Convert milliampere to microampere: determine the microampere (µA) value equivalent to 0.16 mA.

Introduction / Context:
Designers often downscale or upscale currents between mA and µA ranges. Accurate conversion is essential for setting bias currents, interpreting datasheets, and sizing resistors in transimpedance or sensing circuits.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Given: 0.16 mA.
• 1 mA = 1000 µA.
• Objective: express 0.16 mA in µA without rounding errors.

Concept / Approach:

Multiply the milliampere value by 1000 to obtain microamperes, because micro is three orders of magnitude smaller (10^-6) than the ampere while milli is 10^-3. Therefore, µ relative to m is an additional factor of 1000.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

Dimensional unity check: the mA unit cancels, leaving µA; the numerical factor is 1000, confirming 160 µA.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

16 µA is off by 10×; 1,600 µA is off by 10× in the other direction; 0.0016 µA is off by six orders of magnitude.

Common Pitfalls:

Dividing instead of multiplying when converting mA to µA; misplacing decimal points; confusing milli (m) with micro (µ).

Final Answer:

160 µA