Instruction manual

12
 Testing Signal:
Level Accuracy :
 10%
Frequency Accuracy : 0.1%
 Output Impedance : 100  5%
 General:
Temperature : 0°C to 40°C (Operating)
-20°C to 70°C (Storage)
Relative Humidity : Up to 85%
AC Power : 110/220V, 60/50Hz
Dimensions : 300mm x 220mm x 150mm (L x W x H) 11.8” x 8.7” x 5.9”
Weight : 4500g
Considerations
When LCR measurement mode is selected, the following factors shall be considered.
Test Frequency The test frequency is user selectable and can be changed. Generally, a 1 KHz test signal or
higher is used to measure capacitors that are 0.01uF or smaller and a 120Hz test signal is used for capacitors
that are 10uF or larger. Typically a 1 KHz test signal or higher is used to measure inductors that are used in audio
and RF (radio frequency) circuits. This is because these kinds of inductors operate at higher frequencies and
require that they shall be measured at a higher frequency. Generally, inductors with inductances below 2mH
should be measured at test frequency of 1 KHz or higher and inductors above 200H should be measured at
120Hz or lower.
It is best to check with the component manufacturers’ data sheet to determine the best test frequency for the
device.
Charged Capacitors Always discharge any capacitor prior to making a measurement since a charged
capacitor may seriously damage the meter.
Effect Of High D on Accuracy A low D (Dissipation Factor) reading is desirable. Electrolytic capacitors
inherently have a higher dissipation factor due to their normally high internal leakage characteristics. If the D
(Dissipation Factor) is excessive, the capacitance measurement accuracy may be degraded.
It is best to check with the component manufacturers’ data sheet to determine the desirable D value of a good
component.
Measuring Capacitance of Cables, Switches or Other Parts Measuring the capacitance of coaxial cables is
very useful in determining the actual length of the cable. Most manufacturer specifications list the amount of
capacitance per foot of cable and therefore the length of the cable can be determined by measuring the
capacitance of that cable.
For example: A manufacturers, specification calls out a certain cable, to have a capacitance of 10 pF per foot,
After measuring the cable, a capacitance reading of 1.000nF is displayed. Dividing 1000pF (1.000 nF) by 10 pF
per foot yields the length of the cable to be approximately 100 feet.
Even if the manufacturers’ specification is not known, the capacitance of a measured length of cable (such as 10
feet) can be used to determine the capacitance per foot. Do not use too short length such as one foot, because
any error becomes magnified in the total length calculations.
Sometimes, the affecting stray capacitance of switches, interconnect cables, circuit board foils, or other parts,
could be critical to circuit design, or must be repeatable from one unit to another.
Series Vs Parallel Measurement (for Inductors) The series mode displays the more accurate measurement in
most cases. The series equivalent mode is essential for obtaining an accurate Q reading of low Q inductors.
Where ohmic losses are most significant, the series equivalent mode is preferred. However, there are cases