How do you check if an op-amp is consuming too much current?

When there is a load connected to an op-amp, the current consumption of the op-amp will be much higher (op-amp current + load current). The following ways can be done to test how much current the op-amp is consuming:

  1. The best way to test the current consumption is to set up a unity gain circuit and measure the current consumption of the op-amp.
  2. Check the type of ammeter used for measurement. Handheld DMMs are generally not as accurate as benchtop DMMs.
  3. Look at the configuration of the op-amp circuit set-up. E.g., load, gain and inverting/non-inverting, etc.

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