serious problems when they occur in sensitive electronic equipment. Not only can voltage spikes cause electronic compo- nents to fail, but also circuitry can be falsely triggered and pro- duce unexpected results. And if thats not bad enough, the tran- sients unpredictable nature presents a considerable chal- lenge to the technician trying to detect the elusive signal and locate its source. In the past, transient problems required a trained eye and a complicated oscilloscope for detection not always a con- venient or practical solution. But today, technicians can employ a high-performance digi- tal multimeter (DMM) with the latest recording features to track down even the most difficult transient problems.
Not your daddys DMM
Both the Fluke 87 and Fluke 189 offer a MIN MAX function, a recording feature that allows the In order to track down tran- Only a matter of time DMM to record the highest and sients, the DMM has to be able lowest values. When the function to capture a very short change Transients can be pretty short in is enabled, the DMM stores the in measured value and still pro- duration. How short a signal the first reading it takes into two duce a reading that represents DMM can detect and measure registers. One register for high the magnitude or peak value of depends on the DMMs response values (MAX) and one for low that change. For example, if the time, which is the length of time (MIN). From this point on, each DMM is measuring a steady dc an input must stay at a new measurement of the DMM is value, and a transient voltage value to be recorded. Obviously, compared to the values in these spike is placed on the dc value, a shorter response time captures two registers. Whenever a meas- the DMM needs to display the shorter events. ured value is higher than the maximum voltage deviation Both the Fluke 87 and 189 value in the MAX register or caused by the transient. Also DMMs have selectable MIN MAX lower than the value in the MIN keep in mind, the transient could response times. For tracking register, the DMM beeps and the either increase or decrease the down transient problems, a DMM new value is stored. steady dc voltage. needs to have very fast response
From the Fluke Digital Library @ www.fluke.com/library
times. When using a Fluke 87, the At this point, the MIN MAX fastest MIN MAX response time is recording mode has been acti- captured when the PEAK MIN vated and the DMM is comparing MAX mode is enabled. The each new measurement against same feature is labeled FAST the MIN MAX registers and stor- MN MX on the Fluke 189. In ing any new values it detects. both these meters, these selec- When the relay with the open tions set the DMMs response diode de-energizes, a transient time to 250 microseconds. may be detected by the DMM. To see the recorded values, perform the following. For the Fluke 87: Press the to see the maximum value measured. Press it again to see the minimum value measured. For the Fluke 189: With the maximum value already displayed in the primary display, each press of steps through the minimum (MIN), F i gure 1. average (AVG) and back to the maximum (MAX) reading. Again, the present measured Step by step To capture and measure this value is always displayed in the transient, set up the DMM as secondary display while cycling To demonstrate the use of the follows: MIN MAX function in detecting through the MIN MAX values. 1. Select the dc voltage mode. It may also be helpful to know and measuring transients, con- sider the example shown in Fig- 2. Plug the red test lead into the that the amount of time that has ure one. The circuit is part of a V jack and the black test elapsed since the MIN MAX control circuit that, among other lead in the COM jack. mode was activated to the last things, controls some dc relays. 3. Connect the black test lead to recorded MAX or MIN value is The diode across the coils of the the dc common of our control also displayed. relays is used to short out any circuit and the red test lead The MIN MAX function is a electrical energy created by the on the 12-volt power line very handy addition to a DMM. collapsing magnetic field in the going to the relays. You will find it very helpful for relay coil when the voltage is identifying intermittent problems, removed. Assume for this exam- 4. Press the until the such as transients. The Peak or ple that one of the diodes has desired range is selected. This Fast MIN MAX functions greatly opened. Without the diode to should be done to get the enhance DMMs, making your short out the energy released by best accuracy before entering work easier and more productive. the collapsing field around the the MIN MAX mode. coil, the energy must be dissi- 5. Activate the MIN MAX mode. pated by the remaining circuitry For the Fluke 87: of our control circuit. With the Press the . coil now acting like a source, the voltage it creates will be added Fluke. Keeping your world Press the to enter the to the supply voltage, possibly up and running. PEAK MIN MAX mode until causing a spike on the dc supply 1 mS is displayed. line. As this transient propagates through the circuitry, it may For the Fluke 189: Fluke Corporation cause erratic and intermittent Activate FAST MN MX by PO Box 9090, Everett, WA USA 98206 behavior in our control circuit. pressing Fluke Europe B.V. PO Box 1186, 5602 BD then press . Eindhoven, The Netherlands For more information call: The maximum stored value In the U.S.A. (800) 443-5853 or is presented in the primary Fax (425) 446-5116 display while the secondary In Europe/M-East/Africa (31 40) 2 675 200 or display indicates the present Fax (31 40) 2 675 222 In Canada (800) 36-FLUKE or measured value. Fax (905) 890-6866 From other countries +1 (425) 446-5500 or Fax +1 (425) 446-5116 Web access: http://www.fluke.com 2004 Fluke Corporation. All rights reserved. Printed in U.S.A. 2/2004 2138412 A-ENG-N Rev A 2 Fluke Corporation Voltage measurements made easy