Lab 1: Solderless Breadboards, Open-circuits and Short-circuits

Lab 1: Solderless Breadboards, Open-circuits and Short-circuits

Introduction:

The purpose of this lab assignment is to provide users with an introduction to some of the equipment
which will be used in subsequent lab assignments. We used breadboards and digital multimeters(DMM)
to complete the lab activity. We examine the connections between different holes in a breadboard using
a DMM as an ohmmeter. We see which connections correspond to open circuits and short circuits. We
also use jumper wires to change the connectivity between holes on the breadboard.

Procedure:

1. Using your DMM as an ohmmeter, connect the leads of the DMM to two holes in the same row on your breadboard.

DMM measuring 0.5 Ohms.

2. Check the resistance between two rows of holes on opposite sides of the central channel of the breadboard.

DMM measuring 1 Mega Ohms.

3. Check the resistance between two arbitrary holes (not in the same row) of your breadboard.

DMM measuring 1 Mega Ohms.

4. Finally, use a jumper wire to connect two different rows on the breadboard.

DMM measuring 0.7 Ohms.

Analysis:

1. Provide the resistance you measured between two holes in same row. State whether these operate as open or closed circuit.

R = 0.4 Ohm

    Short Circuit

2. Provide the resistance you measured between two holes opposite sides of channel. Characterize as open or closed circuit.

R = 1 Mega Ohm

    Open Circuit

3. Provide the resistance you measured between two arbitrary holes in the breadboard. Characterize as open or closed circuit.

R = 1 Mega Ohm

    Open Circuit

4. Provide the resistance you measured between holes connected by a jumper wire. Characterize as open or closed circuit.

R = 0.7 Ohm

Short Circuit
Conclusion:


The DMM measured a very small resistance, a short circuit, for steps 1 and 4. It measured an extremely large resistance, an open circuit, for steps 2 and 3. This confirms that a breadboard is connected horizontally across the inner rows with a split in the center. Two different rows are not connected and will produce a open circuit when attempting to create a circuit across without connecting them first.