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How To Measure Frequency

Digital multimeters can be used to measure the frequency of alternating current signals. They have modes specifically for frequency measurement, including frequency counter mode to directly measure frequency, and minimum/maximum recording mode to monitor frequency over time. To measure frequency, the multimeter is connected to the circuit and switched to the appropriate frequency setting, either by turning a dial or pressing a dedicated frequency button. The reading displayed will include the abbreviation "Hz" to indicate it represents frequency in Hertz. Considerations for accurate frequency measurement include selecting an appropriate voltage range and using features that filter noise if the signal contains distortions.

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72 views3 pages

How To Measure Frequency

Digital multimeters can be used to measure the frequency of alternating current signals. They have modes specifically for frequency measurement, including frequency counter mode to directly measure frequency, and minimum/maximum recording mode to monitor frequency over time. To measure frequency, the multimeter is connected to the circuit and switched to the appropriate frequency setting, either by turning a dial or pressing a dedicated frequency button. The reading displayed will include the abbreviation "Hz" to indicate it represents frequency in Hertz. Considerations for accurate frequency measurement include selecting an appropriate voltage range and using features that filter noise if the signal contains distortions.

Uploaded by

Andre nichols
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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How to measure frequency

Circuits and equipment may be designed to operate at a fixed or variable frequency.


They may perform abnormally if operated at a different frequency than specified.
For example, an ac motor designed to operate at 60 Hz operates slower if the
frequency is less than 60 Hz, or faster if frequency exceeds 60 Hz. For ac motors,
any change in frequency causes a proportional change in motor speed. A five
percent reduction in frequency yields a five percent reduction in motor speed.
Some digital multimeters include optional modes related to frequency measurement:

 Frequency Counter mode: It measures the frequency of ac signals. It can be


used to measure frequency when troubleshooting electrical and electronic
equipment.
 MIN MAX Recording mode: Permits frequency measurements to be
recorded over a specific period. It provides the same function with voltage,
current and resistance.
 Autorange mode: Automatically selects the frequency measurement range. If
the frequency of the measured voltage is outside of the frequency
measurement range, a digital multimeter cannot display an accurate
measurement. Refer to the user’s manual for specific frequency measurement
ranges

Digital multimeters with a frequency symbol on the dial


1. Turn the dial to Hz.

 It usually shares a spot on the dial with at least one other function.
 Some meters enter the frequency through a secondary function accessed
by pushing a button and setting the rotary switch to ac or dc.
2. First insert the black test lead into the COM jack.
3. Then insert the red lead into the V Ω jack.

 When finished, remove the leads in reverse order: red first, then black.

4. Connect the black test lead first, the red test lead second.

 When finished, remove the leads in reverse order: red first, then black.

5. Read the measurement in the display.

 The abbreviation Hz should appear to the right of the reading.

Digital multimeters with a frequency button

1. Turn the dial to ac voltage ( ). If voltage in the circuit is unknown, set the range
to highest voltage setting.

 Most digital multimeters power up in Autorange mode, automatically


selecting the measurement range based on the voltage present.

 
2. First insert the black test lead into the COM jack.
3. Then insert the red lead into the V Ω jack.
4. Connect the test leads to the circuit.

 The position of the test leads is arbitrary.


 When finished, remove the leads in reverse order: red first, then black.

5. Read the voltage measurement in the display.


6. With the multimeter still connected to the circuit, press the Hz button.
7. Read the frequency measurement in the display.

 The Hz symbol should appear in the display to the right of the


measurement.

Frequency measurement considerations


In some circuits, there may be enough distortion on the line to prevent an accurate
frequency measurement. Example: ac variable frequency drives (VFDs) can produce
frequency distortions.

When testing VFDs, use the low-pass filter ( ) ac V ( ) setting for accurate

readings. For meters without the   setting, turn the dial to dc voltage, then
press the Hz button again to measure the frequency on the dc voltage setting. If the
meter allows for a decoupled frequency measurement, you might also try changing
the voltage range to compensate for the noise.

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