I have a constant current source that can output current in the range of 0mA to 1mA. I am driving 100 microamps through a load resistance (1.5Kohm) and then connected another test resistor (1.0 Kohm) in series with the load resistance. I am trying to monitor the voltage drop across this resistor so that any fluctuations in the current generation can be picked up. For this, I am connecting an oscilloscope across the test resistor and monitoring the voltage waveform.
However, inspite of using high impedance probes (10Kohm) with the oscilloscope whose channel input impedance is set to be at 1Mohm, I am detecting a fair amount of noise in the voltage waveform, which makes it fairly difficult to monitor the 100mV signal that I should be seeing.
Can someone please suggest an approach where I can decrease the noise that is creeping into the measurement? I would like to monitor the current waveform continuously to be able to make sure I am indeed getting the right rating from the current source. Is there a better way to monitor the current waveform which might be far less susceptible to noise?
Thank you.
P.S: At the moment, the entire circuit is on a breadboard and I will make a PCB soon and encase it in a copper lined box (faraday cage) to decrease any EM noise pickup.
Best Answer
Take a look at the MAX4239...
http://www.maximintegrated.com/en/products/analog/amplifiers/MAX4239.html
It is an "auto-zero" type amplifier that is perfectly suited to measuring tiny voltage differentials (and hence tiny currents across a shunt resistor) very accurately with amazingly low noise.
For bench-top use, you can buy the uCurrent...
https://www.adafruit.com/product/882
...which is the above part made into a product. It has a MAX4239, battery, and shunt resistors all on a well designed board with nice connectors. It lets you easily see nanoamps on your scope.
I know StackExchange frowns on product recommendations, but I consider the uCurrent to be a tool class like an "oscilloscope" or "voltmeter" rather than a specific product. If you ever need to accurately measure 1mA or less, buy or build one.