For a multimeter, the Plugable USB-C Amperage and Voltage Tester (USBC-VAMETER) manages to fit a lot of useful features into a sturdy little package. About the size of a USB flash drive, this bidirectional USB tester allows for full USB data passthrough while it monitors USB-C power and charging, measures voltage and amperage, even visualizes the directional flow of electrical current–all in real time.

Connect the VAMETER inline between a USB-C host system like a laptop, tablet, or cell phone and a charger to use it as a USB voltage meter or power consumption meter. An updated OLED screen means a brighter and easier-to-read display in any lighting conditions, and a new orientation button lets you flip the screen with a click.

How it works:

This meter is a transparent interposer–it should not interfere with the USB data (1.1 through 3.1 Gen 2), USB-C Alternate Mode video, or USB-C charging. The meter can be used in-line with USB-C docking stations, chargers, and other USB-C accessories. The meter is able to achieve this without interfering with normal USB-C operation as it only taps into the power (VBUS) and ground connections to measure values and leaves the data lines untouched.

Common uses:

  • Connecting between a USB-C host system like a laptop, tablet, or cell phone and a charger to monitor charge information.
  • Connecting between a USB-C host and docking station to monitor charge information.
  • Connecting between a USB-C host system and a USB-C bus powered accessory like an external hard drive, flash drive, etc to measure power draw of a device.
  • Testing for USB-C port spec compliance such as a VBUS hot condition, voltage drop under load, etc.

Important notes:

  • This meter is not meant to replace professional USB-C test equipment, it is designed for quick/easy measurements for users of any skill level.
  • Not compatible with Intel Thunderbolt 3 devices.

Specifications:

  • Meter is bidirectional and can be connected in any direction
  • Supports 4-22V, 50mA-6.5A operating range
  • Does not support USB-PD R3.1 Extended Power Range (28V, 36V, and 48V)
  • Supports all USB data (1.1 through 3.1 Gen 2)

Additional Notes and In the Box:

In the box you will receive one USBC-VAMETER.

Please note that under normal circumstances the meter will not power on without a device connected (host, charger, accessory, etc) at both ends. If the meter turns on when only connected at one end, the attached device is "VBUS hot" which is against USB-C specifications.