Measuring current consumption on a PCB circuit

[Faiz]

Hi all,

I have a problem with my measurement method. I was required to measured current consumption on a PCB circuit board, but I was confused of putting probe terminals. From the attached image, can someone assist me, where can I put my multimeter probes to measure a current consumption for the circuit? Your assistant will be very helpful, thanks.

 

[(*steve*)]

You either need a current probe which will measure the magnetic field and determine current from that, or you will need to break the power connection and place your multimeter in series with it.

If the circuit has a resistor in series with the power supply you could measure the voltage across it.

If you know the thickness of the copper and the width of the tracks you could also measure the voltage drop across a length of the power supply trace.

 

[brokenbot]

Probably the best way to measure current of a circuit is to attach an ammeter (or DMM) in series between the supply and the load.

 

[Colin Mitchell]

Firstly you have to tell us if the current you want to measure is less than 1 amp or more than 1 amp.