User`s guide

Making Measurements 2
Measuring Resistance
U1273A/U1273AX User’s Guide 53
Measuring conductance
Conductance is the reciprocal of resistance. High values of
conductance correspond to low values of resistance.
Conductance is measured in Siemens (S). The 300 nS range
measures conductance in nano- Siemens (1 nS = 0.000000001
Siemens). Because small conductance values correspond to
extremely high resistance values, the nS range allows you to
easily calculate and determine the resistance of components
up to 100 GΩ (0.01 nS resolution)
To measure conductance, set up your multimeter to measure
resistance as shown in Figure 2- 14. Press until the
conductance measurement is selected (nS unit shown). Probe
the test points, and read the display.
High- resistance readings are susceptible to electrical noise.
Use averaging to smooth out most of the noisy readings.
Refer to “Capturing Maximum and Minimum Values
(MaxMin)” on page 92.
NOTE
Keep the following in mind when measuring resistance.
• The test leads can add 0.1 Ω to 0.2 Ω of error to resistance
measurements. To test the leads, touch the probe tips together and
read the resistance of the leads. To remove lead resistance from the
measurement, hold the test lead tips together and press . Now
the resistance at the probe tips will be subtracted from all future
display readings.
• Because the multimeter’s test current flows through all possible paths
between the probe tips, the measured value of a resistor in a circuit is
often different from the resistor’s rated value.
• The resistance function can produce enough voltage to forward-bias
silicon diode or transistor junctions, causing them to conduct. If this is
suspected, press to apply a lower current in the next higher
range.
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