Since scopes measure voltage, one way to measure current with a scope is to use a current probe, which can be inaccurate as well as expensive. Then you could view the full waveform, which should looks something like this, and calculate all sorts of useful information. However, making this measurement with good repeatability can be a point of frustration because existing methods of measuring inrush current just don't have the repeatability attribute. I wrote a program that followed the exact same steps that I used on the scope above (setting up a step that went from 0 to 20 V and synchronizing triggers) … No. However, making this measurement with good repeatability can be a point of frustration because existing methods of measuring inrush current just don't have the repeatability attribute. Your oscilloscope may also give you the option of coupling to ground. I use it with a NI DAQ system, but would work fine with a scope (though you'll need to re-scale it). When used in conjunction with an oscilloscope’s voltage measurements capabilities, current probes can enable a wide variety of important power measurements, such as instantaneous power, average power, and phase. Adding an NTC current limiting device to your design will limit inrush current. If you do not care about measuring the DC offset of a signal, and only want to see the AC component, use AC coupling. If you would like to look at both the AC and DC components of a waveform, or are only interested in the DC component, use DC coupling. Alternatively, a current shunt (or current-sense resistor) can be used, based on the theory that voltage drop across the shunt is directly proportional to inrush current. Since it has an incorporated data logger, we decided to use this to monitor the power consumed of a certain system that we have built up.

Here are steps for measuring it, in this case when using the Fluke 381 (see illustration above): With the device to be tested turned off, turn the meter’s dial to or a flexible current probe also used.

... let's take a look at how we might configure our oscilloscope to measure current. The second is to use a current transformer. Your oscilloscope may also give you the option of coupling to ground. Inrush current or input surge current refers to the momentarily large surge current that occurs when a device is first powered on. The design of the device will affect the phase at which the maximum inrush current occurs. Since all three methods require that the current being measured pass through the measurement sensor they are all somewhat invasive. Oscilloscope Accessories ScopeCorders Accessories WT5000 - Precision Power Analyzer WT3000E - High Accuracy WT1800E - High-Performance WT500 - Mid Range WT300E - Economy PX8000 - Precision Power Scope CW500 - Power Quality Analyzer Power Measurement Application Software Power Analyzer Accessories Precision Current Transformers Panel Mount ScopeCorders High Speed Data Acquisition …