The difference between pointer multimeter and digital multimeter

A multimeter is also called a multi-function meter, a three-function meter, or a multiplexer. It is divided into a pointer multimeter and a digital multimeter. It is a multifunctional, multi-range measuring instrument. Generally, a multimeter can measure DC current, DC voltage, AC current, AC voltage, resistance, and audio level, etc. Some multimeters can also measure AC current, capacitance, inductance, and some parameters of semiconductors.

Pointer multimeter is an average value instrument, which has an intuitive and vivid reading indication. (Generally, the reading value is closely related to the pointer swing angle, so it is very intuitive).　　

A digital multimeter is an instantaneous sampling instrument. It takes a sample every 0.3 seconds to display the measurement result. Sometimes the sampling results are only very close, not exactly the same, which makes it less convenient to read the results than a pointer type. 　　

Pointer multimeters generally do not have internal amplifiers, so the internal resistance is small. For example, the DC voltage sensitivity of the MF-10 model is 100 kilo-ohms/volt. The DC voltage sensitivity of the MF-500 model is 20 kilo-ohms/volt.　　

Since digital multimeters use operational amplifier circuits, their internal resistance can be very large, often 1M ohm or more. (That is, they can achieve higher sensitivity.) This reduces the impact on the circuit being measured and allows for higher measurement accuracy.　　

Pointer multimeters have a small internal resistance and mostly use discrete components to form shunt and voltage divider circuits. Therefore, the frequency characteristics are uneven (relative to digital types), while the frequency characteristics of pointer multimeters are relatively better. Pointer multimeters have a simple internal structure, so they are low in cost, have fewer functions, are simple to maintain, and have strong overcurrent and overvoltage capabilities.　　

Digital multimeters use a variety of oscillation, amplification, frequency division protection and other circuits inside, so they have many functions. For example, they can measure temperature, frequency (in a lower range), capacitance, inductance, and act as a signal generator, etc.　　

Digital multimeters have poor overload capacity due to the use of integrated circuits in their internal structure (however, some now have automatic gear shifting and automatic protection, but are more complicated to use), and are generally difficult to repair after damage.

The output voltage of the pointer multimeter is relatively high (10.5V, 12V, etc.), and the current is also large (such as the maximum of MF-500*1 ohm is about 100 mA), which can be conveniently used to test thyristors, light-emitting diodes, etc.

The output voltage of a digital multimeter is low (usually no more than 1V), which makes it inconvenient to test some components with special voltage characteristics (such as thyristors, light-emitting diodes, etc.).