Hi,
I would like to measure the power consumption of my system. I have tried to measure the current using the multimeter but it is not giving any constant value, Is there any other way to measure these values.
Thanks.
ashokthella:
Hi,I would like to measure the power consumption of my system. I have tried to measure the current using the multimeter but it is not giving any constant value, Is there any other way to measure these values.
Thanks.
Of course! Put a small value resistor between the power negative - and the Arduino ground. Use an oscilloscope to measure the voltage across that resistor. Use ohm's law to compute the current. that current X voltage = power.
Paul
ashokthella:
I have tried to measure the current using the multimeter but it is not giving any constant value
The current is not supposed to be constant.
ashokthella:
I would like to measure the power consumption of my system.
I think you misspoke. You either mean: "I would like to measure the max power consumption..." or "I would like to measure the average power consumption..." or "I would like to measure the total energy dissipated of my system..."
All cases are easy to do with the right sensors. Which case is it?
I'm sure your multimeter doesn't measure "power", so I assume you are measuring current?
You might want to look for an analog multimeter because the inertia of the meter movement tends to smooth-out the readings and it's easier to "mentally average" the reading. But, make sure it is sensitive enough. Some may not read lower current currents.
Otherwise, you may have to build something with the Arduino that measures & averages current.
But, be aware that current measurement is "tricky", especially if you have a common ground between your measurement tool and the circuit-under-test (meters don't have a "ground", they have a floating common, or negative, lead).
