Trip 1. Basic Concepts
This first trip introduces the fundamentals of electrical engineering such as voltage current and resistance. This module also teaches how the Topnotch Meter performs functions of measuring resistance (Ohm-Meter), voltage (Mini-Scope) and current (Amp-Meter). In the end the Generator function is presented in parallel with the Mini-Scope function. At theoretical level, Kirchoff's and Ohm's laws are presented. Please watch a short video Intro and click to preview the experiments: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
![1](javascript:ReplaceContentInContainer('content-exp',' <h3>Experiment 1. Measuring Resistors</h3>
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<p> This basic experiment involves measuring a passive resistance. The experiment is targeted more towards educating the user on how to start the <b>Topnotch Meter</b>, how to perform a simple function (Ohm-Meter), how to recognize the cable connectors, and how to put some resistors on the breadboard and measure them or more precisely to check their values.
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<p> The <b>Topnotch Meter</b> measures resistance from 1 Ohm to 10 kOhms through the simple use of the Ohm-Meter. For higher values the <b>Topnotch Meter</b> can perform a measurement based on the Generator and the Mini-Scope and a higher-value (e.g. 10 kOhms) reference resistance. An inexpensive multimeter complements well the <b>Topnotch Meter</b>.
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![2](javascript:ReplaceContentInContainer('content-exp',' <h3>Experiment 2. Measuring Batteries</h3>
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<p> This second experiment performs a measurement of two batteries: 1.5V and 9V. The experiment is teaching how to use a probe 1 cable and a probe 10 cable.
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<p> The voltage range of the Mini-Scope is from -2V to 2.048V. To measure the 9V battery, which is outside this voltage range, the voltage is divided by 10 to 0.9V, converted to a number, since now it\'s between -2 and 2, and before displaying the number it is multiplied back by 10. To perform this divide-sample-multiply operation two settings are needed: first, a probe 10 cable must be prepared by putting the switch on the scope probe cable in the x10 position. Second, the Mini-Scope must be informed that a scope probe 10 cable is used.
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<p> This experiment presents an application of Kirchhoff\'s Current Law. A circuit node is analyzed using the <b>Topnotch Meter</b> Amp-Meter. The sum of the currents entering the node is demonstrated to be the sum of the currents exiting the node. The student is learning how to insert the Amp-Meter probes in series with the currents going into the circuit node, how to measure them, and how to verify the algebraic relationship between the currents.
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<p> The Amp-Meter range is between 1 mA and 400 mA. The maximum current that the Amp-Meter can tolerate is 4.4 A DC. Higher currents would overheat the sense resistor.
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<p> This experiment presents an application of Kirchhoff\'s Voltage Law. A circuit loop is analyzed using the <b>Topnotch Meter</b> Mini-Scope. The sum of the voltage differences around the loop is demonstrated to be zero. The student is learning how to insert the Mini-Scope probes in parallel with the voltage differences forming the circuit loop, how to measure them, and how to verify the algebraic relationship between the voltages.
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<p> The Mini-Scope range is between -20 V and 20.48 V assuming a probe 10 cable is used. One must be careful not to use the high voltages (>20V or <-20V) with probe 1 cables. The Mini-Scope will be damaged.
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![5](javascript:ReplaceContentInContainer('content-exp',' <h3>Experiment 5. Voltage Dividers</h3>
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<p> The goal of this experiment is to measure voltage drops around a resistor divider and verify the divider equations. This experiment builds up on the measurements from Experiment 4. In addition, the current through the resistor divider has to be measured. Based on these measurements the resistor divider equations are verified. Theory and practice are reconciled.
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<p> It is proven, based on the measurements, that the power consumed by the resistors corresponds to the power delivered by the battery.
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<p> The voltage divider fundamental equations are a building block for future designs and commonly used in practice.
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![6](javascript:ReplaceContentInContainer('content-exp',' <h3>Experiment 6. ACDC</h3>
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<p> The objective of this experiment is to introduce the Generator function of the <b>Topnotch Meter</b> and to understand the difference between AC and DC signals.</p>
<p> The <b>Topnotch Meter</b> Generator is set to generate a square wave and deliver it on a breadboard to 10k Ohm resistor. At the same time the Mini-Scope is prepared to measure a 9V battery. The signal measured on the 10k Ohm resistor and the signal measured on the 9V battery are compared and distinguished as AC and DC.</p>
<p> Using a simple multimeter the square wave is measured. We learn that this way, only the average DC level of the square wave can be measured.</p>
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