What is the Difference Between Analog and Digital Multimeter?

The main difference between analog and digital multimeters lies in their method of displaying the measured value. Here are the key differences between the two:

• Display: Analog multimeters use a needle that moves along a scale to indicate the value of the measurement, while digital multimeters display the exact value numerically on a screen.
• Accuracy: Analog multimeters are prone to errors due to wrong pointer-based reading, while digital multimeters measure with greater accuracy.
• Calibration: Analog multimeters require manual calibration, whereas digital multimeters are calibrated automatically before taking any measurement.
• Cost: Analog multimeters are generally less expensive than digital multimeters.
• Durability: Analog multimeters are more durable and less prone to damage than digital multimeters.
• Responsiveness: Analog multimeters are more responsive than digital multimeters, which can be slower to react.
• Input Impedance: The input impedance of analog meters can change with the range, while it remains constant in digital multimeters for all ranges.
• Susceptibility to Electric Noise: Analog multimeters show less susceptibility to electric noise during measurement compared to digital multimeters.
• Applications: Analog multimeters are used for older, analog systems and electro-mechanical systems, while digital multimeters are more suitable for modern, digital electronics.

When choosing between an analog and a digital multimeter, consider factors such as accuracy, responsiveness, durability, and cost. Analog multimeters may be more suitable for certain applications, while digital multimeters offer greater precision and ease of use for others.

Comparative Table: Analog vs Digital Multimeter

Here is a table comparing the differences between analog and digital multimeters:

Analog multimeters use a needle that moves along a scale to indicate the value of the measurement, while digital multimeters display the exact value of the measurement using a numeric display. Analog multimeters are cheaper, more durable, and more responsive than digital ones, but they are also less accurate, harder to read, and more prone to interference and parallax errors. On the other hand, digital multimeters are more precise, easier to read, and have more features and functions than analog ones.