Keysight Technologies, 34460A/34461A Digital Multimeter User's Guide.
Measurement functions, input behavior, current/resistance measurement concepts and model-specific operating details.
MS-01
Course overview
DC electrical measurement
A measurement instrument is part of the circuit once connected. This course treats the digital multimeter as a configurable electrical model: voltage mode loads a node through finite input resistance, current mode inserts a finite shunt and burden voltage, resistance mode applies its own test stimulus, and every reported value carries connection, range and uncertainty assumptions.
5 chapters5 available · 0 plannedfoundational
Prerequisites
- CT-01 — Thévenin & Norton
- DC-05 — sources, linearity & superposition
By the end of the course
- Choose the correct digital-multimeter mode and connection topology.
- Predict voltage-measurement loading from input resistance.
- Predict current-measurement error and burden voltage.
- Interpret resistance and continuity measurements correctly.
- Distinguish electrical reference, return, ground and protective earth as the circuit requires.
- Build a reproducible DC measurement result with specifications, uncertainty and traceability.
Syllabus
Five readings from meter connection to reproducible DC measurement.
A measurement instrument is part of the circuit once connected. This course treats the digital multimeter as a configurable electrical model: voltage mode loads a node through finite input resistance, current mode inserts a finite shunt and burden voltage, resistance mode applies its own test stimulus, and every reported value carries connection, range and uncertainty assumptions.
- 01→
DMM modes, connection & circuit interaction
A digital multimeter changes its internal circuit when you select voltage, current or resistance. Learn the correct connection topology, finite input/shunt models, first loading and burden calculations, resistance-mode stimulus, terminal discipline and the dangerous current-mode-across-source mistake.
125–155 min · Foundational · available - 02→
Voltage measurement, input resistance & loading
A voltage reading is the loaded terminal voltage of the circuit-plus-meter system. Derive the exact loading relation, convert an allowed voltage error into a minimum input-resistance requirement, compare low- and high-source-resistance cases, understand range/manual dependence, and recognize when leakage or a simple resistor model becomes insufficient.
125–155 min · Foundational · available - 03→
Current measurement, shunts & burden voltage
A current measurement requires the meter to enter the branch, so the current path is no longer the original circuit. Model the finite insertion resistance, derive current error and burden voltage, understand why range choice can change the circuit, distinguish shunt resistance from the full instrument burden, and use safer alternative methods when direct insertion is too invasive.
130–165 min · Foundational · available - 04→
Resistance, continuity & electrical reference/grounding
Resistance mode is an active test: the meter injects a stimulus and measures the complete network between its probes. Learn in-circuit parallel paths, lead/contact resistance, two-wire versus four-wire resistance, continuity-mode limits, and the crucial distinction between circuit reference, return, chassis and protective earth.
135–170 min · Foundational · available - 05→
Accuracy, uncertainty & reproducible DC workflow
A credible measurement result is more than the displayed digits. Distinguish accuracy, precision, resolution, error and uncertainty; evaluate Type A and Type B components; combine standard uncertainties through a measurement model; interpret coverage factors carefully; separate calibration from adjustment and traceability; and build a reproducible evidence record.
150–190 min · Foundational → rigorous · available
Reference backbone
References used
AoN separates universal circuit reasoning from model-specific instrument details. Circuit loading follows the source/load models already established in CT-01; terminal selection, fuses, ranges and safety limits must always be checked against the manual of the actual instrument being used.
Fluke, 87V Industrial Multimeter Users Manual.
Voltage/current/resistance connections, fused current inputs, lead placement and practical meter safety.
P. Horowitz & W. Hill, The Art of Electronics, 3rd ed., Cambridge University Press, 2015.
Practical loading, source resistance, measurement interaction and engineering judgement.
JCGM 200:2012, International Vocabulary of Metrology (VIM), 3rd ed.
Measurement vocabulary and distinction between the quantity intended to be measured and the measurement result.
JCGM 100:2008, Evaluation of measurement data — Guide to the expression of uncertainty in measurement (GUM).
Type A/Type B evaluation, law of propagation of uncertainty, combined standard uncertainty and expanded uncertainty.
JCGM GUM-1:2023, Guide to the expression of uncertainty in measurement — Part 1: Introduction.
Current introduction to measurement models and uncertainty concepts within the JCGM GUM suite.
JCGM GUM-5:2026, Guide to the expression of uncertainty in measurement — Part 5: Examples.
Current worked examples in the JCGM GUM suite.
JCGM GUM-6:2020, Guide to the expression of uncertainty in measurement — Part 6: Developing and using measurement models.
Developing fit-for-purpose measurement models and incorporating effects introduced by the measurement itself.
AoN CT-01 — Thévenin & Norton.
Prerequisite source/load model, input resistance, loading error and terminal-equivalence reasoning.