For a multimeter, the Plugable USB-C Amperemeter and Voltage Tester (USBC-VAMETER3) manages to integrate many useful functions into a robust small casing. About the size of a USB flash drive, this bidirectional USB tester allows for complete USB data transfer while monitoring USB-C power and charging, measuring voltage and current, and visualizing the directed flow of electric current in real time.

Connect the USBC-VAMETER3 between a USB-C host system like a laptop, tablet, or smartphone and a charger to use it as a USB voltage meter or current consumption meter. An updated OLED screen provides a brighter and more readable display under all lighting conditions, and a new orientation button allows you to rotate the screen with a click.

Here’s how it works: This meter is a transparent interposer – it should not interfere with USB data (1.1 to 3.1 Gen 2), USB-C Alternate Mode Video, or USB-C charging. The meter can be used in conjunction with USB-C docking stations, chargers, and other USB-C accessories. It achieves this without affecting normal USB-C operation, as it only accesses the power (VBUS) and ground connections to measure values, leaving the data lines untouched.

Common applications:

• Connection between a USB-C host system such as a laptop, tablet, or smartphone and a charger to monitor charging information.
• Connection between a USB-C host and a docking station to monitor charging information.
• Connection between a USB-C host system and a USB-C bus-powered accessory such as an external hard drive or flash drive to measure the power consumption of a device.
• Testing USB-C port specification compliance, such as a VBUS hot condition, voltage drop under load, etc.