Agilent 4285A Precision LCR Meter Getting Started Guide SERIAL NUMBERS This manual applies directly to instruments with serial number pre x 3009J. Agilent Part No.
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Safety Summary The following general safety precautions must be observed during all phases of operation, service, and repair of this instrument. Failure to comply with these precautions or with speci c WARNINGS elsewhere in this manual may impair the protection provided by the equipment. In addition it violates safety standards of design, manufacture, and intended use of the instrument. The Agilent Technologies assumes no liability for the customer's failure to comply with these requirements.
Safety Symbols General de nitions of safety symbols used on equipment or in manuals are listed below. Instruction manual symbol: the product is marked with this symbol when it is necessary for the user to refer to the instruction manual. Alternating current. Direct current. On (Supply). O (Supply). In position of push-button switch. Out position of push-button switch. Frame (or chassis) terminal. A connection to the frame (chassis) of the equipment which normally include all exposed metal structures.
4285A Precision LCR Meter Documentation Map The documentation for the 4285A has been separated into several manuals. Following is a brief description of each manual and its purpose. The 4285A Getting Started Guide walks you through system setup and initial power-up, shows how to make basic measurements and explains commonly used features.
Typeface Conventions Bold Italics Computer 4HARDKEYS5 NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN SOFTKEYS Boldface type is used when a term is de ned. For example: icons are symbols. Italic type is used for emphasis and for titles of manuals and other publications. Italic type is also used for keyboard entries when a name or a variable must be typed in place of the words in italics. For example: copy lename means to type the word copy, to type a space, and then to type the name of a le such as file1.
of the instrument, or software, or rmware will be uninterrupted or error free. Limitation of Warranty The foregoing warranty shall not apply to defects resulting from improper or inadequate maintenance by Buyer, Buyer-supplied software or interfacing, unauthorized modi cation or misuse, operation outside of the environmental speci cations for the product, or improper site preparation or maintenance. No other warranty is expressed or implied.
Contents 1. Before You Begin Initial Considerations . . . . . . Preparation for Use . . . . . . . Power Requirements . . . . . Line Voltage and Fuse Selection Line Voltage Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1 1-2 1-2 1-2 1-2 Fuse Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Setting Up the High Current DC Biased Measurement System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Equipment Required . . . . . . . . . .
Preparation Before Measurement . . . . . . . . . Checking the Option Installed . . . . . . . . . . Operation Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Measurements Using 1m/2m Test Leads . . . . . . . Equipment Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Operation Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . DC Current Biased Measurement . . . . . . . . . . Measurement Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . Equipment Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Preparation Before Measurement . . . . . . . . .
Figures 1-1. 1-2. 1-3. 1-4. 2-1. 2-2. 2-3. 2-4. 3-1. 3-2. 3-3. 3-4. 3-5. 3-6. 3-7. 3-8. 3-9. 3-10. 3-11. 3-12. 3-13. 3-14. 3-15. 3-16. 3-17. 3-18. 3-19. 3-20. 3-21. 3-22. 3-23. 3-24. 3-25. 3-26. 3-27. 3-28. 3-29. 3-30. 4-1. 4-2. 4-3. Line Voltage Selector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bias Current System Con guration . . . . . . . . . Q Measurement System Con guration . . . . . . . Chaining the 42841A and the 42851A . . . . . . . Front Panel Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MENU Keys . . . . . . . .
Tables 1-1. Line Voltage Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2. Fuse Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1. PRINT DISP and PRINT DATA Availability . . . . .
1 Before You Begin Welcome to the 4285A Precsision LCR Meter world. The 4285A (75 kHz { 30 MHz) sets a new standard in advanced component and materials measurement. Use this guide to install and learn how to operate the 4285A quickly. Whatever you are a novice to LCR meter use or an experienced user, this guide will give you a working knowledge of the 4285A so that you can start using the 4285A immediately to evaluate your devices.
Preparation for Use Power Requirements Line Voltage and Fuse Selection Caution Before turning the power on, the 4285A and its accessories must be installed and interconnected correctly. The 4285A requires the following power source: Voltage : 90 to 132 Vac, 198 to 252 Vac Frequency : 47 to 66 Hz Power : 200 VA maximum Figure 1-1 illustrates the line voltage selection switch and fuseholder on the instrument's rear panel. Figure 1-1.
Table 1-2. Fuse Selection Operating Fuse Fuse Voltage Rating/Type Part Number 3A 250Vac 115 V UL/CSA type 2110-0381 Time Delay 2A 250Vac 230 V UL/CSA type 2110-0303 Time Delay If you need this fuse,contact your nearest Agilent Technologies Sales and Service O ce. To remove the fuse, turn the fuse holder counterclockwise until the fuse pops out. Caution Use the proper fuse for the line voltage selected. Use only fuses with the required current rating and of the speci ed type as replacements.
Interconnecting the Units Interconnect the 4285A, the 42841A, and the 42842C using the proper cables as shown in Figure 1-2, use the following procedure. 1. Connect the UNKNOWN terminals of the 4285A and the TO UNKNOWN terminals of the 42842C with the 16048A Test Leads. 2. Connect the ACCESSORY CONTROL INTERFACE connector of the 4285A and the BIAS CONTROL INPUT A connector of the 42841A using the furnished accessory control interface cable. Figure 1-2.
2. Connect the ACCESSORY CONTROL INTERFACE connector of the 4285A and the CONTROL INPUT connector of the 42851A using the furnished accessory control interface cable. Figure 1-3. Q Measurement System Con guration Connecting 4285A, 42841A, and 42851A The 42841A and the 42851A use the same accessory control interface, and both of them can be connected to a 4285A. However, the 4285A can control either the 42841A or 42851A depending on the CONFIG eld setting on the SYSTEM CONFIG page.
3. When you perform a high DC current bias measurement, connect the UNKNOWN terminals of the 4285A and the TO UNKNOWN terminals of the 42842C using the 16048A test leads. When you perform a precision Q measurement, connect the UNKNOWN terminals of the 4285A and the TO UNKNOWN terminals of the 42851A using two 10503A BNC coaxial cables. Figure 1-4. Chaining the 42841A and the 42851A To learn how to use the 4285A Precision LCR Meter and its accessories, continue with the next chapter.
2 Getting Acquainted with the 4285A Front Panel Description Figure 2-1 shows the front panel of the 4285A. A description of the front panel is given in the following paragraphs. Figure 2-1. Front Panel Overview LCD Panel and Softkey To simplify the front panel by reducing the front panel keys for each of the many instrument functions, the 4285A employes LCD (Liquid Crystal Display)-displayed \menus" for operator input.
MENU keys and Display Pages What is the Measurement Modes? The 4285A changes the display format dynamically corresponding to the measurement mode and the MENU key pressed. These formats are called DISPLAY pages. (In this guide the page name is written in ITALICS.) The currently selected page name is displayed in the upper left corner of the LCD screen enclosed in the angle bracket. The 4285A has following three measurement modes.
LIST SWEEP DISPLAY page 4MEAS SETUP5 The display pages under this menukey are used to set all measurement conditions (including the correction function), and to set the bin sorting limits. While these pages are displayed, the 4285A stops data acquisition. When you press 4MEAS SETUP5, the MEAS SETUP page is automatically selected. Press a softkey to choose other pages.
ENTRY Keys In some cases, it is necessary to supply numeric values for a chosen parameter, such as frequency or comparator limits. The ENTRY keys are used to input these values. The ENTRY keys are composed of the digits 405 to 495, a period 4.5, a minus sign 4-5, 4ENTER5, and 4BACK SPACE5. 4ENTER5 terminates numeric input data and enters the displayed value on the input line (second line from the bottom of the LCD screen). 4BACK SPACE5 deletes one last character of the input value.
Memory Card Slot Caution 4DC-BIAS5 This slot is used to connect a memory card which allows you to load or to store instrument settings except for correction information. Stored records can be checked on the CATALOG page. The Memory card is ejected by pressing the UNLOCK button above the memory card slot. Use Agilent-speci ed memory cards containing 4285A-speci c data only. If other memory cards are used, the 4285A may be damaged.
Front Panel Operation Basic operation of the 4285A is described in the following paragraphs. 1. Display the desired display page using both the MENU keys and the softkeys. 2. Use the CURSOR keys to move the CURSOR to the eld to be used. The CURSOR will be an inverse video marker, and the eld is an area to which you can set the CURSOR. (Refer to Figure 2-4) Figure 2-4. CURSOR Keys and Field Operation Example 3. Di erent softkeys will be displayed corresponding to the position of the CURSOR.
3 Basic Measurement Examples Introduction This chapter demonstrates several types of impedance measurements that can be made with the 4285A and its accessories. Each example includes the DUT's speci cations, equipment required, measurement conditions, and operation procedures. The basic procedures to perform these measurements are the same as the \Front Panel Operation" in Chapter 2. Capacitor Measurement In this example a 220 pF ceramic capacitor will be measured under the following conditions.
Note The FREQUENCY can be changed using INCR * , INCR 1Hz , DECR 1Hz , and DECR + which are displayed when the CURSOR is moved to the FREQ eld. INCR * and DECR + set a frequency from the following default 28 frequencies. NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN 75 kHz 80 kHz NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN 100 kHz 120 kHz 150 kHz 200 kHz 250 kHz 300 kHz 400 kHz 500 kHz 600 kHz 800 kHz NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN 1 MHz 1.2 MHz 1.
5. Perform error correction. To compensate for the 16047C's residuals and strays, OPEN/SHORT correction is required. a. Leave the 16047C OPEN as shown in Figure 3-1. b. Press 4MEAS SETUP5 and CORRECTION . The CORRECTION page is displayed. c. Move the CURSOR to the OPEN eld. ON , OFF , and MEAS OPEN are displayed. d. Press MEAS OPEN to perform the OPEN correction data measurement. The message OPEN measurement in progress will be displayed on the system message line.
Insert the DUT into the 16047C's measurement contacts deeply as shown in Figure 3-3. Tighten the measurement terminal knob clockwise until the DUT is in rm contact with the 16047C's electrodes. Figure 3-3. Connecting DUT to the 16047C 7. Perform the measurement. Press 4DISPLAY FORMAT5. The internal trigger starts and continuously repeats the measurements. The capacitor's measured Cp and D values are displayed in large characters as shown in Figure 3-4. Figure 3-4.
Inductance Measurements Measurement Conditions Equipment Required Operation Procedure This section describes an example of measuring a chip type 470 nH ferrite-cored inductor. It will be measured under the following conditions. DUT : Chip type 470 nH ferrite-cored inductor (Agilent Part Number 9140-1235) Ls - Rs 25.2 MHz 10 mA (constant) Function : Frequency : Test Signal Level : 16034E Test Fixture 1. Turn the 4285A ON. 2.
Note The measurement conditions can also be set from the MEAS SETUP page displayed when 4MEAS SETUP5 is pressed. The setting operation on the MEAS SETUP page is same as in the preceding steps (a) to (g). h. Press 4MEAS SETUP5. The MEAS SETUP page is displayed. i. Move the CURSOR to the ALC eld. The current status of the ALC function, OFF, is displayed in this eld, and ON and OFF are displayed. j. Press ON to set the test signal current level to be constant. NNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNN 4.
Figure 3-6. 16034E Contacts in OPEN Condition b. Press 4MEAS SETUP5 and CORRECTION . The CORRECTION page will be displayed. c. Move the CURSOR to the OPEN eld. ON , OFF , and MEAS OPEN will be displayed. NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN d. Press MEAS OPEN to perform the OPEN correction data measurement. Wait approximately 50 seconds until the message OPEN measurement completed. is displayed on the system message line. e.
Figure 3-7. Make the 16034E to SHORT Condition g. Move the CURSOR to the SHORT eld. ON , OFF , and MEAS SHORT will be displayed. NNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN h. Press MEAS SHORT to perform the SHORT correction data measurement. Wait approximately 50 seconds until the message SHORT measurement completed. is displayed on the system message line. i. Press ON to set the SHORT correction function to ON. NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNN 6. Connect the DUT to the test xture.
Figure 3-8. Connecting DUT to the 16034E 7. Perform the measurement. Press 4DISPLAY FORMAT5. The Internal trigger starts and continuously repeats the measurement. The measured Ls and Rs values of the ferrite-cored inductor are displayed in large characters as shown in Figure 3-9. SYS MENU FUNC : Ls-Rs RANGE: AUTO FREQ :25.2000MHz BIAS : 0.000 V LEVEL:* 10.0mA INTEG: LONG L s : 4 5 5 . 6 8 7 n H R s : 1 . 6 6 4 1 9 Vm : 957.5mV CORR:OPEN,SHORT Im : 10.01mA CBL:0m Figure 3-9.
DC Voltage Biased Measurement Measurement Conditions Equipment Required When the 4285A is equipped with Option 001 DC Bias, 640V ( 100 mA) DC bias can be applied to the DUT. In this example, a 470 pF capacitor will be measured under the following conditions.
d. Move the CURSOR to the ALC eld, and ON and OFF will be displayed. e. Press ON to set the test signal voltage level to be constant. NNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNN 4. Connect the test xture to the 4285A. The 16047C test xture is used for this measurement. Connect the 16047C to the UNKNOWN terminals of the 4285A, as shown in Figure 3-10. Figure 3-10. Connecting the 16047C 5. Perform OPEN/SHORT correction.
Figure 3-11. Connecting A Shorting Bar g. Move the CURSOR to the SHORT eld. ON , OFF , and MEAS SHORT will be displayed. NNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN h. Press MEAS SHORT to perform the SHORT correction data measurement. Wait until the message SHORT measurement completed. will be displayed on the system message line. i. Press ON to set the SHORT correction function to ON. NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNN 6. Connect a DUT to the test xture.
Figure 3-12. Connecting DUT 7. Perform the measurement. Press 4MEAS FORMAT5. Internal trigger causes measurements to be performed continously, and the capacitors measured Cp and D values are displayed as large characters as shown in Figure 3-13. FUNC : Cp-D FREQ : 5.0000MHz LEVEL:* 1.00 V RANGE: BIAS : INTEG: SYS MENU AUTO 5.000 V MED C p : 3 8 9 . 8 1 8 p F D . 0 5 2 3 0 7 : Vm : 1.001 V CORR:OPEN,SHORT Im : 12.70mA CBL:0m Figure 3-13.
Measurements Using 1m/2m Test Leads Note When you need to extend the measurement cable from the 4285A UNKNOWN terminals, use the 16048A (1 m) or 16048D(2 m) Test Leads. It is not recommended to use the extension cable other than the 16048A and 16048D. Using other types or di erent length of cables may increase the measurement error. The measurement error due to an individual test leads is proportional to the square of the test frequency.
Figure 3-14. Cable Correction Page 4. Connect the 42102A 100 Resistor of the 42100A to the 4285A UNKNOWN terminals as shown in Figure 3-15. If you don't have an 42100A, the furnished 100 Resistor Box (Agilent Part Number 04285-61001) can be used as a substitute. Figure 3-15. 42102A 100 Resistor connection 5. Press REF. 0m . REF measurement. will be displayed on the system message line. Wait until the 4285A beeps and displays the REF measurement complete. An * will be displayed on the left side of REF. 0m .
7. Connect the 42090A OPEN Termination of the 42100A and the 16048A/D Test Leads with the furnished BNC female-female adapters (Agilent Part Number 1250-0080) as shown in Figure 3-16. Figure 3-16. OPEN Termination Connection If you don't have the 42090A OPEN Termination, con gure as shown in Figure 3-17 using the furnished BNC f-f adapters. Figure 3-17.
8. Press OPEN . OPEN measurement in progress will be displayed on the system message line. Wait until the 4285A beeps and displays the OPEN measurement completed. An * will be displayed on the left side of OPEN . NNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNN 9. Connect the 42091A SHORT Termination of the 42100A and the 16048A/D test leads with the furnished BNC f-f adapters as shown in Figure 3-18. Figure 3-18.
Figure 3-19. SHORT Termination (Alternative) 10. Press SHORT . SHORT measurement in progress will be displayed on the system message line. Wait until the 4285A beeps and displays the SHORT measurement completed. An * will be displayed on the left side of SHORT . NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN 11. Connect the 42102A 100 Resistor (or the furnished 100 Resistor Box) and the 16048A/D test leads with the furnished BNC f-f adapters as shown in Figure 3-20. Figure 3-20.
12. Press LOAD . LOAD measurement in progress will be displayed on the system message line. Wait until the 4285A beeps and displays the LOAD measurement completed. An * will be displayed on the left side of LOAD . NNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNN 13. Press SAVE . Saving cable correction data . . . will be displayed in the system message line. Wait until the 4285A beeps and displays the CABLE CORRECTION page.
DC Current Biased Measurement Measurement Conditions Equipment Required Preparation Before Measurement When the 4285A is combined with the 42841A Bias Current Source and the 42842C Bias Current Test Fixture, 10A ( 35V) DC bias can be applied to the DUT. In this example, a 330 nH inductor will be measured under the following conditions. DUT : 330 nH inductor (Agilent Part Number 9100-2486) Function : Frequency : Test Signal Level : DC Bias Level : Ls - Rs 25.
Figure 3-21. 42842C Bias Current Test Fixture Connection The connection procedure is as follows. 1. Put the guide rods of the 42842C into the guide holes on the front of the 42841A. 2. Connect the input terminal of the 42842C to the output terminal of the 42841A pressing the 42842C toward the 42841A. 3. Rotate retaining screws clockwise in front of the 42842C until it rocks.
Warning The 42842C mounted on the 42841A must be placed on a desk or bench. DO NOT stack the 42841A with the 42842C and the 4285A, DO NOT put any thing on the 42842C, and DO NOT lean on it, as shown below. Doing this may cause the instrument to tumble over. Recommended Physical Setup The 4285A, the 42841A, and the 42842C must be connected with a bias current interface cable and 16048A test leads as shown in Figure 3-22 using the following procedure. 1.
Figure 3-22. High Current Biased Measurement Setup Operation Procedure 1. Turn the 4285A and 42841A ON. 2. Set the 4285A to the I BIAS mode to control the 42841A via the Option 002 Accessory Control Interface. a. Press 4CATALOG/SYSTEM5 and SYSTEM CONFIG . SYSTEM CONFIG page is displayed b. Move the CURSOR to the CONFIG eld. I BIAS , Q ADAPTER , and OFF are displayed. NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNN c.
4. Perform OPEN/SHORT correction. OPEN/SHORT correction is required to compensate for the 42842C's residual impedance and stray admittance. a. Press 4MEAS SETUP5 and CORRECTION . The CORRECTION page will be displayed. b. Leave the 42842C OPEN as shown in Figure 3-23 NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN Figure 3-23. Open Condition of the 42842C c. Move the CURSOR to the OPEN eld. ON , OFF , and MEAS OPEN are displayed. NNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN d.
Figure 3-24. Connecting the Furnished Shorting Bar g. Move the CURSOR to the SHORT eld. ON , OFF , and MEAS SHORT are displayed. NNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN h. Press MEAS SHORT to perform the SHORT correction data measurement. Wait approximetory 50 seconds until the message SHORT measurement completed will be displayed on the system message line. i. Press ON to set the SHORT correction function to ON. NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNN 5.
SYS MENU FUNC : Ls-Rs RANGE: AUTO FREQ :25.2000MHz BIAS : 1.000 A LEVEL:* 1.00 V INTEG: MED L s : 2 9 6 . 4 6 6 n H R s : 0 . 8 2 9 0 1 Vm : 809.8mV CORR:OPEN,SHORT Im : 15.73mA CBL:1m Figure 3-25. Ferrite-Cored Inductor Measurement Results 8. Disable DC bias output. When the measurement is nished, turn the DC bias OFF by pressing 4DC BIAS5 to prevent the DUT from overheating. The DC bias on/o LED indicators of the 4285A and the 42841A will go o simultaneously.
Precision Q Measurement Measurement Conditions Equipment Required This section describes an example of measuring a 10 H ferrite-cored inductor. It will be measured under the following conditions. DUT : 10 H ferrite-cored chip inductor (Agilent Part Number 9140-1238) Connection : Function : Frequency : Oscillator Level : DIRECT Q-L 2.52 MHz 150 mV 4285A with Option 002 42851A with Option 001 10503A coaxial cable (2 ea.) or equivalents (50 coaxial cable, BNC male connectors (2 ea.
Figure 3-26. Precision Q Measurement Setup Operation Procedure 1. Turn the 4285A and the 42851A ON. 2. To perform the Precision Q measurement, set the accessory control interface to the Q ADAPTER mode. a. Press 4CATALOG/SYSTEM5 and SYSTEM CONFIG . SYSTEM CONFIG page will be displayed b. Move the CURSOR to the CONFIG eld. I BIAS , Q ADAPTER , and OFF are displayed. NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNN c.
Figure 3-27. Connecting a Shorting Bar a. Press 4MEAS SETUP5 and CORRECTION . The Q CORRECTION page will be displayed. b. Move the CURSOR to the SHORT eld. ON , OFF , and MEAS SHORT are displayed. NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN c. Press MEAS SHORT to perform the SHORT correction data measurement. SHORT measurement in progress will be displayed in the system message line.
Figure 3-28. Connecting the SMD Test Fixture 7. Connect the DUT to the SMD Test Fixture as shown in Figure 3-29. Figure 3-29. Connecting DUT to the SMD Test Fixture 8. Perform the measurement. Press 4DISP FORMAT5 and 4TRIGGER5. The 42851A will make a small buzzing sound during the automatic tuning operation, and Q and L values of the chip inductor are displayed in large characters as shown in Figure 3-30.
If the 4285A does not display the measurement data, check that the TRIGger mode is set to MANual. FUNC: DIRECT RANGE: FREQ: 2.5200MHz BIAS : TUNE: AUTO AVG : SYS MENU Q-L 150 mV 1 Q : 3 6 . 4 1 L : 1 0 . 1 4 0 0 u H TUNING C: CORRECT : 392.9pF SHORT V: 114.9mV Figure 3-30.
4 Instrument Feature Tutorial This chapter gives tutorials on how to use the following the features and options of the 4285A Precision LCR Meter. Memory Function Automatic Level Control Function List Sweep Printing Memory Function System Memory The memory function of the 4285A consists of the following two types. System memory Internal non-volatile memory/external memory card This memory stores control settings which depend upon the individual LCR meters. Such as: Control settings on the CORRECTION page.
Internal Non-Volatile Memory/External Memory Card Note The 4285A allows you to load/store the instrument control settings from/to the internal non-volatile memory or an external memory card (non-volatile). The 4285A stores the following control settings, measurement mode, and display format.
Automatic Level Control Function ALC Theory of Operation Test signal level is a very important factor when evaluating the device under test (dut). The 4285A can specify the test signal voltage or current. However, the speci ed voltage value and current value can be obtained when the oscillator output terminal (Hc terminal) is opened or shorted. So the actual test signal level applied to the DUT varies depending on the ratio of the oscillator output impedance and the DUT's impedance.
ALC Measurement Time ALC Voltage/Current Setting Range Note Operation Procedure of the ALC Function The required time for the the ALC operation is calculated using the following formula. (meas. time (SHORT) + approx. 115 msec.) 2 n Where, n: Actual measurement/adjustment cycle (2 n 6) When the ALC function is active, the test signal level setting range is limited as follows.
List Sweep Function Structure of LIST SWEEP function Impedance characteristics evaluation by varying the test condition is very common. To simplify the these evaluations and to increase measurement e ciency, the 4285A is equipped with a LIST SWEEP function. The LIST SWEEP function allows you to measure up to 10 parameter points automatically without using an external controller. The following parameters can be used for the LIST SWEEP function.
Sweep parameter (FREQ[Hz], LEVEL[V], LEVEL[A], BIAS[V], or BIAS[A]) Sweep parameter values Limit parameter (LMT) for data A, data B, or none. Limit Values (LOW, HIGH) for LOW and HIGH or either Any other measurement condition is as the same to the settings on the MEAS SETUP page. LIST SWEEP Measurement Procedure This example shows an measurement example under the following measurement conditions. FUNCTION : Z{ SWEEP MODE : sequential SWEEP PARAMETER : frequency [Hz] SWEEP POINTS : 1 MHz, 2 MHz, 3 MHz, .
Figure 4-3. List Sweep Modes In the case of the step mode, the 4285A increments a sweep point each time it is triggered as shown in Figure 4-3. 10. Move the CURSOR to the sweep parameter eld. The following softkeys will be displayed. FREQ [Hz] LEVEL [V] LEVEL [A] BIAS [V] BIAS [A] NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN Press FREQ [Hz] to choose the frequency as the sweep parameter. 11. Move the CURSOR to the sweep parameter eld. 12. Press 415 and the unit softkeys will be displayed automatically. 13. Press MHz .
435, NNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNN 445, NNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNN 455, NNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNN 465, NNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNN 475, NNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNN 485, NNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNN 495, NNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNN MHz , OFF MHz , OFF MHz , OFF MHz , OFF MHz , OFF MHz , OFF MHz , OFF 415, 405, NNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNN MHz , OFF Now, the LIST SWEEP setting is complete. 14. Press 4DISPLAY FORMAT5 and LIST SWEEP to display the measurement results.
Print Function The 4285A can directly print out the data on an GPIB printer without the need for an external computer. Before printing, the 4285A must be set to the talk only mode. Press 4CATALOG/SYSTEM5 and SYSTEM CONFIG to display SYSTEM CONFIG page. NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN To set the 4285A to the talk-only mode, move the CURSOR to the TALK ONLY eld, and press ON . When the TALK ONLY eld is set to ON, talk (TLK) GPIB state indicator on the front panel is lit.
Printer Requirements Printer Troubleshooting Note To correctly print the data, the printer must be capable of the following. GPIB Interface Listen Always (only) state For example, 2225 ThinkJet Printer (with GPIB interface) matches these requirements. If you encounter a printing problem, check the following. 1. Look for an error message on the LCD panel. (All error messages are explained in Appendix B of the 4285A operation manual (Agilent part number 04285-90000). 2.
5 What's Next? Now that you have the instrument unpacked, inspected and operating, and you will also be familiar with the 4285A's basic operation. Your next step depends on your needs. If you want to perform normal LCR measurement (auto balancing bridge measuring method), refer to 4285A OPERATION MANUAL (Agilent Part Number 04285-90010). This manual provides general information, speci cations, front panel operation, GPIB programming information, and in depth reference information.