The current tracer helps locate a defective IC that is loading down the power supply. The tracer amplifies the small voltage drop caused by current flow along a fraction of an inch of PC wiring and drives an ordinary microammeter.

Needle-point test probes are used to contact the edge of a PC trace and to follow the current to determine which branch the current takes.

The Circuit Diagram of Microvolt Probe

One-half of a dual 741 op amp forms a dc amplifier with ac feedback to prevent oscillations and hum-pickup problems. It drives a 50-to-100 uA meter. The other op amp provides a center tap for the 9 V battery supply and zero adjustment with R4. Two diodes protect the meter.

 Resistor R1 eliminates the necessity for shorting the probes when the meter is zeroed. The value of 1 ohm is large when compared with the resistance of the meter leads plus the bridged portion of PC wiring.