2 layers66.9 × 74.5 mm
2 layers60.7 × 39.1 mm
Micro amps
AlmCoding/micro-amps1Current to voltage converter PCB for measuring small currents
- Size
- 60.7 × 39.1 mm
- Copper layers
- 2
- Thickness
- 1.6 mm
- Parts
- 20
- Nets
- 15
- Pads
- 51
- Tracks, vias
- 52, 0
- Pours
- 32
- Routed
- Yes
- KiCad
- KiCad 9.0 (file 20241229)
- Created
- 1 Nov 2025
- Updated
- 10 Nov 2025
Overview
Micro amps is an open-source printed circuit board by AlmCoding, from the AlmCoding/micro-amps repository on GitHub. It is a 2-layer board of 60.7 × 39.1 mm with 20 parts on 15 nets, routed with 52 tracks and 0 vias.
Its parts include 7 resistors, 5 connectors, 2 capacitors, 1 IC and 1 switch. It belongs with the audio and music boards of this library.
README
README.md🔬 µAmps – Open-Hardware Current-to-Voltage Converter
µAmps is an open-hardware current-to-voltage converter designed as a practical, low-cost alternative to the µCurrent GOLD. It allows precise conversion of extremely small currents into a measurable voltage across three optimized ranges, making it ideal for low-power electronics and embedded device development.
With its analog voltage output, µAmps can be easily connected to a multimeter, oscilloscope, or data acquisition system, enabling engineers and makers to debug and verify power consumption down to the nanoamp level.
🧾 Technical Specifications
- Current Ranges:
- ±120 mA @ 1 Ω shunt ➜ 1 mV/10 µA
- ±1.2 mA @ 100 Ω shunt ➜ 1 mV/0.1 µA
- ±12 µA @ 10 kΩ shunt ➜ 1 mV/nA
- Output Voltage Range: ±12 V
- Output Offset Voltage: <10 µV (@25°C)
- Bandwidth: >70 kHz (-3 dB)
- Accuracy (typical):
- ±0.05% on µA and nA ranges
- ±1% on mA range
- Battery: 2x A23 (±12V)
🎯 Perfect For
- Measuring sleep currents of microcontrollers and low-power devices
- Validating energy-saving or standby modes
- Debugging ultra-low power electronics
- Educational and experimental applications
The analog output allows direct measurement with standard lab equipment, providing a simple and effective way to monitor tiny currents in real-time.
🛠️ Open Hardware Files
All design files are open and available for use under the CERN OHL v2 license:
- PCB design files (KiCad 9.0)
- Schematic diagrams
- Bill of Materials (BOM)
Contributions, improvements, and forks are welcome. Please respect the original licensing terms.
Parts
20| Qty | Value | Footprint | References |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | Conn_01x01_Socket | Connector:Banana_Jack_1Pin | J1, J3, J4, J5 |
| 2 | A23 | current_converter:A23_Battery_Holder_Keystone_82 | BT1, BT2 |
| 2 | MountingHole | MountingHole:MountingHole_3.2mm_M3 | H1, H2 |
| 1 | 1 | Resistor_SMD:R_0805_2012Metric_Pad1.20x1.40mm_HandSolder | R6 |
| 1 | 100 | Resistor_SMD:R_0805_2012Metric_Pad1.20x1.40mm_HandSolder | R5 |
| 1 | 10k | Resistor_SMD:R_0805_2012Metric_Pad1.20x1.40mm_HandSolder | R4 |
| 1 | 10p | Capacitor_SMD:C_0603_1608Metric_Pad1.08x0.95mm_HandSolder | C2 |
| 1 | 1k | Resistor_SMD:R_0603_1608Metric_Pad0.98x0.95mm_HandSolder | R7 |
| 1 | 1uF | Capacitor_SMD:C_0805_2012Metric_Pad1.18x1.45mm_HandSolder | C1 |
| 1 | 270 | Resistor_SMD:R_0603_1608Metric_Pad0.98x0.95mm_HandSolder | R1 |
| 1 | 43k | Resistor_SMD:R_0603_1608Metric_Pad0.98x0.95mm_HandSolder | R3 |
| 1 | 56k | Resistor_SMD:R_0603_1608Metric_Pad0.98x0.95mm_HandSolder | R2 |
| 1 | Conn_02x04_Odd_Even | Connector_PinHeader_2.54mm:PinHeader_2x04_P2.54mm_Vertical | J2 |
| 1 | OPA197xDBV | Package_TO_SOT_SMD:SOT-23-5_HandSoldering | U1 |
| 1 | SW_Slide_DPDT | current_converter:SW_DPDT_SLW_913535 | SW1 |
Questions
How big is the Micro amps PCB?
It measures 60.7 × 39.1 mm and has 2 copper layers, 1.6 mm thick.
What parts does the Micro amps use?
20 parts. The full list of its parts is on this page, with links to each part's symbol and footprint where PCBKit's library has them.
Where can I download the Micro amps KiCad files?
From the AlmCoding/micro-amps repository on GitHub, at the commit this page was made from: the board is micro-amps.kicad_pcb and its schematic micro-amps.kicad_sch. PCBKit opens the board in the browser, with nothing to install.
Can I use the Micro amps design in my own project?
Its repository states no licence, so its author keeps all rights: ask AlmCoding before reusing the design.
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