The World of Measuring Instruments: Choosing a Multimeter, Oscilloscope, and Spectrum Analyzer

1. Multimeters: Go beyond voltage

While a simple multimeter only measures voltage and resistance, professional Artek devices are equipped with True RMS technology.

1. What is True RMS? Standard multimeters are designed to measure pure sine waves. However, modern power supplies (SMPS) generate non-sinusoidal signals. True RMS devices allow you to measure these signals with 100% accuracy.
2. Safety class: Devices that comply with CAT III and CAT IV standards protect the engineer's life when working on high-voltage circuits.

2. Oscillographs: Seeing the Invisible

A multimeter gives you a number, an oscilloscope tells a story. Noise, voltage spikes, or the speed of data packets in a signal are only visible on the oscilloscope screen.

1. Bandwidth: Your choice of 100MHz or 200MHz should match the speed of the circuits you will be working with.
2. Number of channels: In modern diagnostics, models with a minimum of 2 or 4 channels are preferred to monitor several points simultaneously.

3. Spectrum Analyzers: Radio Frequency Audit

If you work with Wi-Fi, 4G, or remote controls, you need a spectrum analyzer. This device displays all the activity in the frequency range and detects external interference (jamming).