Tennessee State University

College of Engineering, Technology, and Computer Science

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
ENGR 2001
CIRCUITS I LAB
Section 02

Lab Experiment #7
Wheatstone Bridge Network

Vance Willis
Lab Partner: Tish Spalding
Instructor: Dr. Carlotta A. Berry

Lab Performed: October 27, 2005

Report Submitted: November 3, 2005

ABSTRACT
The purpose of this experiment was to build a Wheatstone bridge network circuit, and
demonstrate its application as a resistance measurement tool. The Wheatstone bridge
is an instrument used to make precision resistance measurements. The network is said
to be balanced when the voltage difference measured between two specific points in
the circuit is zero. When used as a resistance measurement tool, the resistor in series
with the unknown resistor is varied until the bridge is balanced (V = 0), then the
unknown resistance is calculated.
A typical
a
Wheatstone bridge network is shown in the
diagram here. In this network, the resistor R3 is
varied until the voltage measured between points b
R1
R3
and d equals 0 (Vbd = 0), balancing the bridge.
Once the bridge is balanced, the unknown V
b
d
resistance (Rx) is found using the equation:

R
R x = R3 2
R1

R2

Rx

c
To verify the function of the bridge circuit used in
this experiment, hand calculations, and a computer
simulation were performed to compare to the experimental data. An error analysis
proved the measurement system accurate at measuring an unknown resistor to within
0.62% from the results obtained with a digital ohmmeter.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Abstract
I.

Objective

II.

Theory

III.

Equipment

IV.

Apparatus

V.

Circuits

VI.

Procedure

VII.

Graphs

VIII.

Results, Conclusions, and Recommendations

Appendix A

Data

Appendix B

Formulas and Sample Calculations

Appendix C

References

I.

Objective:
The objective of this experiment is to demonstrate how the Wheatstone bridge
network functions, and to demonstrate its application as a resistance
measurement tool. Using a Wheatstone bridge, an unknown resistance can be
found by varying known resistance values, and then using these known values to
calculate the unknown resistance.

II.

Theory:
The Wheatstone bridge is an instrument used to make precision resistance
measurements. The basic configuration is shown here, where resistors R1, R2,
and R3 are of known resistance, and the resistor Rx is unknown:
a

R1
V

R3

d
R2

Rx

The network is said to be balanced when the voltage difference measured

between points b and d is zero. When used as a resistance measurement
tool, the resistor in series with the unknown resistor is varied until the bridge is
balanced (Vbd = 0), then the unknown resistance is calculated using:

R
R x = R3 2
R1

Values for R1, R2, R3, and V are arbitrarily chosen to suit the resistance range to
be measured. Typically, R3 is a potentiometer, or variable resistor, that allows
the user to easily vary the resistance until the bridge is balanced.

III.

Equipment:
Tektronix Digital Multimeter model # CDM250
Tektronix Power Supply model # CPS250
Resistors: 2.2 k, 3.3 k, and 1 k
Potentiometer: 3 k
Leads (2 pair)
Alligator Clips
Breadboard
PSpice software program

IV.

Apparatus:
Experiment Parts 1 and 2:
The apparatus used for this experiment consisted of a Tektronix digital
multimeter (used in both voltmeter and ohmmeter modes), a Tektronix power
supply, resistors (2.2 k, 3.3 k, and 1 k) a potentiometer (3 k), a
breadboard, and alligator clips attached to the leads on the resistors. Figure 1
illustrates the apparatus configuration.

Figure 1
(Lab Apparatus used for Experiment Parts 1 and 2)

V.

Circuits
Figures 2 and 3 are the circuit diagrams for parts 1 and 2 of the experiment,
respectively.
a

R1

2.2k

R3

1k

V1
d

b
10Vdc
R2

3.3k

Rx

Vance Willis
ENGR2001-02
11/3/2005
Lab #7 Report

3k POT

Figure 2
(Circuit used for Experiment Part 1)

R1

2.2k

R3

UNKNOWN

V1
d

b
10Vdc
R2

3.3k

Rx

Vance Willis
ENGR2001-02
11/3/2005
Lab #7 Report

3k POT

Figure 3
(Circuit used for Experiment Part 2)

VI.

Procedure
Experiment Part 1:
1. Build the resistor circuit shown in Figure 2.
2. Connect a digital ohmmeter across each resistor (R1, R2, and R3) and record
the actual resistance for each.
3. Connect the output of the power supply as shown and adjust the voltage to
10 V.
4. Adjust the potentiometer to 0.5 k.
5. Connect a digital voltmeter across terminals b and d and record the voltage
measured (Vbd).
6. Adjust the potentiometer to 1 k, 1.5 k, 2 k, 2.5 k, and 3 k, and record
the voltage measured (Vbd) for each potentiometer setting.
7. Adjust the potentiometer until the voltmeter reads 0 volts (Vbd). In this
condition, the Wheatstone bridge is said to be balanced.
8. Disconnect the potentiometer from the circuit, connect a digital ohmmeter to
the potentiometer, and record the resistance measured (Rx).
9. Calculate the theoretical value for the balanced-bridge resistance (Rx) using
the measured values for R1, R2, and R3, and verify that the ratio,
R1/R3=R2/Rx, is satisfied. Perform a DC sweep analysis to the circuit using
the PSpice circuit simulation program to determine the balanced-bridge
resistance (Rx).
10. Perform an error analysis for the measured versus theoretical values for the
balanced-bridge resistance (Rx).
Experiment Part 2:
1. Build the resistor circuit shown in Figure 3, using a resistor of unknown
resistance as shown.
2. Connect a digital ohmmeter across each resistor (R1 and R2) and record the
actual resistance for each.
3. Connect the output of the power supply as shown and adjust the voltage to
10 V.
4. Adjust the potentiometer until the voltmeter reads 0 volts (Vbd). In this
condition, the Wheatstone bridge is said to be balanced.
5. Disconnect the potentiometer from the circuit, connect a digital ohmmeter to
the potentiometer, and record the resistance measured (Rx).
6. Calculate the unknown resistance by using the equation R3=RxR1/R2, and the
measured values for R1 and R2.
7. Connect a digital ohmmeter across the unknown resistor and record the
actual resistance measured.
8. Perform an error analysis for the measured versus calculated values for the
unknown resistor.

VII.

Graphs
Figure 4 shows a scatter plot of 1) the experimental measured data, 2) the
results of hand calculations, and 3) the results from the PSpice DC sweep
analysis to the circuit. The close proximity of the three curves demonstrates the
small error observed in this experiment. Note that the bridge voltage (Vbd) is at
zero when the potentiometer resistance (Rx) is at 1.5 k.

Bride Voltage (Vbd) vs. Potentiometer Resistance (Rx)

3
Measured

2.5

Calculated

Bridge Voltage, Vbd (V)

PSpice

1.5
1
0.5
0
-0.5
-1
-1.5
-2
0

0.5

1.5

2.5

3.5

Potentiometer Resistance, Rx (k)

Figure 4
(Plot of Bridge Voltage vs. Potentiometer Resistance for Experiment Part 1)

VIII.

Results, Conclusions and Recommendations

Experiment Part 1:
For part 1 of the experiment, the experimental bridge voltage (Vbd) closely agreed
with both the hand-calculated results and the results from the PSpice computer
simulation. The percent error ranged from 0.33% to 2.58%. Table 1 shows the
measured, calculated, and PSpice results for bridge voltage (Vbd), the measured
and calculated resistance (Rx) with the bridge balanced (Vbd = 0), and the error
analysis. The error analysis performed included a percent error for each value,
and a demonstration that the ratio, R1/R3=R2/Rx, was approximately satisfied.
Note that no error analysis is reported for the values when compared to zero
(measurements when the bridge was balanced). Figure 5 is the circuit used to
conduct the DC sweep analysis using the PSpice circuit simulation software,
showing the location of the differential voltage measurement probes. Figure 6 is
the results of the DC sweep analysis using PSpice. The x-axis is the resistance
(Rx), which was varied from 1 to 3 k, and the y-axis is the differential voltage
measured as shown by the voltage probes in Figure 5. The error observed in
this part of the experiment was likely caused by inaccuracies within the digital
multimeter. A more accurate digital multimeter would improve the accuracy of
this experiment.

Table 1
(Calculated Data, Experimental Data, and Error Analysis for Experiment Part 1)
Calculated
Measured
Pot.
Setting
(k)

PSpice

Res.
w/Bridge
Balanced
Rx
(k)

Error Analysis

Hand

Bridge
Voltage
Vbd
(V)

Bridge
Voltage
Vbd
(V)

2.65

2.659

0.997

0.997

1.5

1.498

0.0158

2.01

-0.707

2.5

2.49

PSpice

Res.
w/Bridge
Balanced
Rx
(k)

Hand

Bridge
Voltage
Vbd
(%)

Bridge
Voltage
Vbd
(%)

2.659

0.33%

0.35%

0.990

0.990

0.73%

0.69%

0.012

-0.012

n/a

n/a

-0.689

-0.689

2.58%

2.58%

-1.15

-1.143

-1.143

0.65%

0.65%

-1.51

-1.505

-1.504

0.37%

0.37%

Actual
Pot.
Res.
(k)

Bridge
Voltage
Vbd
(V)

0.5

0.499

1.494

1.5

Ratio of
R1/R3=R2/Rx

Res.
w/Bridge
Balanced
Rx
(%)

R1/R3

R2/Rx

0.40%

2.1939

2.1888

R1

2.15k

R3

0.98k

V1

10Vdc

V+

R2

V-

Rx

3.27k

Vance Willis
ENGR2001-02
11/3/2005
Lab #7 Report

{RVAR}

Figure 5
(Circuit Diagram used for PSpice Computer Simulation for Experiment Part 1)

Figure 6
(Results of PSpice Computer Simulation for Experiment Part 1)
(DC Sweep Analysis to Verify Vbd = 0 V when Rx = 1.5 k)
10

Experiment Part 2:
For part 2 of the experiment, the Wheatstone bridge shown in Figure 3 was used
to calculate the resistance of an unknown resistor. Table 2 shows the
potentiometer setting used to balance the bridge, the measurement of the
unknown resistor using the digital ohmmeter, the calculated unknown resistance,
and the error analysis. The resistance measurement using the Wheatstone
bridge gave a result within 0.62% of the resistance measurement using the digital
ohmmeter. This error was likely caused by the fact that the potentiometers
resolution did not allow the precise adjustment necessary to balance the bridge
perfectly (Vbd = 0). A more precise potentiometer with a higher resolution would
improve the accuracy of this experiment.
Table 2
(Calculated Data, Experimental Data, and Error Analysis for Experiment Part 2)
Measured

Calculated

Error Analysis

Pot. Res.
(k)

Unknown Res.
Meas. on DMM
R3
(k)

Unknown
Resistance
R3
(k)

Unknown Res.
(%)

2.97

1.965

1.953

0.62%

11

APPENDIX A
Data

Table 3
(Measured Data for Experiment Part 1)
Measured
Pot.
Setting
(k)

Actual Pot.
Res.
(k)

Actual
R1
Res.
(k)

Actual
R2
Res.
(k)

Actual
R3
Res.
(k)

Bridge
Voltage
Vbd
(V)

0.5

0.499

2.65

0.997

0.997

1.5

1.498

2.01

2.5

2.49

-1.15

-1.51

2.15

3.27

0.98

0.0158
-0.707

Table 4
(Measured Data for Experiment Part 2)
Measured

Pot. Res.
(k)

Unknown Res.
Meas. on DMM
R3
(k)

2.97

1.965

12

Res.
w/Bridge
Balanced
Rx
(k)

1.494

APPENDIX B
Formulas, Sample Calculations, and Error Analysis
Formulas:
R
R x = R3 2
R1

(Resistance Rx needed to balance

the Wheatstone bridge)

R2
Rx

Vbd = V
R1 + R2 R3 + R x

(Voltage across terminals b and d on

the Wheatstone bridge)

% error =

theoretical measured
theoretical

(Percent error)

*100

Calculations:

3300
R x = (1000)
= 1500
2200

(Calculation of resistance Rx needed to

balance Wheatstone bridge)

3300
500

Vbd = (10)

= 2.667 V
2200 + 3300 1000 + 500

(Calculation of bridge voltage Vbd when

Rx = 500 )

% error =

1.965 1.953
1.965

*100 = 0.62%

(Percent error, unknown resistance

measured with digital multimeter vs.
measured with the Wheatstone bridge)

13

APPENDIX C
References
Alexander, Charles K. and Matthew Sadiku, Fundamentals of Electric Circuits, 2nd
Edition, McGraw Hill, 2004.
Berry, Dr. Carlotta A. Circuits I Lab Study Guide for ENGR2001. Tennessee State
University

14