A vector voltmeter measures both the level and phase difference between two voltage sources. It is used to measure the frequency and phase response of electronic amplifiers and can confirm the phase difference between outputs in a three-phase power source. Scalar quantities have magnitude only, while vector quantities have both magnitude and direction. Vector cancellation occurs when two vectors of the same magnitude but opposite directions are added together. Reactive components in electrical and electronic circuits produce a phase shift in the time-varying signals they are introduced.
A vector voltmeter is a type of electrical test equipment that indicates both the level and the phase difference between the first and second inputs. It is a specialized voltmeter capable of measuring vector properties. A vector voltmeter is one of a large range of test equipment known as vector meters. Vector meters are usually found in electrical design laboratories and special monitoring panels.
Vector and scalar are two common representations of real-world quantities of various entities. The scalar unit has no direction or direction is implied. For example, a mass of 11 pounds (5 kg), a scalar, will have a weight of 5 kg, a vector. The direction of the 5 kg weight is implied to be downward, and the weight of an object is also a vector because weight is a downward pointing force.
Scalar quantities have magnitude only, while vector quantities have both magnitude and direction. When the voltage of a 1.5 volt (V) battery is measured with a voltmeter, the result is read as “1.5V positive”. When another battery is measured in series, the result can be read as “3.0V positive”. If a battery in the series connection has been reversed, the reading becomes 0V. This is called carrier clearing.
Vector cancellation occurs when two vectors of the same magnitude but opposite directions are added together. Vectors can add to or cancel each other out in whole or in part. Real world vectors will not be exactly in phase or out of phase. The phase difference will range from 0 to 360 degrees.
A vector voltmeter is capable of measuring the vector difference between two voltage sources. An example is a three-phase power source where the three outputs have a phase difference of 120 degrees with respect to each other. A vector voltmeter will be able to confirm the phase difference between the outputs. The so-called phase-neutral voltage can also be obtained.
Reactive components in electrical and electronic circuits produce a phase shift in the time-varying signals they are introduced. A phase shift can be between 0 and 360 degrees. Currents and voltages in capacitors or capacitors and inductors tend to have phase differences of 90 degrees. These reactive components in various circuit combinations produce a wide range of possible phase differences at different frequencies.
Another use of the vector voltmeter is to measure the frequency and phase response of electronic amplifiers. The frequency response of the equipment can be plotted by measuring and plotting the input and output levels at various test frequencies. By measuring the input and output phase relationship at various frequencies, the phase response can also be drawn as a guide in implementing additional circuit stages to achieve the desired overall characteristics.
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