How to kit out your home test lab on a budget
Summary
The more high-spec and expensive DMMs often provide a ‘true RMS’ voltage measurement rather than an averaging method and may feature up to a 7½-digit display with a resolution accuracy of 0.01%. For a mixed-signal oscilloscope, the number of digital inputs, which are usually either 8, 16, or 32, and the ability to decode a range of different signal protocols, including RS-232, I²C and CAN, are additional essential selection parameters. The generated signals typically cover a frequency range from a few hundred Herz up to tens of MHz with selectable standard sine, square and sawtooth waveform patterns. The logic analyser function includes bus decode capabilities for popular serial protocols such as SPI, I²C, and UART. This means that setting up a home lab for a need not be an expensive task and can be tidied away in your desk drawer at the end of the day.