A panel meter measures and displays input signals in digital or analog format, often indicating temperature, speed, pressure, or current. Analog meters use a needle and dial, while digital meters have LED displays and more features, such as alarm options and data transfer capabilities. Digital meters are more accurate and functional, while analog meters are cheaper and useful for relative changes.
A panel meter is an instrument that receives information from an input signal and then measures and displays that information in digital or analog format. Usually mounted inside a dashboard, it often indicates temperature, but can also reflect speed, pressure, current and many other variables. The most common type of panel meter accepts a single input for display, although multi-channel devices are also available. Units are also available with large displays for visibility or in bench cases for portability. While analog panel meters used to be common, in most cases they have been replaced by the more accurate and functional digital meter.
An analog panel gauge uses a movable needle and dial to display information, and works with both the stretched strap and the jewel and stud method. A taut band device uses a needle suspended between two metal ribbons. Able to withstand large shocks, it typically measures direct current (DC). The less accurate pin and jewel unit has a spool and pointer supported by polished steel, which fits into two jewel bearings. Better to resist vibration, typically measures alternating current (AC).
An analog panel meter is cheaper than its digital counterpart, but is less accurate. Non-linear motion can produce errors and the small meter screen can be difficult to interpret. Typically, however, it displays a value, so it’s considered faster to read. Analog meters are useful when relative change is more important than absolute accuracy.
A digital panel meter is used to measure and display all types of electrical processes and variables, from monitoring voltage to current, flow, speed and more. It has a bright LED display that presents information in an alphanumeric format with little to no ambiguity. Many digital panel meters can accept multiple inputs and have dimmable or bar graph displays that allow users to easily switch between them. Displays may also have totalizing, logging, conditioning, or other functional capabilities.
In addition to being significantly more accurate, a digital panel meter generally has more features available than an analog meter. It can be selected with alarm options, along with set point controls that allow users to establish control limits, as well as on/off controls that can turn a process unit on or off. Many digital panel meters can be connected to a computer to transfer data, and some have Ethernet capabilities that allow them to connect to a LAN or the Internet.
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