measuring current usage at runtime?
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What is the best way to measure the current consumption at runtime? Be great if i could buy a milliamp module or do i have to stick with a multimeter?
I want to add a meter to a running py in the field for research.
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@misterlisty That depends on which resolution you need. You could e.g. get a module with a INA219 chip and read out the value by the py module itself, or another module. The limitation is the resolution. The A/D of the INA219 has a width of 12 bit. If you select the shunt resistor e.g. for a upper limit of 500 mA, then the resolution is ~0.1 mA, with gives you large errors in the low current region. That's a very low cost variant. Obviously the is ready made test equipment for that purpose and small USB plugs in any size and precision, like the small low precision USB plugs or devices like these: https://www.ee-quipment.com/products/real-time-current-monitor-with-usb
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One solution, if your budget can stretch this far, is the Otii. It acts as a smart power supply and can take a UART feed from your device for debugging. I've used one for other devices and significantly reduced power consumption through both hardware and software design changes.
Andrew
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@thinginnovations Not cheap but does look super useful. Thanks for the link :)
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@paul-thornton Sad that everyone needs to have a subscription model... and an expensive one!
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