I’m working on a project where I need to check the current drawn by a circuit during different states. Is it possible to use an oscilloscope for this?
An oscilloscope, a device primarily designed for voltage measurements, can also be effectively used to measure current. One method involves employing a shunt resistor, a low-resistance component placed in series with the circuit.
By measuring the voltage drop across this resistor, which is directly proportional to the current flowing through it according to Ohm's Law (V = IR), the current value can be determined.
Alternatively, a current probe can be utilized. This specialized tool directly senses the magnetic field generated by the current flow and converts it into a proportional voltage, which is then displayed by the oscilloscope.
Yes, you can use an oscilloscope with a current probe for the best accuracy and convenience. Alternatively, you can use a shunt resistor in series and measure the voltage drop to calculate current (I=V/R).