Short Answer:

Electronic voltmeters are instruments that use electronic circuits to measure voltage more accurately than traditional analog voltmeters. They offer many benefits such as high sensitivity, fast response, and the ability to measure both AC and DC voltages with greater accuracy and digital display.

However, electronic voltmeters also have some disadvantages. They are more expensive, require a power supply to operate, and can be affected by electrical noise. Despite these drawbacks, they are widely used due to their precise and reliable performance in modern electronic measurements.

Detailed Explanation:

Advantages and disadvantages of electronic voltmeters

Electronic voltmeters are advanced instruments used to measure voltage using electronic components such as amplifiers, diodes, and analog-to-digital converters. Unlike traditional analog voltmeters that depend on mechanical deflection of a pointer, electronic voltmeters process electrical signals electronically and often display the result in digital form.

They are used in various fields including electronics laboratories, industrial control panels, communication systems, and medical equipment, where high accuracy and fast readings are essential.

Advantages of electronic voltmeters:

1. High Accuracy:
   Electronic voltmeters provide much more accurate readings compared to analog types. The internal electronic circuits are designed to detect even small voltage variations precisely.
2. High Input Impedance:
   These voltmeters have very high input impedance, usually in the range of megaohms. This ensures that they do not load or disturb the circuit being measured, leading to more reliable results.
3. Fast Response Time:
   Since the measurement is done electronically without moving parts, the response time is very quick. This is useful in measuring rapidly changing voltages.
4. Digital Display:
   Many electronic voltmeters provide digital displays, which are easy to read and reduce errors caused by parallax, which is common in analog scales.
5. Can Measure Both AC and DC Voltages:
   With appropriate internal design, a single electronic voltmeter can accurately measure both alternating and direct voltages.
6. Extra Features:
   Some models offer advanced features like data logging, auto-ranging, frequency measurement, and storage of previous readings.

Disadvantages of electronic voltmeters:

1. Requires External Power Supply:
   Electronic voltmeters need a power source for their operation. This can be from batteries or mains electricity, which makes them less suitable in power-restricted environments.
2. More Expensive:
   Due to their complex internal components and advanced features, electronic voltmeters are costlier than simple analog types.
3. Affected by Electrical Noise:
   In electrically noisy environments, electronic voltmeters can sometimes give unstable readings if proper shielding is not used.
4. Complex Circuitry:
   The internal circuits are more complicated and require proper handling and maintenance. If a fault occurs, repairs can be more difficult and expensive.
5. Limited Durability in Harsh Conditions:
   Unlike rugged analog meters, some electronic voltmeters may not be suitable for rough or outdoor conditions without special protective casing.

Conclusion

Electronic voltmeters provide significant advantages such as high precision, fast response, and digital readouts, making them ideal for modern electrical and electronic applications. However, they also come with limitations like higher cost, the need for external power, and sensitivity to noise. Understanding both the advantages and disadvantages helps in selecting the right voltmeter based on the specific needs of the application.