Specifications

5-1
5.0 Impedance Measurement Applications and Enhancements
Impedance measurement instruments are used for a wide variety of applications. In this section we
present fundamental measurement methods and techniques used to make accurate and consistent
measurements for various devices. Special measurement techniques, including the methods of
enhancing the test signal level or DC bias level, are also covered to expand the range of impedance
measurement applications.
5.1 Capacitor measurement
Capacitors are one of the primary components used in electronic circuits. The basic structure of a
capacitor is a dielectric material sandwiched between two electrodes. The many available types of
capacitors are classed according to their dielectric types. Figure 5-1 shows the typical capacitance
value ranges by the dielectric types of capacitors. Table 5-1 lists the popular applications and
features of the capacitors according to their dielectric classification. Capacitance (C), dissipation
factor (D), and equivalent series resistance, ESR, are the parameters generally measured.
Figure 5-1. Capacitance value by dielectric type
Dielectric type
0.1 pF
1 pF 1 nF 1 µF 1 mF1 F
0.1 µF
0.5 F
8 mF1 nF
004Fp 02 µF
10 0 µF
10 µF
1 pF
F
n 5
2
Fp 6 Air-die lectric
Mica
Ceramic
Plastic films
Tantalum electrolytic
Aluminum electrolytic
Capacitance