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Am I testing diodes properly?
Have I broken my Multimeter?Question about diode strings in high voltage applicationsIs it safe to measure AAA battery current with a multimeter directly?Quick question about SMD diodesUnexpected results measuring AC from secondary of toroid transformerdifference in reverse voltage of diodes?Using diode mode on my multimeter to debug circuits. A good idea?Is my multimeter broken?Using a multimeter, can I tell if a lithium-ion battery pack is brand-new?Darlington Transistor TIP142 same type but different values
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I decided to test some diodes that I have, using a multimeter to measure their forward bias voltage. I set my multimeter to voltage test and connected the diode across:
I tested a bunch of different diodes, both germanium and silicone type, so I expected to see voltages around 0.2 - 0.7V. However, all diodes showed 0V!
I tried reversing the polarity of the diodes, as well switching multimeters. Always my measurement came out as 0V. So am I making some kind of mistake in measuring diodes, or are both of my multimeters/all diodes broken?
diodes multimeter
asked 8 hours ago
S. RotosS. Rotos
1,0352 gold badges9 silver badges18 bronze badges
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add a comment |
$begingroup$
I decided to test some diodes that I have, using a multimeter to measure their forward bias voltage. I set my multimeter to voltage test and connected the diode across:
I tested a bunch of different diodes, both germanium and silicone type, so I expected to see voltages around 0.2 - 0.7V. However, all diodes showed 0V!
I tried reversing the polarity of the diodes, as well switching multimeters. Always my measurement came out as 0V. So am I making some kind of mistake in measuring diodes, or are both of my multimeters/all diodes broken?
diodes multimeter
asked 8 hours ago
S. RotosS. Rotos
1,0352 gold badges9 silver badges18 bronze badges
$endgroup$
add a comment |
$begingroup$
I decided to test some diodes that I have, using a multimeter to measure their forward bias voltage. I set my multimeter to voltage test and connected the diode across:
I tested a bunch of different diodes, both germanium and silicone type, so I expected to see voltages around 0.2 - 0.7V. However, all diodes showed 0V!
I tried reversing the polarity of the diodes, as well switching multimeters. Always my measurement came out as 0V. So am I making some kind of mistake in measuring diodes, or are both of my multimeters/all diodes broken?
diodes multimeter
asked 8 hours ago
S. RotosS. Rotos
1,0352 gold badges9 silver badges18 bronze badges
$endgroup$
I decided to test some diodes that I have, using a multimeter to measure their forward bias voltage. I set my multimeter to voltage test and connected the diode across:
I tested a bunch of different diodes, both germanium and silicone type, so I expected to see voltages around 0.2 - 0.7V. However, all diodes showed 0V!
I tried reversing the polarity of the diodes, as well switching multimeters. Always my measurement came out as 0V. So am I making some kind of mistake in measuring diodes, or are both of my multimeters/all diodes broken?
diodes multimeter
diodes multimeter
asked 8 hours ago
S. RotosS. Rotos
1,0352 gold badges9 silver badges18 bronze badges
asked 8 hours ago
S. RotosS. Rotos
1,0352 gold badges9 silver badges18 bronze badges
asked 8 hours ago
S. RotosS. Rotos
1,0352 gold badges9 silver badges18 bronze badges
asked 8 hours ago
S. RotosS. Rotos
1,0352 gold badges9 silver badges18 bronze badges
asked 8 hours ago
S. RotosS. Rotos
1,0352 gold badges9 silver badges18 bronze badges
1,0352 gold badges9 silver badges18 bronze badges
add a comment |
add a comment |
5 Answers
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In voltage mode, a multimeter just measures what voltage is present between its leads. What you want is diode test mode, which is usually indicated on the dial with a diode symbol. On your meter, it's the option one to the left of your voltage mode--set the dial to that and press the mode button a few times to put it in diode mode; it'll say on the LCD. In diode mode, the meter applies a known current to the diode -- you can check the meter's datasheet or instruction manual to know what current it uses, and fancier meters might even let you select a current -- and then measures the voltage across the diode.
Note that this usually won't work for LEDs, as most meters limit their diode test voltage to only one or two volts, which is too low to turn on any LEDs except maybe some red or yellow ones. But for a conventional diode like the one you show in the picture it will work fine.
answered 7 hours ago
HearthHearth
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Nope. You need to set your multimeter to diode test mode. One click anticlockwise, and then press the "mode" button until the LCD shows a diode symbol.
answered 8 hours ago
pericynthionpericynthion
4,70210 silver badges29 bronze badges
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The guys in forensics had a difficult job enhancing the dodgy photos but the problem is clear.
- The meter is set to measure DC.
- Volts.
- (Barely visible in this rendering) the range selected is 'V'.
- The correct switch setting.
Since you selected DC V and a diode doesn't generate any voltage the reading is zero. This is correct.
answered 5 hours ago
TransistorTransistor
95k8 gold badges95 silver badges207 bronze badges
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wait, back up... there... zoom in and enhance.... Seriously though, good job on the photo!
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– mkeith
2 hours ago
add a comment |
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Perhaps you are being misled by the fact that circuit simulators model a diode as a voltage source in series with a resistor. That is a fiction that is required to make the circuit simulate correctly.
A Real diode does not produce a voltage across itself, but will produce a voltage drop when you pass current through it in the forward direction.
answered 4 hours ago
Peter BennettPeter Bennett
38.9k1 gold badge31 silver badges71 bronze badges
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add a comment |
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If diodes generated a voltage then batteries would not be needed anymore.
answered 3 hours ago
AudioguruAudioguru
6131 silver badge4 bronze badges
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add a comment |
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5 Answers
5
active
oldest
votes
5 Answers
5
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
$begingroup$
In voltage mode, a multimeter just measures what voltage is present between its leads. What you want is diode test mode, which is usually indicated on the dial with a diode symbol. On your meter, it's the option one to the left of your voltage mode--set the dial to that and press the mode button a few times to put it in diode mode; it'll say on the LCD. In diode mode, the meter applies a known current to the diode -- you can check the meter's datasheet or instruction manual to know what current it uses, and fancier meters might even let you select a current -- and then measures the voltage across the diode.
Note that this usually won't work for LEDs, as most meters limit their diode test voltage to only one or two volts, which is too low to turn on any LEDs except maybe some red or yellow ones. But for a conventional diode like the one you show in the picture it will work fine.
answered 7 hours ago
HearthHearth
6,8151 gold badge16 silver badges50 bronze badges
$endgroup$
add a comment |
$begingroup$
In voltage mode, a multimeter just measures what voltage is present between its leads. What you want is diode test mode, which is usually indicated on the dial with a diode symbol. On your meter, it's the option one to the left of your voltage mode--set the dial to that and press the mode button a few times to put it in diode mode; it'll say on the LCD. In diode mode, the meter applies a known current to the diode -- you can check the meter's datasheet or instruction manual to know what current it uses, and fancier meters might even let you select a current -- and then measures the voltage across the diode.
Note that this usually won't work for LEDs, as most meters limit their diode test voltage to only one or two volts, which is too low to turn on any LEDs except maybe some red or yellow ones. But for a conventional diode like the one you show in the picture it will work fine.
answered 7 hours ago
HearthHearth
6,8151 gold badge16 silver badges50 bronze badges
$endgroup$
add a comment |
$begingroup$
In voltage mode, a multimeter just measures what voltage is present between its leads. What you want is diode test mode, which is usually indicated on the dial with a diode symbol. On your meter, it's the option one to the left of your voltage mode--set the dial to that and press the mode button a few times to put it in diode mode; it'll say on the LCD. In diode mode, the meter applies a known current to the diode -- you can check the meter's datasheet or instruction manual to know what current it uses, and fancier meters might even let you select a current -- and then measures the voltage across the diode.
Note that this usually won't work for LEDs, as most meters limit their diode test voltage to only one or two volts, which is too low to turn on any LEDs except maybe some red or yellow ones. But for a conventional diode like the one you show in the picture it will work fine.
answered 7 hours ago
HearthHearth
6,8151 gold badge16 silver badges50 bronze badges
$endgroup$
In voltage mode, a multimeter just measures what voltage is present between its leads. What you want is diode test mode, which is usually indicated on the dial with a diode symbol. On your meter, it's the option one to the left of your voltage mode--set the dial to that and press the mode button a few times to put it in diode mode; it'll say on the LCD. In diode mode, the meter applies a known current to the diode -- you can check the meter's datasheet or instruction manual to know what current it uses, and fancier meters might even let you select a current -- and then measures the voltage across the diode.
Note that this usually won't work for LEDs, as most meters limit their diode test voltage to only one or two volts, which is too low to turn on any LEDs except maybe some red or yellow ones. But for a conventional diode like the one you show in the picture it will work fine.
answered 7 hours ago
HearthHearth
6,8151 gold badge16 silver badges50 bronze badges
answered 7 hours ago
HearthHearth
6,8151 gold badge16 silver badges50 bronze badges
answered 7 hours ago
HearthHearth
6,8151 gold badge16 silver badges50 bronze badges
answered 7 hours ago
HearthHearth
6,8151 gold badge16 silver badges50 bronze badges
6,8151 gold badge16 silver badges50 bronze badges
add a comment |
add a comment |
$begingroup$
Nope. You need to set your multimeter to diode test mode. One click anticlockwise, and then press the "mode" button until the LCD shows a diode symbol.
answered 8 hours ago
pericynthionpericynthion
4,70210 silver badges29 bronze badges
$endgroup$
add a comment |
$begingroup$
Nope. You need to set your multimeter to diode test mode. One click anticlockwise, and then press the "mode" button until the LCD shows a diode symbol.
answered 8 hours ago
pericynthionpericynthion
4,70210 silver badges29 bronze badges
$endgroup$
add a comment |
$begingroup$
Nope. You need to set your multimeter to diode test mode. One click anticlockwise, and then press the "mode" button until the LCD shows a diode symbol.
answered 8 hours ago
pericynthionpericynthion
4,70210 silver badges29 bronze badges
$endgroup$
Nope. You need to set your multimeter to diode test mode. One click anticlockwise, and then press the "mode" button until the LCD shows a diode symbol.
answered 8 hours ago
pericynthionpericynthion
4,70210 silver badges29 bronze badges
answered 8 hours ago
pericynthionpericynthion
4,70210 silver badges29 bronze badges
answered 8 hours ago
pericynthionpericynthion
4,70210 silver badges29 bronze badges
answered 8 hours ago
pericynthionpericynthion
4,70210 silver badges29 bronze badges
4,70210 silver badges29 bronze badges
add a comment |
add a comment |
$begingroup$
The guys in forensics had a difficult job enhancing the dodgy photos but the problem is clear.
- The meter is set to measure DC.
- Volts.
- (Barely visible in this rendering) the range selected is 'V'.
- The correct switch setting.
Since you selected DC V and a diode doesn't generate any voltage the reading is zero. This is correct.
answered 5 hours ago
TransistorTransistor
95k8 gold badges95 silver badges207 bronze badges
$endgroup$
$begingroup$
wait, back up... there... zoom in and enhance.... Seriously though, good job on the photo!
$endgroup$
– mkeith
2 hours ago
add a comment |
$begingroup$
The guys in forensics had a difficult job enhancing the dodgy photos but the problem is clear.
- The meter is set to measure DC.
- Volts.
- (Barely visible in this rendering) the range selected is 'V'.
- The correct switch setting.
Since you selected DC V and a diode doesn't generate any voltage the reading is zero. This is correct.
answered 5 hours ago
TransistorTransistor
95k8 gold badges95 silver badges207 bronze badges
$endgroup$
$begingroup$
wait, back up... there... zoom in and enhance.... Seriously though, good job on the photo!
$endgroup$
– mkeith
2 hours ago
add a comment |
$begingroup$
The guys in forensics had a difficult job enhancing the dodgy photos but the problem is clear.
- The meter is set to measure DC.
- Volts.
- (Barely visible in this rendering) the range selected is 'V'.
- The correct switch setting.
Since you selected DC V and a diode doesn't generate any voltage the reading is zero. This is correct.
answered 5 hours ago
TransistorTransistor
95k8 gold badges95 silver badges207 bronze badges
$endgroup$
The guys in forensics had a difficult job enhancing the dodgy photos but the problem is clear.
- The meter is set to measure DC.
- Volts.
- (Barely visible in this rendering) the range selected is 'V'.
- The correct switch setting.
Since you selected DC V and a diode doesn't generate any voltage the reading is zero. This is correct.
answered 5 hours ago
TransistorTransistor
95k8 gold badges95 silver badges207 bronze badges
answered 5 hours ago
TransistorTransistor
95k8 gold badges95 silver badges207 bronze badges
answered 5 hours ago
TransistorTransistor
95k8 gold badges95 silver badges207 bronze badges
answered 5 hours ago
TransistorTransistor
95k8 gold badges95 silver badges207 bronze badges
95k8 gold badges95 silver badges207 bronze badges
$begingroup$
wait, back up... there... zoom in and enhance.... Seriously though, good job on the photo!
$endgroup$
– mkeith
2 hours ago
add a comment |
$begingroup$
wait, back up... there... zoom in and enhance.... Seriously though, good job on the photo!
$endgroup$
– mkeith
2 hours ago
$begingroup$
wait, back up... there... zoom in and enhance.... Seriously though, good job on the photo!
$endgroup$
– mkeith
2 hours ago
$begingroup$
wait, back up... there... zoom in and enhance.... Seriously though, good job on the photo!
$endgroup$
– mkeith
2 hours ago
add a comment |
$begingroup$
Perhaps you are being misled by the fact that circuit simulators model a diode as a voltage source in series with a resistor. That is a fiction that is required to make the circuit simulate correctly.
A Real diode does not produce a voltage across itself, but will produce a voltage drop when you pass current through it in the forward direction.
answered 4 hours ago
Peter BennettPeter Bennett
38.9k1 gold badge31 silver badges71 bronze badges
$endgroup$
add a comment |
$begingroup$
Perhaps you are being misled by the fact that circuit simulators model a diode as a voltage source in series with a resistor. That is a fiction that is required to make the circuit simulate correctly.
A Real diode does not produce a voltage across itself, but will produce a voltage drop when you pass current through it in the forward direction.
answered 4 hours ago
Peter BennettPeter Bennett
38.9k1 gold badge31 silver badges71 bronze badges
$endgroup$
add a comment |
$begingroup$
Perhaps you are being misled by the fact that circuit simulators model a diode as a voltage source in series with a resistor. That is a fiction that is required to make the circuit simulate correctly.
A Real diode does not produce a voltage across itself, but will produce a voltage drop when you pass current through it in the forward direction.
answered 4 hours ago
Peter BennettPeter Bennett
38.9k1 gold badge31 silver badges71 bronze badges
$endgroup$
Perhaps you are being misled by the fact that circuit simulators model a diode as a voltage source in series with a resistor. That is a fiction that is required to make the circuit simulate correctly.
A Real diode does not produce a voltage across itself, but will produce a voltage drop when you pass current through it in the forward direction.
answered 4 hours ago
Peter BennettPeter Bennett
38.9k1 gold badge31 silver badges71 bronze badges
answered 4 hours ago
Peter BennettPeter Bennett
38.9k1 gold badge31 silver badges71 bronze badges
answered 4 hours ago
Peter BennettPeter Bennett
38.9k1 gold badge31 silver badges71 bronze badges
answered 4 hours ago
Peter BennettPeter Bennett
38.9k1 gold badge31 silver badges71 bronze badges
38.9k1 gold badge31 silver badges71 bronze badges
add a comment |
add a comment |
$begingroup$
If diodes generated a voltage then batteries would not be needed anymore.
answered 3 hours ago
AudioguruAudioguru
6131 silver badge4 bronze badges
$endgroup$
add a comment |
$begingroup$
If diodes generated a voltage then batteries would not be needed anymore.
answered 3 hours ago
AudioguruAudioguru
6131 silver badge4 bronze badges
$endgroup$
add a comment |
$begingroup$
If diodes generated a voltage then batteries would not be needed anymore.
answered 3 hours ago
AudioguruAudioguru
6131 silver badge4 bronze badges
$endgroup$
If diodes generated a voltage then batteries would not be needed anymore.
answered 3 hours ago
AudioguruAudioguru
6131 silver badge4 bronze badges
answered 3 hours ago
AudioguruAudioguru
6131 silver badge4 bronze badges
answered 3 hours ago
AudioguruAudioguru
6131 silver badge4 bronze badges
answered 3 hours ago
AudioguruAudioguru
6131 silver badge4 bronze badges
6131 silver badge4 bronze badges
add a comment |
add a comment |
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