Features
- Five jumper-selectable resistance ranges of 20.000 ohm to 200.00 kohm
- Three fixed factory-special ranges of 2.0000 ohm, 2.0000 Mohm, 20.000 Mohm
- Accuracy at 25°C ±0.01% of reading ± 2 counts
- 0.1 milliohm resolution on 2 ohm scale for contact resistance measurements
- 2, 3 or 4-wire connection with lead resistance compensation
- All input ranges are user selectable and factory calibrated
- Up to 60 conversions per second, Ideal for peak or valley capture
- Digital span adjust from 0 to ±99,999, zero adjust from -99,999 to +99,999
- Front panel scalable to ±99,999 for use with current shunts
- 1/8 DIN size with bright red or green 0.56" (14.2mm), high LED digits
- Power 85-264 Vac / 90-300 Vdc or 10-48 Vdc / 12-32 Vac (isolated)
- Operating temperature from -40°C to 70°C (-40°F to 158°F)
- Wide choice of Plug-in-Play options:
- 2 or 4 relays, mechanical or solid state, for alarm or control (isolated)
- 1 or 2 Analog output, 4-20 mA, 0-20 mA, 0-10V, or -10V to +10V (isolated)
- Communications: Ethernet, WiFi, USB, RS232, RS485 (isolated)
- Extended DPM allows up to 180 data points to linearize and scale
nonlinear resistance sources
Certificates of Compliance
The Laureate™ 1/8 DIN Digital Panel Meter, Ohmmeter for resistance in Ohms
is ideal for high-speed, high-accuracy resistance measurements in a production environment, such as contact resistance measurements. It is factory calibrated for five jumper selectable resistance ranges from 20.000 ohm to 200.00 kohm. Fixed, factory-special ranges of 2.0000 ohm, 2.0000 Mohm and 20.000 Mohm are also available. Accuracy is an exceptional ±0.01% of reading ± 2 counts. Resolution is one part in 20,000. In the 2 ohm range, resolution is 0.1 milliohm, making the digital panel meter suitable for contact resistance measurements.The optional extended Laureate computer board enhances the Laureate Digital Panel Meter by displaying rates derived from successive readings and enabling highly accurate custom curve linearization. For example, it can calculate liquid volume or flow rate in a horizontal cylindrical tank using levels from a 4-20 mA transmitter. Setup is straightforward: users input up to 180 data points into a spreadsheet or text file, and the computer calculates spline-fit segments, which are then downloaded to the digital panel meter for precise operation.
Digital Panel meter connections can be via 2, 3 or 4 wires. With 4-wire hookup, 2 wires are used for excitation and two separate wires are used to sense the voltage across the resistance to be measured, thereby eliminating any lead resistance effects. With 3-wire hookup, the digital panel meter senses the combined voltage drop across the resistance to be measured plus two excitation leads. It also senses the voltage drop across one excitation lead, and then subtracts twice this voltage from the combined total. This technique effectively subtracts lead resistance if the excitation leads are the same.
All resistance ranges are factory-calibrated, with calibration factors for each range securely stored in an onboard EEPROM. These factors can be scaled via software to accommodate external shunts, enabling field replacement of signal conditioner boards without necessitating recalibration of the associated digital panel meter. For optimal accuracy, factory recalibration is recommended annually. All Laurel Electronics instruments undergo factory calibration using the industry-leading Fluke calibrators, which are recalibrated yearly and certified traceable to national standards, ensuring the highest level of precision and reliability.
The Laureate Digital Panel Meter is easily programmed with Laurel’s free Instrument Setup Software, downloadable from our website and compatible with Windows PCs, requiring a data interface board for setup.
High read rate of up to 50 or 60 conversions per second, the Laureate™ Digital Panel Meter uses Concurrent Slope (US Pat. 5,262,780) analog-to-digital conversion to integrate signals over a full power line cycle (50 Hz or 60 Hz). This read rate enables peak and valley capture, real-time computer interfacing, and control applications. Peak and valley values are automatically captured and can be viewed using Laurel’s free Instrument Setup Software (compatible with Windows PCs) or transmitted as serial data.
- An unfiltered selection provides true peak and valley readings and aids in control applications.
- A batch average filter selection averages each 16 conversions.
- An adaptive moving average filter selection provides a choice of 8 time constants from 80 ms to 9.6 seconds. When a significant change in signal level occurs, the filter adapts by briefly switching to the shortest time to follow the change, then reverts back to its selected time constant. An Auto setting selects the time constant selection based on signal noise.
Two tare functions: auto-tare and manual tare. In auto-tare, an input line is grounded by an external pushbutton. This causes the current weight, which is normally the empty weight of the container to be stored in memory as an offset. In manual tare, the tare value can be entered manually via the front panel or a computer using Laurel's free Instrument Setup Software. For instance, the tare value may be the stated empty weight of a truck or rail car. Pressing the Reset button on the front panel toggles the display between gross weight (total weight on the scale) and net weight (gross weight with tare subtracted).
Peak and valley values are automatically captured. These may be displayed via a front panel pushbutton command or control signal at the rear connector, or be transmitted as serial data.
Two rear panel control Inputs (CMOS/TTL levels, logic 0 = tied to digital ground, logic 1 = open) or dry contacts that can be set to control / activate 14 meter commands.
Resistance Measurement with Excitation & Lead Compensation
| Ohmmeter hookup can be via 2, 3 or 4 wires to the J5 connector. The digital panel meter applies a fixed excitation current for each resistance range. | |
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In 4-wire hookup, different pairs of leads are used to apply the excitation current and sense the voltage drop across the unknown resistance, so that the IR drop across the excitation leads is not a factor. |
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In 3-wire hookup, the digital panel meter senses the combined voltage drop across the unknown resistance plus two excitation leads. It also senses the voltage drop across one excitation lead, and then subtracts twice this voltage from the combined total. This technique effectively subtracts all lead resistance and compensates for ambient temperature changes if the two excitation leads are identical. |
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In 2-wire hookup, the digital panel meter senses the combined voltage drop across the unknown resistance and both lead wires. The voltage drop across the lead wires can be measured by shorting out the resistance during meter setup, and this voltage is then automatically subtracted from the combined total. However, changing resistance of the lead wires due to ambient temperature changes will not be compensated. |
QA Application with Relay Option in Passband Mode
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A deviation limit (50 mohm in this example) is set up around both sides of a setpoint. The relay closes (or opens) when the reading falls within the deviation band, and opens (or closes) when the reading falls outside of this band. This mode sets up a passband around the setpoint and can be used for contact resistance testing.
|
| Range | Ohms | Resolution | Accuracy | Excitation Current *** |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R0** | 0-2.0000 Ω | 0.1 mΩ | ±0.01% of reading ± 2 counts |
5 mA |
| R1* | 0-20.000 Ω | 1 mΩ | 5 mA | |
| R2* | 0-200.00 Ω | 10 mΩ | 500 µA | |
| R3* | 0-2000.0 Ω | 100 mΩ | 50 µA | |
| R4* | 0-20000 Ω | 1 Ω | 5 µA | |
| R5* | 0-200.00 kΩ | 10 Ω | 500 nA | |
| R6** | 0-2.0000 MΩ | 100 Ω | 500 nA | |
| R7** | 0-20.0000 MΩ | 1000 Ω | 80 nA | |
| * Jumper-selectable, precalibrated range. | ||||
| ** Factory-set fixed range. | ||||
| *** The applied excitation current is sensed by the meter, which operates in a ratiometric mode and automatically compensates for any changes in excitation. | ||||
| Recalibration: All ranges are calibrated at the factory. Recalibration is recommended every 12 months. | ||||
| Display | |
|---|---|
| Readout | 5 LED digits, 7-segment, 14.2 mm (.56") |
| Color | Red or green LED |
| Indicators | 2 red LED lamps |
| Accuracy | |
| Accuracy at 25°C | ±0.01% of reading ± 2 counts |
| Span tempco | ±0.003% of reading/°C |
| Electrical | |
| Connection | 2, 3 or 4-wire |
| Max applied voltage | 100 mV |
| Overvoltage protection | 125 Vac |
| Open sensor indication | Flashes full-scale |
| A-to-D Conversion | |
| Technique | Concurrent Slope (Pat 5,262,780) |
| A-to-D rate | 60/s at 60 Hz, 50/s at 50 Hz |
| Output update rate | 56/s at 60 Hz, 47/s at 50 Hz |
| Display update rate | 3.5/s at 60 Hz, 3/s at 50 Hz |
| Power Supply Boards (one required) | |
| Voltage, standard | 85-264 Vac or 90-300 Vdc |
| Voltage, optional | 12-32 Vac or 10-48 Vdc |
| Frequency | DC or 47-63 Hz |
| Power consumption (typical, base meter) | 1.2W @ 120 Vac, 1.5W @ 240 Vac, 1.3W @ 10 Vdc, 1.4W @ 20 Vdc, 1.55W @ 30 Vdc, 1.8W @ 40 Vdc, 2.15W @ 48 Vdc |
| Power Isolation | 250V rms working, 2.3 kV rms per 1 min test |
| Analog Output Board (one optional) | |
| Output levels | 4-20 mA, 0-20 mA, 0-10V, -10 to +10V (jumper selectable) |
| Current compliance | 2 mA at 10V ( > 5 kΩ load) |
| Voltage compliance | 12V at 20 mA (< 600 Ω load) |
| Scaling | Zero and full scale adjustable from -99999 to +99999 |
| Resolution | 16 bits (0.0015% of full scale) |
| Step function response | 80 ms to 99% of final value (typ) |
| Isolation | 250V rms working, 2.3 kV rms per 1 min test |
| Relay Output Boards (one optional) | |
| Dual magnetic relays | 2 Form C, 10A max, 440Vac or 125Vdc max, 2500VA or 300W |
| Quad magnetic relays | 4 Form A (NO), 10A max, 440Vac or 125Vdc max, 2500VA or 300W |
| Dual solid state relays | 2 Form A (NO), AC or DC, 0V - 400V, 120Ma, 35Ohms (max at On-State) |
| Quad solid state relays | 4 Form A (NO), AC or DC, 0V - 400V, 120Ma, 35Ohms (max at On-State) |
| Relay commons | Isolated commons for dual relays or each pair of quad relays |
| Relay isolation | 250V rms working, 2.3 kV rms per 1 minute test |
| Step function response | 30 ms (typ) for contact relays, 25 ms (typ) for solid state relays |
| Relay latching modes | Latching or non-latching |
| Relay active modes | Active on or off, active high or low |
| Hysteresis modes | QA passband mode, split hysteresis, span hysteresis |
| Communication Boards (one optional) | |
| Board selections | RS232, RS485 with dual RJ11 connectors, RS485 with dual RJ45 connectors, USB, Ethernet, USB-to-RS485 gateway, Ethernet-to-RS485 gateway, WiFi with built-in antenna plus USB & RS485, WiFi with external antenna plus USB & RS485 |
| Protocols | Laurel Custom ASCII (serial), Modbus RTU (serial), Modbus TCP (Ethernet or WiFi) |
| Digital addresses | 247 (Modbus), 31 (Laurel ASCII), |
| Isolation | 250V rms working, 2.3 kV rms per 1 min test |
| Environmental | |
| Operating temperature | -40°C to 70°C (-40°F to 158°F) |
| Storage temperature. | -40°C to 85°C (-40°F to 185°F) |
| Relative humidity | 95% at 40°C, non-condensing |
| Protection | NEMA-4X (IP-65) when panel mounted |
| Mechanical | |
| Enclosure | 1/8 DIN, high impact plastic, UL 94V-0, color: black |
| Mounting | 1/8 DIN panel cutout required: 3.622" x 1.772" (92 mm x 45 mm). |
| Dimensions | 4.68" x 2.45" x 5.64" (119 mm x 62 mm x 143 mm) (W x H x D) |
| Maximum panel thickness | 4.5 mm (0.18") |
| Tightening Torque - Connectors | Screw terminal connectors: 5 lb-in (0.56 Nm) |
| Tightening Torque - Pawls | Digital Panel Meter Case Pawls: 5 lb-in (0.56 Nm) |
| Weight of base meter | 210 g (7.4 oz) typical (DPM, counter, timer, 6-digit remote display) |
| Weight of option boards | 30 g (1.0 oz) typical per board (analog output, relay output, communications) |
| General | |
| Programming Methods | Four front panel buttons or via Laurel's free Instrument Setup Software, which runs on a PC under MS Windows. |
| Security | Lockout options include using the front panel buttons, the free Instrument Setup Software, or a hardware jumper. |
| Warranty | 3 years parts & labor |
| Recalibration: All ranges are calibrated at the factory. Recalibration is recommended every 12 months. | |
Free Instrument Setup Software for Series 2 Laureates
Free Downloadable Windows-based Instrument Setup (IS) software (Data Interface Board Required) for use with our programmable Digital Panel Meters, Scale Meters, Counters, Timers, Remote Displays, and Transmitters, are an easy method to set up Laureate 1/8 DIN digital panel meters, counters, timers, remote displays, and DIN-rail transmitters, as explained in the Instrument Setup Software Manual. Laureate 1/8 DIN instruments can also be set up from the front panel, as explained in their respective Owners Manuals. Instrument Setup software is of benefit whether or not the PC is connected to the instrument.
- When the PC is connected to the instrument, Instrument Setup software can retrieve the setup file from the instrument or open a default setup file or previously saved setup file from disk View Setup, then provides graphical user interface (GUI) screens with pull-down menus applicable to input, display, scaling, filtering, alarms, communications, analog output, and front panel lockouts. Fields that are not applicable to the instrument as configured are either left out or grayed out. Clicking on any item will bring up a detailed Help screen for that item. After editing, the setup file can be downloaded, uploaded to the instrument, or saved to a disk. The same setup file can then be downloaded into multiple instruments.
- When the PC is not connected to the instrument, the above GUI screens can be used to set up a virtual instrument. The setup file can then be saved to disk. Switching toView Menu then brings up a screen with the required front panel programming steps. This view can be printed out for use at the instrument site and to serve as a hard copy record.
Download Free Instrument Setup Software
Installation
Set User Account Control (UAC) of MS Windows to "Never notifiy me" so that Instrument Setup Software can create directories. The UAC change screen can be reached as follows:
- Under Windows 7, click on the Windows Start button in the lower left of the desktop and enter "UAC" in the search field.
- Under Windows 8, navigate to Control Panel, then to the "User Accounts and Family Safety" section, and click on "Change User Account Control Settings."
- Under Windows 10, click on the Windows Start button in the lower left of the desktop, then on "Settings", and enter "UAC" in the search field.
- Reboot your computer for the changed UAC setting to take effect.
RJ11-to-DB9 cable with rear view of DB9 connector to PC

RS232 cable, meter to PC, P/N CBL01
Laureate 1/8 DIN Laureate instruments must be equipped with a serial communications board and be connected to the computer via a serial communications cable. The connection can be via RS232, RS485, USB or Ethernet. Following setup, the serial communications board may be removed from the instrument if desired. The wiring of the RS232 cable is illustrated above with end views of the two connectors.
Laureate LT Series transmitters come standard with a 3-wire serial interface, which can be jumpered for RS232 or RS485.
Laureate LTE Series transmitters come standard with an Ethernet interface.
Meter Setup Screens
Click on any of the reduced screens below for a full-size screen view, then click on the Back button of your browser to return to this page. The screens examples below are for a fully-loaded Series 2 Digital Panel Meter (DPM), which is connected to the PC via RS232. If the meter is a Series 1 meter (pre-2007), this is sensed by the software, and somewhat different screens are brought up. Please see Series 1 setup screens.
Meter Setup Utilities
From the Main Menu, click on Readings if your PC is connected to the meter. A pull-down menu then offers three choices: List, Plot and Graph.
- List presents the latest readings in a 20-row by 10-column table. Press Pause at any time to freeze the display. This is one method to capture peak readings.
- Plot generates a plot of readings vs. time in seconds. It effectively turns the DPM-PC combination into a printing digital oscilloscope.
- Graph generates a histogram where the horizontal axis is the reading and the vertical axis is the number of occurrences of readings. The display continually resizes itself as the number of readings increases.

Laureate™ 1/8 DIN Case For Laureate Digital Panel Meters, Counters, Timers & Remote Displays
Key Features
- Meets 1/8 DIN Standard.
- Installs from front of panel.
- Short depth behind the panel: only 4" (102 mm) plus connectors.
- Understated 0.157" (4 mm) thick bezel.
- Meets NEMA 4X (IP-65) for high-pressure wawshdon when panel mounted.
- Screw clamps connectors meet VDE / IEC / UL / CSA safety standards.
- Rugged GE Lexan® housing material.
- Safety certified per EN 61010-1.
Dimensions
Maximum panel thickness: 4.5 mm (0.18")
Weight of base meter: 210 g (7.4 oz) typical (DPM, counter, timer, 6-digit remote display)
Weight of option boards: 30 g (1.0 oz) typical per board (analog output, relay output, communications)
Tightening Torque - Connectors: Screw terminal connectors: 5 lb-in (0.56 Nm)
Tightening Torque - Pawls: Digital Panel Meter Case Pawls: 5 lb-in (0.56 Nm)
Dimensioned CAD assembly drawings in EPRT, STEP, x_t. dwg, pdf file formats: Laureate-meter-case.zip (zipping prevents browser from opening CAD files as text files).
Panel Mounting
Slide the meter into a 45 x 92 mm 1/8 DIN panel cutout. Ensure that the provided gasket is in place between the front of the panel and the back of the meter bezel.
The meter is secured by two pawls, each held by a screw, as illustrated. Turning each screw counterclockwise extends the pawl outward from the case and behind the panel. Turning each screw clockwise further tightens it against the panel to secure the meter.
Turning each screw counterclockwise loosens the pawl and retracts it into its well. This position allows installed meter to be removed from their panel, or new meters to be installed in a panel. Do not remove the screws from their pawls. Doing so would cause the screw and pawl to fall off and likely get lost. Do not overtighten so as not to damage the plastic parts.
CAL-Analog
Certificate of Calibration
$65.00DLS-XLOG2
XLog2 Data logging Software
$495.00IPC
Splashproof Cover
$48.00CON01
CON01 Connector
$75.00CBL01
RS232 Cable for Meters
$35.00CBL02
USB-to-RS232 Adapter Cable
$47.00CBL04
RS232 Cable for LT Transmitters
$47.00CBL05
USB Data Cable for Meters
$47.00CBL06
USB-to-RS485 Adapter Cable
$47.00CBL07
USB Programming & Data Cable
$47.00CBL08
RS485 Splitter Cable
$33.00Modular Design for Maximum Flexibility at Minimum Cost
All boards are isolated from meter and power grounds. Optional Plug-in-Play boards for communications and control include Ethernet, WiFi, serial communication boards, dual or quad relay boards, and an analog output board. Laureates may be powered from 85-264 Vac or optionally from 12-32 Vac or 10-48 Vdc. The display is available with bright red or green 0.56" (14.2mm) high LED digits. The 1/8 DIN case meets NEMA 4X (IP65) specifications from the front when panel mounted. Any setup functions and front panel keys can be locked out for simplified usage and security. A built-in 5, 10, 12, or 24 Vdc excitation supply can power transducers, eliminating the need for an external power supply. All power and signal connections are via UL / VDE / CSA rated screw clamp plugs.
The Laureate™ Series features modular design with up to 7 isolated plug-in boards, applicable to all Laureate 1/8 DIN Digital Panel Meter.
Modular Hardware
The design of the Laureate™ Series is modular for maximum flexibility at minimum cost. All boards are isolated from meter and power grounds. The base configuration for a digital panel meter or counter consists of a main module (with computer and plug-in display boards), a power supply board, and a signal conditioner board. Optional plug-in-play boards include an isolated setpoint controller board, an isolated analog output board, and an isolated digital interface board. Modular design and a choice of plug-in options allow the Laureate to be customized for a broad range of applications from simple monitoring to control and computer interface. There can be up to five plug-in boards in a 1/8 DIN Laureate.
Connecting Laureate Digital Panel Meter to a Local Area Network (LAN)
Up to 30 Laureate Digital Panel Meter and/or LT Transmitters can be configured for RS485 and daisy-chained to an LT Transmitter using Laurel’s High Speed Ethernet-to-RS485 converter board for seamless LAN integration. Alternatively, Laurel LTE series Ethernet transmitters can connect directly to a LAN via an Ethernet cable. Setup for both configurations is streamlined using Laurel’s free Instrument Setup Software, which simplifies node discovery and transmitter configuration.
Flexible Communication Options for Digital Panel Meter
The Laureate Digital Panel Meter can be equipped with Laurel communication boards to support various interfaces and protocols. These include serial interfaces with ASCII or Modbus RTU protocols, and Ethernet interfaces with web access, ASCII, or Modbus TCP/IP protocols, ensuring versatile connectivity for your commercial applications.

What is a Digital Panel Meter Ohmmeter for Resistance in Ohms?
A Digital Panel Meter ohmmeter is a precision instrument designed to measure and display electrical resistance in ohms, typically from resistive sensors, circuits, components, or materials. This Digital Panel Meter is vital in industrial, laboratory, quality control, and testing applications where accurate resistance measurements are critical, such as in electronics manufacturing, quality assurance, circuit diagnostics, sensor calibration, and electrical safety testing. By converting resistance signals (from milliohms to megaohms) into clear digital readouts, this Digital Panel Meter ensures reliable data for process monitoring, equipment maintenance, system optimization, and compliance verification.
Unlike traditional analog ohmmeters or handheld multimeters, this Digital Panel Meter ohmmeter offers superior accuracy (±0.05% to ±0.5% typical), continuous monitoring capability, programmable alarm functions, and integration with modern control systems through digital communication. The ability of this Digital Panel Meter to measure a wide range of resistance values, from micro-ohms (µΩ) for contact resistance testing to mega-ohms (MΩ) for insulation resistance testing, makes it versatile for diverse applications, including testing electrical components, monitoring sensor performance, verifying circuit integrity, and detecting insulation degradation.
Understanding the Digital Panel Meter Ohmmeter
This Digital Panel Meter for ohmmeter applications is typically built to the 1/8 DIN standard, fitting compactly into panel cutouts (approximately 92 mm x 45 mm or 96 mm x 48 mm depending on manufacturer). This compact size ensures compatibility with control panels, test benches, production line monitoring stations, or quality control equipment while optimizing space, making it ideal for industrial control rooms, electronics testing laboratories, manufacturing test stations, or equipment panels with limited space.
This Digital Panel Meter is designed to measure resistance by applying a known precision current (constant current method) or voltage to the resistive element and calculating the resulting resistance based on Ohm's Law (R = V/I). It features bright LED (red, green, amber) or backlit LCD displays with 3-5 digit resolution, user-friendly interfaces with front-panel programming, and communication interfaces like RS-232, RS-485, Modbus RTU/TCP, or Ethernet for integration with PLCs, SCADA systems, data acquisition systems, or quality management software. Advanced features of this Digital Panel Meter, such as 2-wire (simple but least accurate), 3-wire (compensates for one lead), or 4-wire Kelvin measurement configurations (highest accuracy, completely eliminates lead resistance errors), ensure high accuracy by compensating for lead wire resistance, making it suitable for precise low-resistance measurements (milliohms) in demanding production or laboratory environments.
How Does a Digital Panel Meter Ohmmeter Work?
This Digital Panel Meter ohmmeter measures resistance in ohms and displays the results accurately. Below is a detailed breakdown of its operation:
- Test Current Generation:
This Digital Panel Meter generates a precision test current (typically 1 mA, 10 mA, 100 mA, or 1 A depending on resistance range and accuracy requirements) that is applied to the device under test (DUT). The test current must be highly stable (±0.01%) and accurately known to ensure measurement accuracy. Lower test currents (1-10 mA) are used for high-resistance measurements to avoid self-heating, while higher currents (100 mA-1 A) are used for low-resistance measurements to provide sufficient voltage drop for accurate measurement. - Signal Acquisition:
This Digital Panel Meter applies the controlled test current to the resistive element (e.g., a resistor, motor winding, cable, sensor, contact resistance, or insulation) and measures the resulting voltage drop across the resistance using precision voltage measurement circuitry. For a 4-wire Kelvin connection, separate force (current-carrying) and sense (voltage-measuring) connections eliminate lead wire resistance errors completely. - Lead Resistance Compensation:
For 2-wire configurations (simplest but includes lead resistance in measurement, causing errors especially for low resistances), this Digital Panel Meter measures total resistance including leads. For 3-wire configurations (common in industrial applications), this Digital Panel Meter uses compensation assuming equal lead resistances to cancel lead wire errors, improving accuracy. For 4-wire (Kelvin) configurations (highest accuracy, standard for precision measurements), this Digital Panel Meter uses separate current-carrying and voltage-sensing wires to completely eliminate lead resistance errors, ensuring measurement accuracy is independent of cable length or resistance (critical for milliohm measurements). - Signal Conditioning:
The voltage signal (proportional to resistance) is conditioned through precision instrumentation amplification, digital filtering (programmable time constants) to remove noise from 50/60 Hz power lines or electrical interference, and auto-ranging to select optimal measurement range. This ensures the signal is within the optimal operational range of this Digital Panel Meter and minimizes errors from electrical interference, thermal EMF, or transient voltages. - Analog-to-Digital Conversion:
A high-resolution Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC), typically 16-bit, 20-bit, or 24-bit sigma-delta type, transforms the conditioned voltage signal into a digital format. High-resolution ADCs (24-bit provides sub-milliohm resolution) are critical for detecting small resistance changes or measuring very low resistances (contact resistance, bond resistance, ground resistance) or very high resistances (insulation resistance, leakage resistance), enabling precise quality control and fault detection. - Resistance Calculation and Processing:
The digital signal is processed by the microcontroller of this Digital Panel Meter, which calculates resistance using Ohm's Law (R = V/I), applies calibration corrections (zero offset, span adjustment), auto-ranging to select appropriate units, and unit conversions (mΩ, Ω, kΩ, MΩ). Advanced models include temperature compensation for resistive elements with known temperature coefficients or normalize readings to standard reference temperature (20°C or 25°C). - Display:
The calculated resistance is displayed on a bright LED (0.56" to 0.8" character height) or backlit LCD screen with 3-5 digits, automatic decimal point positioning, engineering units (µΩ, mΩ, Ω, kΩ, MΩ), and often with bar graph indication or dual-line displays showing both resistance value and pass/fail status for quality control applications. - Output and Integration:
This Digital Panel Meter provides multiple outputs including 4-20 mA or 0-10V analog retransmission signals proportional to resistance for chart recorders or PLCs, relay contacts (typically 2-4 SPDT relays) for programmable alarms (high resistance, low resistance, out-of-tolerance limits) for pass/fail testing or process control, and digital communication protocols (RS-232, RS-485, Modbus RTU, Modbus TCP/IP, Ethernet/IP) for integration with PLCs, SCADA systems, manufacturing execution systems (MES), or quality management databases for statistical process control (SPC) and traceability. - Calibration and Configuration:
Users can calibrate this Digital Panel Meter using precision reference resistors (NIST-traceable standards), configure resistance ranges (auto-range or fixed range), select measurement modes (2-wire, 3-wire, 4-wire), set test current levels, configure alarm thresholds (absolute or percentage limits), select display units, adjust filtering, or set communication parameters to suit specific application requirements for production testing, quality control, or laboratory calibration.
Technical Specifications
A typical Digital Panel Meter for ohmmeter applications includes:
- Resistance Ranges: 0-20 mΩ to 0-20 MΩ (multiple auto-ranges or selectable ranges)
- Measurement Range: 1 µΩ to 100 MΩ (model dependent)
- Accuracy: ±0.05% to ±0.5% of reading ±1 digit (depending on range and configuration)
- Resolution: 0.1 µΩ to 0.1 MΩ (depending on range)
- Test Current: 1 mA, 10 mA, 100 mA, 1 A (selectable or automatic)
- Measurement Configurations: 2-wire, 3-wire, 4-wire Kelvin (user-selectable)
- ADC Resolution: 16-bit to 24-bit sigma-delta
- Update Rate: 1-10 readings per second (adjustable)
- Display: 3-5 digit LED or LCD, 0.56" character height
- Auto-Ranging: Automatic or manual range selection
- Setpoints: 2-4 programmable alarm setpoints (high/low limits)
- Relay Outputs: 2-4 SPDT relays, 5A @ 250VAC
- Analog Output: 4-20mA or 0-10V retransmission (optional)
- Communication: RS-232, RS-485, Modbus RTU/TCP, Ethernet/IP
- Power Supply: 85-265VAC or 12-48VDC universal
- Operating Temperature: 0°C to 50°C typical
- Environmental: IP65 front panel protection
- Certifications: CE, UL, cUL
Key Features of a Digital Panel Meter Ohmmeter
This Digital Panel Meter for ohmmeter applications includes features that enhance performance and usability:
- Wide Resistance Range: Measures from micro-ohms (µΩ) for contact resistance, bond wire resistance, or low-resistance shunts to mega-ohms (MΩ) for insulation resistance, leakage resistance, or high-resistance components, supporting diverse applications like low-resistance circuit testing (motor windings, busbars, grounding systems) or high-resistance insulation checks (cable insulation, transformer windings, motor insulation) across 6-8 decades of resistance.
- High Accuracy: Precision 24-bit ADCs, accurate test current generation (±0.01%), 4-wire Kelvin measurement capability, and temperature-compensated circuitry ensure reliable resistance measurements (±0.05% to ±0.5%) with excellent repeatability (±0.01%), even for very small resistance values (sub-milliohm) or resistance changes, critical for quality control, production testing, and fault detection.
- Customizable Displays: High-brightness multi-color LEDs (red for normal, green for pass, amber for warning, red for fail), dual-line displays showing resistance value and limit status simultaneously, bar graphs for visual go/no-go indication, or large-digit displays (0.8" height) ensure readability in various lighting conditions from dimly lit production floors to bright test benches, and support operator efficiency in high-volume testing.
- Programmable Alarms: Multiple setpoints (typically 2-4) for high/low resistance conditions or out-of-tolerance limits trigger visual and audible alerts or relay outputs for automated sorting (pass/fail gates), process control (reject mechanisms), or quality documentation, enabling 100% inline testing, SPC charting, and traceability in production environments.
- Communication Options: Multiple protocols including Modbus RTU (RS-485), Modbus TCP/IP, Ethernet/IP, or ASCII serial enable integration with PLCs, SCADA systems, manufacturing execution systems (MES), or quality management databases for automated data collection, statistical process control (SPC), real-time monitoring, trending analysis, and compliance documentation (ISO 9001, IATF 16949, AS9100).
- Rugged Design: IP65-rated stainless steel or polycarbonate front panels resist dust, moisture, chemicals, and industrial contamination, wide operating temperature ranges (0°C to 50°C), shock and vibration resistance (IEC 60068), and EMC compliance (CE, UL) ensure reliable operation in harsh production floors, testing labs, or field service environments.
- 4-Wire Kelvin Measurement: Completely eliminates lead resistance errors by using separate current and voltage paths, essential for accurate low-resistance measurements (milliohms) of contacts, bonds, or shunts where lead resistance would otherwise introduce significant errors.
- Auto-Ranging: Automatically selects optimal measurement range for best resolution and accuracy, simplifying operation and preventing range selection errors in production testing.
- Statistical Functions: Min/max capture, average calculations, and pass/fail counters support quality control documentation and process capability analysis (Cp, Cpk).
Applications of a Digital Panel Meter Ohmmeter
This Digital Panel Meter for ohmmeter applications is used across various industries for resistance measurements. Key applications include:
- Electrical Component Testing:
In electronics manufacturing, this Digital Panel Meter measures the resistance of resistors (±1% to ±5% tolerance verification), potentiometers, cables, connectors, switches, relays, or printed circuit board (PCB) traces to ensure they meet design specifications, detect manufacturing defects (opens, shorts, out-of-tolerance values), and prevent field failures through 100% testing or sampling inspection. - Circuit Diagnostics and Troubleshooting:
In maintenance, repair, and field service, this Digital Panel Meter identifies faults in electrical circuits by measuring resistance, helping technicians quickly detect open circuits (infinite resistance), short circuits (near-zero resistance), high-resistance connections (corrosion, loose connections), or insulation breakdown, reducing downtime and repair costs. - Sensor Calibration and Verification:
In calibration laboratories or production, this Digital Panel Meter measures resistance from sensors like RTDs (Pt100, Pt1000 at specific temperatures), thermistors, strain gauges, or potentiometric position sensors during calibration or incoming inspection, ensuring accurate performance in temperature, strain, or position measurement applications and maintaining traceability to national standards (NIST, NPL). - Quality Control and Production Testing:
In production lines or final inspection, this Digital Panel Meter verifies the resistance of critical components like motor windings (phase-to-phase resistance, insulation resistance), transformer windings (winding resistance, turn-to-turn resistance), heater elements (nichrome, kanthal wire), solenoid coils, or relay coils, ensuring product reliability, safety, and conformance to specifications (UL, CSA, CE) before shipment. - Insulation Resistance Testing:
In electrical safety testing, preventive maintenance, or quality assurance, this Digital Panel Meter measures high resistance (MΩ range) in insulation materials of cables, motors, transformers, or switchgear to detect degradation, moisture ingress, or contamination, ensuring compliance with safety standards (IEC 60950, UL 60950), preventing electrical shock hazards, and scheduling maintenance before failure. - Contact Resistance Measurement:
This Digital Panel Meter measures very low resistance (milliohms) of electrical contacts in switches, relays, connectors, circuit breakers, or busbar joints using 4-wire Kelvin connections to detect oxidation, pitting, or poor contact pressure that could cause overheating, arcing, or failure. - Ground Resistance Testing:
Verifies the resistance of electrical grounding systems, ground rods, or bonding connections to ensure proper electrical safety and lightning protection in buildings, substations, or telecommunications facilities.
Where Is a Digital Panel Meter Ohmmeter for Resistance in Ohms Used?
This Digital Panel Meter is essential in industries requiring precise resistance measurements in ohms. With support for a wide range of resistance values and a compact 1/8 DIN design, this Digital Panel Meter provides reliable solutions. Below are detailed use cases across key sectors:
- Electronics Manufacturing:
In circuit board production, component assembly, or semiconductor device testing, this Digital Panel Meter measures the resistance of components like resistors (carbon film, metal film, wirewound, surface mount), cables, traces (PCB copper traces, flex circuits), connectors, or integrated circuit pins, ensuring compliance with design specifications (±1%, ±5% tolerance), detecting manufacturing defects (solder bridges, cold solder joints, damaged components), preventing field returns, and supporting automated optical inspection (AOI) or in-circuit testing (ICT) systems. - Automotive Industry:
In automotive electronics testing, vehicle assembly, or supplier quality control, this Digital Panel Meter measures the resistance of wiring harnesses (continuity testing, insulation testing), motor windings (starter motors, alternators, window motors, blower motors), sensors (throttle position, fuel level, temperature), heating elements (rear window defogger, seat heaters), or ignition coils, verifying electrical integrity, supporting ISO/TS 16949 or IATF 16949 quality requirements, and preventing warranty claims from electrical faults. - Power Generation and Distribution:
In power plants, electrical substations, or utility maintenance, this Digital Panel Meter monitors the resistance of transformer windings (load tap changer contacts, winding resistance ratio tests per IEEE C57), busbars (joint resistance, connection resistance), circuit breaker contacts (contact resistance indicating wear or arcing), or grounding systems (ground grid resistance, ground rod resistance), detecting degradation or connection problems to prevent failures, power outages, arcing incidents, or safety hazards, and ensuring reliable power delivery. - Scientific and Research Laboratories:
In materials science, physics research, or electronics development, this Digital Panel Meter measures resistance in experimental circuits, novel materials (graphene, carbon nanotubes, conductive polymers), sensors under development, or superconducting materials (transition resistance), providing accurate NIST-traceable data for analysis, publication, patent applications, and proof-of-concept validation. - Industrial Maintenance and Repair:
In manufacturing plants, process industries, or facility maintenance, this Digital Panel Meter diagnoses electrical faults in machinery, motors, heaters, or control circuits by measuring winding resistance (detecting shorted turns, open windings), connection resistance (loose terminals, corroded connections), or ground faults, helping maintenance teams identify root causes, prioritize repairs, reduce mean time to repair (MTTR), minimize production downtime, and implement condition-based maintenance programs. - Telecommunications:
In telecom infrastructure, data centers, or network installations, this Digital Panel Meter measures the resistance of cables (twisted pair, coaxial), connectors (RJ45, fiber optic electrical ground), grounding systems (telecommunications grounding infrastructure per ANSI/TIA-607), or power distribution units, ensuring signal integrity, preventing electromagnetic interference (EMI), maintaining impedance matching, and preventing communication disruptions or data errors. - Aerospace and Defense:
In aerospace component testing, military equipment qualification, or satellite assembly, this Digital Panel Meter measures resistance in electrical systems, wire harnesses (MIL-DTL-38999 connectors), sensors, actuators, or pyrotechnic devices, ensuring components meet stringent performance specifications (MIL-STD-202, MIL-STD-750, AS9100), safety standards for aircraft or spacecraft, and reliability requirements for mission-critical applications in extreme environments. - Medical Device Manufacturing:
This Digital Panel Meter tests resistance of heating elements, sensors, electrodes, or wiring in medical devices (surgical instruments, patient monitors, therapy equipment) to ensure electrical safety (IEC 60601), proper function, and FDA compliance. - Battery Manufacturing:
Measures internal resistance of battery cells, contacts, or interconnects to verify quality, detect defects, and ensure consistent performance in lithium-ion, lead-acid, or other battery technologies. - Renewable Energy:
This Digital Panel Meter tests solar panel bypass diodes, wind turbine slip ring contacts, or inverter connections to ensure efficient power generation and system reliability.
Benefits of Using a Digital Panel Meter Ohmmeter
This Digital Panel Meter for ohmmeter applications offers numerous advantages for resistance measurements:
- High Precision: Accurate 24-bit ADCs, precision test current sources, 4-wire Kelvin measurement capability, and temperature compensation ensure reliable resistance readings (±0.05% to ±0.5%) across a wide range of values from microohms to megaohms, critical for quality control, fault detection, and compliance verification in production and maintenance.
- Compact Design: The 1/8 DIN size fits seamlessly into test benches, production line panels, or quality control stations, ideal for space-constrained setups, allowing multiple test parameters to be monitored simultaneously without excessive panel space.
- Versatility: Support for multiple resistance ranges (µΩ to MΩ), measurement configurations (2-wire, 3-wire, 4-wire), selectable test currents, and auto-ranging accommodates diverse applications from contact resistance testing to insulation resistance verification across electronics, automotive, power, and industrial sectors.
- System Integration: Multiple communication interfaces (Modbus RTU/TCP, Ethernet/IP, ASCII) enable seamless connection to PLCs, SCADA, MES, or quality databases, enhancing automated data collection, statistical process control (SPC), real-time monitoring, traceability, and supporting Industry 4.0 initiatives for smart manufacturing.
- Durability: Built to withstand harsh industrial conditions, including production floor vibration (IEC 60068), temperature variations (0°C to 50°C), dust and moisture (IP65), electromagnetic interference (EMC compliance), ensuring reliable long-term operation in demanding manufacturing, testing, or field service environments.
- User-Friendly Operation: Intuitive front-panel controls, clear high-visibility displays with pass/fail indication, auto-ranging to eliminate operator errors, guided setup menus, and programmable test sequences simplify setup and operation, reducing training time, minimizing measurement errors, and improving operator efficiency in high-volume production testing.
- Cost-Effective: Consolidates resistance measurement, display, alarming, data logging, and communication in one compact device, reducing equipment costs, panel space, wiring complexity, and installation time versus separate instruments or handheld meters.
- Continuous Monitoring: Unlike handheld meters, this Digital Panel Meter provides continuous resistance monitoring with automatic alarm functions for process control or automated testing, enabling 100% inline inspection and immediate fault detection.
- Traceability and Compliance: Data logging, time-stamped measurements, and communication capabilities support quality documentation, regulatory compliance (ISO 9001, IATF 16949, AS9100, FDA), and traceability requirements in regulated industries.
Choosing the Right Digital Panel Meter Ohmmeter
When selecting a Digital Panel Meter for ohmmeter applications, consider these factors:
- Resistance Range: Ensure this Digital Panel Meter supports the resistance values required for your application (e.g., milliohms for contact resistance, kilohms for component testing, megaohms for insulation testing). Verify the meter covers your full measurement range with adequate resolution at both low and high ends.
- Accuracy Specifications: Verify the overall measurement accuracy of this Digital Panel Meter including test current accuracy, ADC resolution, and temperature coefficient, especially for precision applications like calibration labs (±0.05% accuracy), production testing (±0.1% to ±0.2%), or fault detection where small resistance changes are significant.
- Measurement Configuration: Check support for 2-wire (simplest, acceptable for high resistances), 3-wire (industrial standard, good for moderate resistances), or 4-wire Kelvin configurations (essential for low-resistance measurements <1Ω where lead resistance errors would be significant) to match your measurement accuracy requirements and installation conditions.
- Environmental Durability: Choose a Digital Panel Meter with appropriate IP ratings (IP65 for dusty or wet production environments), operating temperature range (0°C to 50°C for most industrial settings, wider for harsh environments), and EMC compliance for electrically noisy areas near motors, welders, or RF equipment.
- Output Requirements: Determine if you need analog retransmission (4-20mA, 0-10V) for chart recorders or secondary monitoring, relay alarm outputs for automated sorting or pass/fail gates, or digital communication protocols (Modbus RTU/TCP, Ethernet/IP) for integration with PLCs, SCADA, MES, or quality management systems.
- Display and Usability: Opt for a display type (LED for brightness in production environments, LCD for low power), digit size and resolution for your viewing distance and precision needs, and controls (pushbuttons, PC configuration software) that match your operators' skill level and production environment (clean lab vs. factory floor).
- Test Current Selection: Verify the meter offers appropriate test current levels for your application (low currents 1-10 mA for high resistances to avoid self-heating, high currents 100 mA-1 A for low resistances to provide measurable voltage drop).
- Advanced Features: Consider if you need auto-ranging, pass/fail limit checking, statistical functions (min/max, average), data logging, or programmable test sequences for your production testing or quality control application.
- Certifications: Verify CE, UL, cUL, or other relevant certifications for your application, industry (medical device testing requires IEC 60601, automotive requires IATF 16949), or jurisdiction.
Conclusion
A Digital Panel Meter for ohmmeter applications, particularly 1/8 DIN models, is vital for precise resistance measurements in industries like electronics manufacturing, automotive testing, power distribution, aerospace, telecommunications, medical devices, and industrial maintenance. The wide resistance range of this Digital Panel Meter (from microohms to megaohms), high accuracy (±0.05% to ±0.5%) with 4-wire Kelvin measurement capability for eliminating lead resistance errors, compact design, and comprehensive features including auto-ranging, programmable alarms, pass/fail limits, and statistical functions make it ideal for demanding production testing, quality control, and maintenance applications. By delivering reliable resistance data with continuous monitoring, supporting system integration through Modbus, Ethernet, and other protocols for automated data collection and SPC, and ensuring regulatory compliance for ISO 9001, IATF 16949, AS9100, and FDA requirements, this Digital Panel Meter enhances quality control, supports preventive and predictive maintenance, ensures product reliability, and provides cost-effective resistance measurement across diverse applications from contact resistance testing and component verification to insulation resistance monitoring and fault diagnosis. Whether for production line testing, laboratory calibration, field service diagnostics, or quality assurance inspection, this Digital Panel Meter provides dependable, accurate, traceable resistance measurement in a compact, feature-rich package that meets the demanding requirements of modern manufacturing, testing, and maintenance operations.
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