A Microprocessor-Based Intelligent Multi-Function Test Instrument

66 EE November 1988 A MICROPROCESSOR-BASED INTELLIGENT MULTI-FUNCTION TEST INSTRUMENT by Dr. D.P. Mital School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Nanyang Technological Institute, Singapore. A high precision, intelligent, test instrument is described that offers ten measuring functions: DC and AC voltages, DC and AC current, resistance, capacitance, frequency, digital counter, data logging and phase measurements. The system is intelligent enough to automatically range itself for proper measurements, and is capable of providing statistical functions such as calculation of mean and standard deviations, which are useful for low-frequency measurements. The researcher or technician involved in project development usually requires many instruments to perform various common measurements. Often, a lot of precious time is wasted in connecting and disconnecting these instruments. Also, handling and storage problems soon arise in the work area as the num- ber of instruments increases. ...