Design & Build A Milliohm Meter - Scullcom

5/26/24, 1:26 PM Design & Build a Milliohm Meter – Scullcom
Scullcom Hobby Electronics
YouTube 28K
Search… 
CATEGORIES
 5 Volt Precision Reference

(http://www.scullcom.uk/category/
projects/5-volt-precision-
reference/)
 Basics
Design & Build a Milliohm Meter basics/)
 Constant Current Source Box

 17th October 2015 (http://www.scullcom.uk/design-build-a-milliohm-meter/)  (http://www.scullcom.uk/category/
Louis Scully (http://www.scullcom.uk/author/louis/)  Milliohm Meter projects/constant-current-source-
box/)
(http://www.scullcom.uk/category/projects/milliohm-meter/), Projects
(http://www.scullcom.uk/category/projects/)  DC Load
(http://www.scullcom.uk/category/ 
projects/dc-load/)
www.scullcom.uk/design-build-a-milliohm-meter/ 1/24
In this project we will design and build a milliohm meter which is capable of  DC Voltage Calibrator
measuring low resistance from 2 ohm to 0.1 milliohm with an accuracy of 0.1%
projects/dc-voltage-calibrator/)
or better. The unit will be easy to build and low cost.
 DIY PCB Exposure Unit
Scullcom Hobby Electronics #31 - Design & Build a Milliohm Meter projects/diy-pcb-exposure-unit/)
 Frequency Reference
projects/frequency-reference/)
 Function Generator
projects/function-generator/)
 Function Generator Mk2

projects/function-generator-mk2/)
 GPS System
projects/gps-system/)
 LED Floodlight
Below are the links to the circuit diagram and the PCB artwork and layout: (http://www.scullcom.uk/category/
projects/led-floodlight/)
http://www.scullcom.com/Scullcom_Milliohm_Meter_Circuit.pdf
(http://www.scullcom.com/Scullcom_Milliohm_Meter_Circuit.pdf)  Low Current Reference
http://www.scullcom.com/Milliohm_PCB_Circuit.pdf (http://www.scullcom.uk/category/
projects/low-current-reference/)
(http://www.scullcom.com/Milliohm_PCB_Circuit.pdf)
 Milliohm Meter
projects/milliohm-meter/)

 Millivolt Meter
projects/millivolt-meter/)
 OP Amp
basics/op-amp/)
 Precision Voltage Reference

Box
projects/precision-voltage-
reference-box/)
 Projects
projects/)
 Pulse Generator
projects/pulse-generator/)
 Resistor
basics/resistor/)
 Reviews
(http://www.scullcom.uk/category/r
eviews/)
 Stair-Step Waveform Generator

projects/stair-step-waveform-
generator/)
 Teardowns
(http://www.scullcom.uk/category/t
eardowns/) 
 Tutorials
(http://www.scullcom.uk/category/t
utorials/)
 Uncategorised
uncategorised/)
 ZX80
projects/zx80/)
ARCHIVES
Testing the project on a breadboard  August 2018

(http://www.scullcom.uk/2018/08/)
 December 2017
 June 2017
 December 2016
 November 2016
 September 2016
 June 2016 
 May 2016
 March 2016
 February 2016
 January 2016
 December 2015
 October 2015
 September 2015
 August 2015
Surface mount IC’s soldered on the print side of the PCB (http://www.scullcom.uk/2015/08/)
Parts List Below:  July 2015

1 x LT3092 (SOT-223 case format) Programmable Current Source.
1 x LT1634 – 1.25v version Precision Shunt Regulator (SOIC Case format).  May 2015
1 x INA106 – Precision Diff. Amp. (SOIC Case Format). (http://www.scullcom.uk/2015/05/)
MAX680 – Dual Voltage Converter (DIL format).
 April 2015
LM2940 – 5 volt Low Drop Regulator (TO-220 format) (http://www.scullcom.uk/2015/04/)
1 x 8 pin DIL socket.
1 x small push button on/off latching switch.  March 2015
1 x 220uF 16 volt capacitor. 
4 x 4.7uF tantalum capacitors.
8 x 100 ohm 0.1% resistors.  February 2015

1 x 56 ohm 0.1% resistor.
1 x 10 ohm 0.1% resistor.
1 x 499 Kohm 0.1% resistor.
1 x 100 ohm 15 turn horizontal preset. RECENT COMMENTS
1 x 100K 15 turn horizontal preset.
6 x 4mm banana sockets  Peter on Design & Build a GPS
1 x battery holder for 6 x AA batteries. locked Frequency Standard – Part 4
(http://www.scullcom.uk/design-
PCB available from OSH Park build-a-gps-locked-frequency-
standard-part-4/#comment-4146)
A PCB (using surface mount components) designed by one of my subscribers
“pbreviceps” (Greg). Greg has taken my design and produced a very high  AW on Function Generator Mk2
(http://www.scullcom.uk/function-
quality PCB (double sided).
generator-mk2/#comment-4007)
Checkout the details of this project on his website at:
 Philip Staniforth on Time
http://www.barbouri.com/2016/05/27/milliohm-meter/
Electronics 404S & 404N DC
(http://www.barbouri.com/2016/05/27/milliohm-meter/) Millivolt Source Teardown &
Review
This is available from OSH Park (free delivery worldwide). (http://www.scullcom.uk/time-
electronics-404s-404n-dc-millivolt-
source-teardown-
review/#comment-3998)
 Umberto Marcucci on DC
Voltage Calibrator
(http://www.scullcom.uk/dc-
voltage-calibrator/#comment-
3970)
 Šoaslav Negraubil on Function

Generator Mk2
(http://www.scullcom.uk/function-
generator-mk2/#comment-3877) 
META
Log In (/wp-login.php)
Posts RSS (/?feed=rss2)
Posts RSS (/?feed=comments-rss2)
Link to order the PCB is below:

https://oshpark.com/shared_projects/UWvehNO2
(https://oshpark.com/shared_projects/UWvehNO2)
The PCB design file is also available on this webpage to download (link below):
https://644db4de3505c40a0444-
327723bce298e3ff5813fb42baeefbaa.ssl.cf1.rackcdn.com/5a5ef7b1d7e689f12
a6941a2c994aa88.brd (https://644db4de3505c40a0444-
327723bce298e3ff5813fb42baeefbaa.ssl.cf1.rackcdn.com/5a5ef7b1d7e689f12
a6941a2c994aa88.brd)
Details of Project update (23rd September 2016)
The latest update to this project uses the PCB designed by Greg as show
above. The circuit has changed slightly in terms of the resistors used to set the
current source. Also the values of the capacitors for the DC to DC charge pump
circuit have been increased to 22μF. Additional decoupling on the IC power
pins have been added.
Scullcom Hobby Electronics #43 - Milliohm Meter Up…

Up…
Below is the updated resistor network for the current source.
Below is the updated DC to DC charge pump circuit details:
SCULLCOM HOBBY ELECTRONICS – MILLIVOLT METER Mk2 PARTS LIST

PCB is available from OSH Park. A PCB (using surface mount components)
designed by one of my subscribers “pbreviceps” (Greg Christenson). Greg has
taken my design and produced a very high quality PCB (double sided) and
made it freely available to purchase from OSH Park (3 blank PCB’s are supplied
at a cost of US$19.5 plus shipping costs). Direct link:
https://oshpark.com/shared_projects/UWvehNO2
1 x LM2940IMP-5.0 – SOT-223 (Farnell Order Code 1469076)
1 x LT3092EST#PBF – SOT223 (Farnell Order Code 2295469)
1 x LT1634BCS8-1.25#PBF NSOIC-8 (Farnell Order Code 1273451)
1 x MAX680CSA+ NSOIC-8 (Farnell Order Code 9725717)
1 x INA106U – SOIC (Farnell Order Code 1212395)
4 x 56.2 Ω 250 mW, ± 0.1% ±15ppm/°C (Farnell Order Code 9503277 or
1751304)
1 x 63.4 Ω 250 mW, ± 0.1% ±15ppm/°C (Farnell Order Code 1083123)
1 x 10 Ω 250 mW, ± 0.1% ±15ppm/°C (Farnell Order Code 1083036)
1 x 100 Ω 250 mW, ± 0.1% ±15ppm/°C (Farnell Order Code 9499865 or 
1083143)
1 x 499 KΩ 250 mW, ± 0.1% ±15ppm/°C (Farnell Order Code 1083547)

1 x 220 μF 35v electrolytic (Farnell Order Code 1144628) or similar
4 x 22 μF 25v electrolytic (Farnell Order Code 2079085) or similar
5 x 0.1 μF ceramic (Farnell Order Code 2529480) or similar
1 x 100 Ω preset (BOURNS 3296P-1-101LF TRIMMER, 25 TURN 100R (Farnell
Order Code 9353020)
1 x 100 KΩ preset (BOURNS 3296P-1-104LF TRIMMER, POT, 100K, 10%,
25TURN, (Farnell Order Code 9353054)
1 x 4 ½ Digit High Precision +/- 2V 0-1.9999V Red LED Digital Panel Meter.
From seller yourcartmax on eBay. Direct link below:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/261284812938?
_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
or alternative from eBay seller coldfusionx, direct link:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/350261421976
1 x Black textured ABS enclosure with sloping panel. 150mm length, 95mm
width, height slopes from 33.2 to 49.5mm. From www.rapidonline.com (Order
Code: 30-3606). Direct link below:
https://www.rapidonline.com/rapid-g1168b-150x95x50-black-case-30-3606
1 x PP3 9V Battery Holder Clip Connector. From seller utronix_ltd on eBay.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/PP3-9V-BATTERY-HOLDER-CLIP-CONNECTOR-
IDEAL-FOR-GUITAR-EFFECTS-PEDAL-/262341198335?
hash=item3d14c101ff:g:DVkAAOSw-itXsZc-
High quality Alligator Kelvin Test gold plated clip 2 Colors Red + Black. From
seller louisliu2009 on eBay. Direct link below:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/4pcs-High-quality-Alligator-Kelvin-Test-gold-plated-
clip-2-Colors-Red-Black-/180779978390?hash=item2a17538e96:g:SlgAAMXQ-
3NRnBmn
2 x 4mm Insulated Test Socket Red (Rapid order code 17-2677) or similar
2 x 4mm Insulated Test Socket Black (Rapid order code 17-2674) or similar 
1 x 4mm Insulated Test Socket Yellow (Rapid order code 17-2679) or similar
1 x 4mm Insulated Test Socket Green (Rapid order code 17-2676) or similar
The 4mm sockets available from Rapid, direct link below: or similar
https://www.rapidonline.com/4mm-insulated-test-socket-83057
1 x On/Off switch either toggle or push button
1 x 2.1mm pin diameter DC power socket (Rapid order code 50-3276) or
similar
https://www.rapidonline.com/cliff-electronic-fc681445-dc-socket-5-5-x-2-1mm-
model-scd-026-50-3276
Greg has now design a new version (Version 1.5) of the PCB which now has 5
volt supply connections for the panel meter. This version of the PCB is
available from:
https://oshpark.com/shared_projects/oxbxvp22
(https://oshpark.com/shared_projects/oxbxvp22)
Check out the link below on Greg’s website which show details of his take on 
this project:
http://www.barbouri.com/2016/10/09/milliohm-meter-version-1-5/
(http://www.barbouri.com/2016/10/09/milliohm-meter-version-1-5/)
Below information about the IC’s used in this project

The LT3092EST#PBF is a programmable 2-terminal Current Source. It requires
only two resistors to set an output current between 0.5 and 200mA. It is stable
without input and output capacitors, offering high DC and AC impedance. The
SET pin features 1% initial accuracy and low temperature coefficient. Current
regulation is better than 10ppm/V from 1.5 to 40V.
The LT1634 series micropower precision shunt Voltage Reference for use with
calibrators. The band-gap reference uses trimmed precision thin film resistors
to achieve 0.05% initial voltage accuracy. Improved curvature correction
technique guarantees 10ppm/°C maximum temperature drift. Advances in
design guarantee 10µA operation and low temperature cycling hysteresis. The
LT1634 does not require an output compensation capacitor, but is stable with
capacitive loads. Low dynamic impedance makes the LT1634 reference easy to
use from unregulated supplies.
The INA106U is a precision fixed-gain Differential Amplifier consisting of a

precision op amp and on-chip metal film resistors. The resistors are laser
trimmed for accurate gain and high common-mode rejection. Excellent TCR
tracking of the resistors maintains gain accuracy and common-mode rejection
over temperature. It has a gain typical error of ±0.01%, and a typical non-
linearity error of 0.0002%.
The LM2940IMP-5.0/NOPB is a positive Voltage Regulator features the ability

to source 1A of output current with a dropout voltage of typically 0.5V and a
maximum of 1V over the entire temperature range. It has built-in Internal
Short Circuit Current Limit and Reverse Battery Protection. Furthermore, a

quiescent current reduction circuit has been included which reduces the
ground current when the differential between the input voltage and the output
voltage exceeds approximately 3V. The quiescent current with 1A of output

current and an input-output differential of 5V is therefore only 30mA. Higher
quiescent currents only exist when the regulator is in the dropout mode (VIN-
VOUT <=3V).
 (https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?
u=http://www.scullcom.uk/design-build-a-milliohm-meter/)
 (https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?
text=Design%20%26%20Build%20a%20Milliohm%20Meter&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.scullcom.uk%2Fd
esign-build-a-milliohm-meter%2F&)
 (https://plus.google.com/share?url=http://www.scullcom.uk/design-build-
a-milliohm-meter/)
 (mailto:?subject=Please visit this link http://www.scullcom.uk/design-

build-a-milliohm-meter/&body=Hi!, I found this information for you:
"Design%20%26%20Build%20a%20Milliohm%20Meter". Here is the website
link: http://www.scullcom.uk/design-build-a-milliohm-meter/. Thank you.)
13 thoughts to “Design & Build a Milliohm Meter”
PAUL VERSTEEG
17th October 2016 at 9:41 am (http://www.scullcom.uk/design-build-a-milliohm-
meter/#comment-17)

Hi Louis,
This project gets better and better. Good work!
I have a possible alternative for the precision resistors.

Both the Welwyn RC55Y series (at 2.56 Euro’s a piece) and the Holsworthy
H856 series (at 1.72 Euro’s each) are pretty expensive. Greg ordered a high
number of 0.25 cent 1% 50PPM/K resistors (100 for the 56R2 and 20 of the
63R4) resistors and did his own matching to get near the precision of 0,1%
and 15PPM/C. However, Mouser has the NEOHM YR1B series with the
required precision (0.1%) and a TC of 15 PPM/C for only 0.25 Euro’s in
single quantities for all the required resistors (63R4, 56R2, 100R, 499K and
10R). Digikey has them too, but only in minimum quantities of 1,000
pieces. There are only 8 resistors required, but when you’re on a tight
budget and can get them all for the price of one…
REPLY (HTTP://WWW.SCULLCOM.UK/DESIGN-BUILD-A-MILLIOHM-METER/?REPLYTOCOM=17#RESPOND)
ION (HTTP://NONE)
9th April 2017 at 7:25 pm (http://www.scullcom.uk/design-build-a-milliohm-meter/#comment-
32)
Hello Louis,
I looked through the whole project and i did not see a complete schematic
diagram.
I would like to look and study the schematic before, then i will order the
PCB and parts.
I want ot understand how it works.
I am a visual person and looking at at schematic is better than reading.
By the way, who drive your LCD display.
I did not see any microprocessor on your drawings. 
Please reply to my email because i might miss your reply here.

Thank you
Ion.
JAMES HAUSER
meter/#comment-61)
Is the parts list labeled wrong from the pcb board?? I see this in several
locations.
HENRY
3rd November 2018 at 10:48 am (http://www.scullcom.uk/design-build-a-milliohm-
meter/#comment-273)
Hi, I like your website and the youtube channel very much and already
built some stuff (i.e. current box, milliohm meter). All working very good. I
ordered 3 MilliOhmMeter PCB‘s from OshPark v1.5. If someone is
interested, 2 are left over. I‘m from germany, so delivery within germany
would be preferred (or europe) not overseas, too expensive I think. 7€ plus
shipping.
GEORGE
3rd November 2018 at 10:57 pm (http://www.scullcom.uk/design-build-a-milliohm-
meter/#comment-275)
I can’t figure out what is wrong but I get an error. -0.002 and some
times -0.001 when the leads are shorted.
Any help pls

HENRY
4th November 2018 at 8:39 am (http://www.scullcom.uk/design-build-a-
milliohm-meter/#comment-276)
Apply a small voltage i.e. from a 1.5V battery to the input of

the panel-meter. Desolder the input wires from the PCB frst!
Do you get a reading of about 1.5? If so, the panel-meter is ok.
Solder the wires back to the PCB. Apply a small voltage (less
than 200mv = 0,2V, use a 1:10 divider with the 1.5V battery) to
the sense input of the pcb. Do you get a reading on the panel-
meter? If not, inspect the sense part. Are the supply voltages
for the INA present? +/-10V as generated by the MAX680? With
shorted sense input you should be able to adjust the reading
to zero, using the 100k trimmer. If you have been able to
adjust the source part to 100mA, this part should be ok. To be
sure, measure the voltage from pin 6 to pin 4 of the LT1634.
You should get 1.25V with very litte deviation. Hope this helps.

HENRY
4th November 2018 at 8:48 am (http://www.scullcom.uk/design-build-a-
milliohm-meter/#comment-277)
Hint, to measure the 1.25V of the LT1634 the source

output has to be shorted or a small (less than 2Ohm)
resistor connected! I had a fault too. I used three
4.7Ohm 0,1% resistors in series instead of 4 56Ohm in
parallel. but it didn’t work. Until I realized, that I have
been sent 4.7k resistors, labeled as 4.7Ohm. Took me
some time. So carefully check the resistors too.
(HTTP://WWW.SCULLCOM.UK/DESIGN-BUILD-A-MILLIOHM-METER/?REPLYTOCOM=277#RESPOND)
MARCEL
22nd March 2021 at 10:57 pm (http://www.scullcom.uk/design-build-a-milliohm-
meter/#comment-1186)
Hi Henry,
This might be long time overdue, but I only came across this post
just now 😉 So my question is, did you get rid of these pcb’s or are
they still loitering in one of your bins?
Kind regards,
Marcel Huguenin
GEORGE
3rd November 2018 at 10:54 pm (http://www.scullcom.uk/design-build-a-milliohm-
meter/#comment-274)
I get 0.001 always no mater what resistance is sensed. I have adjusted the
current to 100mA. Already spend on populating two pcb.
Any help pls.

MARK PETTITT
8th November 2018 at 5:49 pm (http://www.scullcom.uk/design-build-a-milliohm-
meter/#comment-279)
Hi has anyone got the fascia design for the constant current source box
they could share with me?
Thanks
Mark.
BEANHAULER
8th October 2022 at 10:34 pm (http://www.scullcom.uk/design-build-a-milliohm-
Not a biggy but the schematic is marked ground on the INA106U OP AMP
OUTPUT that clearly connect to the minus 10v line
Nice project though just needs the interface to an a to d and the arduino 
CHRIS SCHOUTEN
Hello, I have a question about C8.

In the schematic it is connected to the 5v + while on the PCB it is connected
with a thermal pad to
the grounplanes (= the power supply -).
What is the correct connection?
STEVEN
30th November 2022 at 1:46 pm (http://www.scullcom.uk/design-build-a-milliohm-
where can i buy the pcb?

LEAVE A REPLY
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
Comment

Name *
Email *
Website
I'm not a robot

reCAPTCHA
Privacy - Terms
POST COMMENT
 DROK DC to DC Converter Upgrade (http://www.scullcom.uk/drok-dc-to-dc-converter-upgrade/)
Design & Build 6½ Digit Millivolt Meter – Part 1  (http://www.scullcom.uk/design-build-6%c2%bd-digit-

millivolt-meter-part-1/)

Scullcom.uk all lefts reversed Theme by Colorlib (http://colorlib.com/) Powered by

WordPress (http://wordpress.org/)

Design & Build A Milliohm Meter - Scullcom

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Design & Build A Milliohm Meter - Scullcom

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Design & Build A Milliohm Meter - Scullcom

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

5/26/24, 1:26 PM Design & Build a Milliohm Meter – Scullcom

Scullcom Hobby Electronics

 5 Volt Precision Reference

 Constant Current Source Box

 Function Generator Mk2

 Precision Voltage Reference

 Stair-Step Waveform Generator

Testing the project on a breadboard  August 2018

Parts List Below:  July 2015

8 x 100 ohm 0.1% resistors.  February 2015

 Šoaslav Negraubil on Function

Posts RSS (/?feed=rss2)

Posts RSS (/?feed=comments-rss2)

Link to order the PCB is below:

Scullcom Hobby Electronics #43 - Milliohm Meter Up…

Below is the updated resistor network for the current source.

Below is the updated DC to DC charge pump circuit details:

SCULLCOM HOBBY ELECTRONICS – MILLIVOLT METER Mk2 PARTS LIST

1 x 499 KΩ 250 mW, ± 0.1% ±15ppm/°C (Farnell Order Code 1083547)

Below information about the IC’s used in this project

The INA106U is a precision fixed-gain Differential Amplifier consisting of a

The LM2940IMP-5.0/NOPB is a positive Voltage Regulator features the ability

voltage exceeds approximately 3V. The quiescent current with 1A of output

 (mailto:?subject=Please visit this link http://www.scullcom.uk/design-

13 thoughts to “Design & Build a Milliohm Meter”

This project gets better and better. Good work!

I have a possible alternative for the precision resistors.

Please reply to my email because i might miss your reply here.

Any help pls

Apply a small voltage i.e. from a 1.5V battery to the input of

Hint, to measure the 1.25V of the LT1634 the source

Any help pls.

Hello, I have a question about C8.

where can i buy the pcb?

I'm not a robot

 DROK DC to DC Converter Upgrade (http://www.scullcom.uk/drok-dc-to-dc-converter-upgrade/)

Design & Build 6½ Digit Millivolt Meter – Part 1  (http://www.scullcom.uk/design-build-6%c2%bd-digit-

Scullcom.uk all lefts reversed Theme by Colorlib (http://colorlib.com/) Powered by

You might also like