Rick, Another method you may want to pursue is using a multiple channel datalogger and current shunts. The datalogger can be set to scan every second or quicker, and can monitor multiple channels at once, so you can see the current peaks for each voltage separately, and can show over time what the "average" current draw would be. The units I've used are the Fluke Hydra databucket and the HP/Agilent 34970A. Personally, I prefer the Agilent because of the software that came with it, although I haven't used a fluke that was purchased this century. They may have improved the interface since the version I've used. I'm sure any other voltage-measuring datalogger will work, just a matter of taste.
In answer to your actual question, I don't believe a "true RMS" meter will give you a broad enough time span to measure DC amps over the time it takes for a motherboard to boot and run through various processes. Besides, doesn't the "true rms" only apply to the AC setting? I've never tried to use one for your type of application. Hope it helps, Sam This message is from the IEEE EMC Society Product Safety Technical Committee emc-pstc discussion list. Visit our web site at: http://www.ewh.ieee.org/soc/emcs/pstc/ To cancel your subscription, send mail to: majord...@ieee.org with the single line: unsubscribe emc-pstc For help, send mail to the list administrators: Ron Pickard: emc-p...@hypercom.com Dave Heald: davehe...@attbi.com For policy questions, send mail to: Richard Nute: ri...@ieee.org Jim Bacher: j.bac...@ieee.org Archive is being moved, we will announce when it is back on-line. All emc-pstc postings are archived and searchable on the web at: http://www.ieeecommunities.org/emc-pstc
