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Difference between Analog Instrument and Digital Instrument
In the field of engineering, those devices which are used for performing measurement of various quantities such as voltage, current, speed, resistance, energy, power, etc., are known as measuring instruments.
These measuring instruments are classified into two main types based on their construction, working and method of showing output −
Analog Instruments
Digital Instruments
In this article, we will discuss the key differences between analog and digital instruments that are used for measurement of physical quantities. Also, we will have a short description of analog instrument and digital instrument which will make it easy to understand the differences.
What is an Analog Instrument?
An analog instrument is the one which shows the results of measurement either in the form of a wave or by the deflection of a pointer on an analog scale. Analog instruments work on the principle of electromagnetic induction, where they consist of a magnet (permanent or electromagnet) and a coil through which the current flows. The measurement is then performed by the interaction between the magnetic field of the magnet and magnetic field produced by the electric current in the coil and the results of the measurement are generally shown by the deflection of a pointer on a scale.
The common examples of analog instruments are analog multimeter, analog ammeter and voltmeter, analog speedometer of a vehicle, etc.
What is a Digital Instrument?
A digital instrument is the type of measuring instrument which represents the output in the form of digits on a screen (LCD or LED). The working principle of a digital instrument is based on the binary number system where, two binary digits (0 and 1) are used to denote two distinct values. The digital instruments are made by solid state devices such as diodes, transistors, MOSFETs, LED, etc. The results shown by the digital instruments are very easy to understand and more accurate. Some common examples of digital instruments are digital multimeter, digital ammeter and voltmeter, digital energy meter, digital speedometer, etc.
Difference between Analog and Digital Instruments
The following table highlights the major differences between analog and digital instruments −
Basis of Difference | Analog Instrument | Digital Instrument |
|---|---|---|
Definition | The type of instrument which works on electromagnetic effects and produces the output in analog form (wave or deflection of pointer) is called an analog instrument. | The type of instrument which consists of solid state components and shows the results in the digital form (digits on a screen) is known as digital instrument. |
Construction | The construction of an analog instrument is simple and direct reading type, involves the use of magnet (permanent or electromagnet) and a coil. | The construction of digital instrument is little complex than analog instrument, as it uses electronics and converter circuit for analog to digital conversion and vice-versa. |
Output | Analog instruments show the output by the deflection of a pointer on a dial or scale. | Digital instrument shows the output on a digital display screen as a text or number. |
Environmental conditions | Analog instruments can be used in any type of environmental conditions. | Since digital instrument involves electronic devices which requires proper environmental conditions to function. |
Moving parts | In analog instruments, moving parts are present. | There is no moving parts present in the digital instruments. |
Change in output | Analog instruments can show the change in output by the movement of pointer. | Digital instruments do not show the change in output quantity. |
Error | With the analog instruments, there is a possibility of considerable observational errors like parallax error. | Digital instruments are free from observational errors. |
Effect of electronic noise | Analog instruments are more susceptible to the electronic noise. | Digital instruments are less affected by the electronic noise. |
Technology used | Analog instrument uses continuous variation of the signal and records its waveforms. | Digital instruments use sampling techniques for the conversion of input signal into binary signal (or digital signal). |
Time needed for reading the output | In analog instruments, time required to observe the output is more. | Time required for observing the output is very less in case of digital instruments. |
Requirement of extra power supply | Analog instruments do not require extra (or auxiliary) power supply. | An extra source of power is required in the digital instruments. |
Accuracy | Analog instruments are less accurate. | Digital instruments are more accurate. |
Sensitivity | The sensitivity of analog instruments is more. | Digital instruments are less sensitive. |
Cost | The cost of analog instruments is less. | Digital instruments are costlier than analog instruments. |
Size | The size of an analog instruments is normally larger than a digital instrument. | Digital instruments are comparatively smaller than analog instruments. |
Presence of display screen | Analog instruments do not use display screen (LCD or LED) to show the output. | Digital instruments use a display screen to show the output. |
Resolution | The resolution of analog instruments is less. | Digital instruments have high resolution. |
Examples | The common examples of analog instruments are Permanent magnet moving coil instrument, galvanometer, needle type speedometer of automobile, moving iron instrument, mercury thermometer, etc. | Some examples of digital instruments are digital multimeter, digital ammeter and voltmeter, clamp-meter, etc. |
Conclusion
In this article, we highlighted all the major differences between analog and digital instruments in a tabular form. The most significant difference between analog and digital instruments is in their type of output method, i.e., an analog instrument shows the output by the deflection of pointer on a scale, whereas a digital instrument shows the output on a digital display screen in the form of text or numbers.
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