# Current decreasing while measuring the current through a constant current source resistor

My Circuit :

The above is my circuit.

The Forward drop of LEDs is typically 2.8V and a maximum of 3.15V. I designed the current through the string to be around 21mA, so the emitter resistor is 33ohms.

Now, while performing the actual measurement, I try to measure the current through the 33ohm resistor using the multimeter (Link attached below).

But what I am getting is that, initially, the current reading that I get from the meter is around 21mA, but if I let it measure for some more time, like for say,1-2 mins, the current reduces to 20mA.

This trend continues. The longer the time I measure the current through the resistor using the multimeter, the current reading keeps on decreasing. I kept the reading ON for like 5 mins and the reading turned out to be around 16mA. I didn't extend beyond that.

But I do not see the intensity of the LEDs decreasing. The Intensity and the brightness of the LEDs are the same (Like if the current through them was actually 21mA. No change in the LED brightness). If I measure the forward voltage of the LEDs, it is around 2.74V.

Any reason why this is happening?

Multimeter Link : 6 and half digital multimeter

• how are you measuring the current? – jsotola May 5 '20 at 4:26
• Lifting one end of the resistor, taking two small wires (one from the lifted end of the resistor and the other from the lifted pad) and using the current measurement mode in the multimeter. – Newbie May 5 '20 at 4:33
• try measuring the current through the LEDs instead – jsotola May 5 '20 at 4:41
• Ok I will try to measure. But any idea on why this is happening? – Newbie May 5 '20 at 4:42
• @Newbie If your control BJT is warming up, then it's $V_\text{BE}$ is decreasing. So the voltage across your 33 ohm resistor decreases, leading to lower LED current. I'd be considering this issue, first. – jonk May 5 '20 at 5:06