====== Using the DMM ======

~~TechArticle~~

{{:test-and-measurement:guides:dmm-run.png?800|}}

===== Introduction =====
Digital multimeters (DMMs) are used to measure a variety of electrical values, typically voltage, current, and resistance. They are capable of measuring DC and AC signals. This guide explains the use of the //DMM// instrument in WaveForms.
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===== Prerequisites =====
  * An [[test-and-measurement:analog-discovery-pro-5250:start|Analog Discovery Pro (ADP5250)]]
  * A pair of Digital Multimeter Test Probes
  * A Computer with WaveForms Software Installed

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===== Guide =====
==== 1. Opening the DMM ====

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=== 1.1 ===
Plug in the Test & Measurement Device, then start WaveForms and make sure the device is connected.

If no device is connected to the host computer when WaveForms launches, the **Device Manager** will be launched. Make sure that the device is plugged in and turned on, at which point it will appear in the Device Manager's device list (1). Click on the device in the list to select it, then click the Select button (2) to close the Device Manager.

**Note:** //"DEMO" devices are also listed, which allow the user to use WaveForms and create projects without a physical device.//

**Note:** //The Device Manager can be opened by clicking on the "Connected Device" button in the bottom right corner of the screen (3.), or by selecting "Device Manager" from the "Settings" menu at the top of the screen.//
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{{ test-and-measurement:guides:waveforms-dmm-device-manager.png?600 |}}
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=== 1.2 ===
Once the Welcome page loads, in the instrument panel at the left side of the window, click on the **DMM** button to open the //DMM// instrument.
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{{ test-and-measurement:guides:waveforms-instrument-panel-dmm.png?nolink&600 |}}
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=== 1.3 ===
Once the //DMM// instrument opens, the window contains a virtual display and controls at the top.

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{{test-and-measurement:guides:waveforms-dmm.png?600|}}

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==== 2. Using the DMM ====

//This section walks through setting up the //DMM// instrument to capture perform measurements.//

=== 2.1 Hardware Setup ===
The //DMM// instrument takes measurements of electronic values of an AC or DC signal, such as voltage, current, or resistance. Care must be taken to plug the probes appropriately into the front panel.

The setup differs depending on what you are trying to measure. For example, measuring a high current signal while the probes are plugged into the low current plugs can damage the DMM.
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=== 2.2 Run the DMM ===
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In the //DMM// instrument, click the Run button ({{:learn:instrumentation:tutorials:waveforms-buttons:waveforms-run.png?nolink}}) near the top of the window to begin measurement. The virtual display will update with readings automatically. Clicking Single
will initiate a single measurement. 

The screenshot to the right was taken while measuring across a 10 kΩ resistor.
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{{:test-and-measurement:guides:dmm-run.png?600|}}

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==== 3. DMM User Interface Overview ====

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The //DMM// can be configured through the bar to the right of the run button, which includes options to select which measurement you want to perform. Additional options can be found by clicking on the Gear icon ({{:learn:instrumentation:tutorials:waveforms-buttons:waveforms-gear.png?nolink}}), which can be used to change the update rate and the averaging window.

The **File** menu, in the menu bar at the top of the DMM instrument, allows the user to export instrument an image of the DMM or the data as CSV.

The **Control** menu exposes the same functionality as the Run and Stop buttons, and lists hotkeys for the buttons.

The **Window** menu provides a fast way to switch to other tabs open in WaveForms.

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{{:test-and-measurement:guides:dmm-gear.png?600|}}

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==== Next Steps ====

For more guides on how to use the Digilent Test & Measurement Device, return to the device's Resource Center, linked from the [[test-and-measurement:start]] page of this wiki.

For more information on WaveForms visit the [[software:waveforms:waveforms-3:reference-manual|WaveForms Reference Manual]]. 

For technical support, please visit the [[https://forum.digilent.com/forum/8-test-and-measurement/|Test and Measurement]] section of the Digilent Forums.