Atlas ESR Capacitance and Equivalent Series Resistance Meter Model ESR60 (Enhanced) User Guide © Peak Electronic Design Limited 2004/2008 In the interests of development, information in this guide is subject to change without notice - E&OE electronic design ltd
Atlas ESR User Guide February 2008 – Rev 4 Want to use it now? We understand that you want to use your Atlas ESR right now. The unit is ready to go and you should have little need to refer to this user guide, but please make sure that you do at least take a look at the notices on page 4! Contents Page Introduction .........................................................................3 Safety Considerations ..........................................................4 Notes on ESR......................
Atlas ESR User Guide February 2008 – Rev 4 Introduction The Atlas ESR is an advanced instrument designed specifically for the analysis of capacitor equivalent series resistance (in or out of circuit). In addition it will, where possible, display the capacitance of the device under test. Summary Features: • ESR measurement range 0 to 20Ω. • ESR resolution as low as 0.01Ω • Capacitance range 1µF…22mF (22,000µF). • Can be used for low-ohms resistance checking too.
Atlas ESR User Guide February 2008 – Rev 4 Safety Considerations WARNING: This instrument must NEVER be connected to powered equipment/components. It is the user’s responsibility to ensure that any dangerously charged capacitors are safely discharged before connection to the unit. To allow the self-protection mechanism to function, always ensure that the Atlas ESR has completed any analysis before connecting the test probes to a component.
Atlas ESR User Guide February 2008 – Rev 4 Notes on ESR ESR C ESR (Equivalent Series Resistance), as it’s acronym implies, is the value of resistance that is effectively in series with an ideal capacitor. No capacitor is ideal of course, the detailed equivalent circuit of a typical capacitor is very complex. For many electrolytic capacitors however, the most important parameters regarding the capacitor’s performance is the capacitance and the ESR.
Atlas ESR User Guide February 2008 – Rev 4 Analysing Capacitors The Peak Atlas ESR is designed to analyse capacitor ESR in or out of circuit. The two test probes can be connected to the component any way around. Remember though that in-circuit testing can result in less accurate readings. Important: To minimise risk of damage to the unit, make sure that the Atlas ESR has completed any previous analysis before attaching the test probes to the capacitor.
Atlas ESR User Guide February 2008 – Rev 4 Analysing Capacitors continued… Once a valid ESR reading has been obtained, the results are displayed. If the presence of external circuitry did not adversely affect the capacitance measurement, the capacitor value will also be shown. If the capacitance could not be determined, the display will only show the value of ESR measured. Cap = 476.6µF ESR = 0.21 * In Circuit * ESR = 0.
Atlas ESR User Guide February 2008 – Rev 4 Typical Values of ESR It is not possible to provide a definitive rule for values of ESR that are acceptable for all situations. The expected value of ESR largely depends on the capacitance value and the voltage rating of the capacitor but also depends on temperature ratings and other factors. Some capacitors are manufactured to exhibit very low ESR values, whilst conventional low cost parts are likely to exhibit higher values but still be acceptable.
Atlas ESR User Guide February 2008 – Rev 4 Probe Compensation To ensure good repeatable readings, particularly for low values of ESR, it may be necessary to occasionally perform a simple Probe Compensation procedure. 1. Ensure the unit is switched off. 2. Press and hold down the ontest button for about 4 seconds until the following message is displayed: 3. The unit will then ask you to short the probes together (by interlocking the jaws of each croc clip). Then press the ontest button. 4.
Atlas ESR User Guide February 2008 – Rev 4 Care of your Atlas ESR The Peak Atlas ESR should provide many years of service if used in accordance with this user guide. Care should be taken not to expose your unit to excessive heat, shock or moisture. Additionally, the battery should be replaced at least every 12 months to reduce the risk of leak damage. ** Warning ** Low Battery If a low battery warning message appears, replacement of the battery is essential.
Atlas ESR User Guide February 2008 – Rev 4 Appendix A - Troubleshooting Problem ESR value when probes are shorted is not close to 0Ω Seems to be stuck “Measuring capacitance” Display shows Removing trace charge Display shows Auto discharge taking too long! Display shows Warning! V=132V Safely discharge Display shows Self Test Fail Code 2 Cause / Possible Solution Perform a probe compensation. It is possible that one (or more) of the 4-wire probe connections has become broken. Check all connections.
Atlas ESR User Guide February 2008 – Rev 4 Appendix B - Technical Specifications All values are at 25°C unless otherwise specified.
Atlas ESR User Guide February 2008 – Rev 4 Appendix C - Warranty Information Peak Satisfaction Guarantee If for any reason you are not completely satisfied with the Peak Atlas ESR within 14 days of purchase you may return the unit to your distributor. You will receive a refund covering the full purchase price if the unit is returned in perfect condition. Peak Warranty The warranty is valid for 12 months from date of purchase.
Atlas ESR User Guide February 2008 – Rev 4 Appendix D - Disposal Information WEEE (Waste of Electrical and Electronic Equipment), Recycling of Electrical and Electronic Products United Kingdom In 2006 the European Union introduced regulations (WEEE) for the collection and recycling of all waste electrical and electronic equipment. It is no longer permissible to simply throw away electrical and electronic equipment. Instead, these products must enter the recycling process.
