What Is a Micro Current Meter?
A Micro Current Meter is a device that measures tiny currents, such as nanoamperes and picoamperes. It is also called a multimeter or picoammeter.
With advances in electronic device technology, circuits have become smaller and more energy-efficient, and the currents in circuits have become tiny, less than microamperes. With ordinary ammeters, it is difficult to detect very small currents due to noise and other effects generated during measurement. Micro current meters, however, are designed to minimize the effects of such noise, making it possible to quantify small currents.
Uses of Micro Current Meter
Micro Current Meters Are Used in Electrical Circuits, Mainly in Small Circuits
Micro current meters are used to measure current values in electronic circuits, for example, in highly integrated and miniaturized circuits, such as amplifiers and communication circuits. Some devices are capable of measuring up to femtoamperes.
Micro Current Meters Can Also Be Integrated Into Production Lines
Some micro current meters have a sampling speed of 1000 times/second and can be integrated into production lines. Such Micro current meters are also used for go/no go testing of electronic components.
In addition, micro current meters are sometimes used to detect leakage current in diodes.
Principle of Micro Current Meters
Be Careful of Noise When Using a Micro Current Meter
Micro current meters are capable of measuring currents as small as nanoamperes and picoamperes up to about 1A. When measuring microcurrents, it is necessary to eliminate noise sources as much as possible. Although the Micro current meter itself is designed not to be affected by noise, the resistance of the sample, the power supply, and the temperature of the environment in which it is installed are also factors that can cause noise, so it is necessary to pay attention to the effects of noise originating from the measurement object.
Micro Current Meters Can Detect Small Currents, but Be Careful Not to Allow Excessive Currents to Flow
Some micro current meters are combined with an ultra-high resistance meter. Such devices can also be used as electrometers. Micro current meters that prioritize sampling speed or noise reduction are also available. Note that the error in the measured value is relative to the measured value, so it is not always possible to measure with nanoamperes of accuracy, and the absolute value of the error varies depending on the measured value. Also, care must be taken not to apply excessive current during measurement, as applying a current above the upper limit of the device may damage it.