna Switch (Bundle)
HackRF One is a Software Defined Radio (SDR) peripheral capable of transmission or reception of radio signals from 1 MHz to 6 GHz. Designed to enable test and development of modern and next generation radio technologies, HackRF One is an open source hardware platform that can be used as a USB peripheral or programmed for stand-alone operation.
OWON SDS1202 2-ch Oscilloscope (200 MHz)
The OWON SDS1202 2-channel oscilloscope features a high 200 MHz bandwidth, a sample rate of 1 GSa/s, an ultra-thin body and a 7-inch high resolution color LCD. The scope supports SCPI and LabVIEW.
LabNation SmartScope USB Oscilloscope
With the SmartScope you develop your digital interfaces using the 100 MS/s logic analyzer. With this tool you can design any signal you want using Excel, then upload it to the built-in Arbitrary Waveform Generator (AWG). At the end capture the voltage at any point of your design at 100 million times each second.
June 2024 Webinar
Interested in Test & Measurement? So are we! Join Elektor’s engineers and editors for a webinar in June 2024. We are currently planning the topic and curriculum. Once we have more details, we will post all the information on the Elektor Webinars page. Stay tuned!