GW Instek LCR-914 User Manual

Hand-held LCR Meter

LCR-914/915/916 Series

USER MANUAL

GW INSTEK PART NO. 82CR-91600MA1

ISO-9001 CERTIFIED

MANUFACTURER

This manual contains proprietary information, which is
protected by copyright. All rights are reserved. No part of this
manual may be photocopied, reproduced or translated to
another language without prior written consent of Good Will
company.
The information in this manual was correct at the time of
printing. However, Good Will continues to improve products and
reserves the right to change specification, equipment, and
maintenance procedures at any time without notice.

Good Will Instrument Co., Ltd.
No. 7-1, Jhongsing Rd., Tucheng Dist., New Taipei City 236, Taiwan.

LCR-914/915/916 User Manual

Warning

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. . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . .

Safety sheet

. . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . .

Read First

Safety Information

Understand and follow the operating instructions carefully. Use
the meter only as specified in this manual; otherwise, the
protection provided by the meter may be impaired.



 WARNING

Identifies hazardous conditions and actions that could cause
BODILY HARM or DEATH.



CAUTION

Identifies conditions and actions that could DAMAGE the meter
or equipment under test.

 WARNING

˙ When using test leads or probes, keep your fingers behind the

finger guards.

˙ Remove test leads from the Meter before opening the battery

door or the Meter case.

˙ Use the Meter only as specified in this manual or the

protection by the Meter might be impaired.

˙ Always use the correct terminals, switch positions, and ranges

for measurements.

˙ Do not apply more than the rated voltage, as marked on

Meter, between terminals or between any terminal and
earth ground.

˙ Use caution with voltages above 30 Vac rms, 42 Vac peak, or

60 Vdc. These voltages pose a shock hazard.

˙ To avoid false readings that can lead to electric shock and

injury, replace the battery when the low battery indicator
appears.

˙ Discharge all high-voltage capacitors before testing.
˙ Do not use the Meter around explosive gas or vapor.
˙ To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock do not expose this

product to rain or moisture.

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LCR-914/915/916 User Manual

Risk of electric shock

See instruction manual

DC measurement

Battery



Fuse Earth

AC measurement

Conforms to EU directives

Do not discard this product or throw away.

˙ Never connect a source of voltage that could result in damage

to the meter and the equipment under test.

˙ Do not expose the Meter to extremes in temperature or high

humidity.

Symbols as Marked on the Meter and the
Instruction Manual

CAUTION

Maintenance

Do not attempt to repair this Meter. It contains no user
serviceable parts. Repair or servicing should only be performed
by qualified personnel.

Cleaning

Periodically wipe the case with a dry cloth and detergent.
Do not use abrasives or solvents.

2

LCR-914/915/916 User Manual

Meter Description

Front Panel Illustration

1. LCD display: 20000/2000 counts.

2. Function buttons.

3. 5-Wire input terminal for SMD test probe or DIP part.

4. 2-Wire input terminal for Alligator Clips.

3

LCR-914/915/916 User Manual

Package Contents

1. 5V AC Adapter (only LCR-916).

2. USB Cable (only LCR-916).

3. Shorting Cube.

4. SMD Test Probe (only LCR-916).

5. Alligator Clip Set.

6. Hanging Kit (only LCR-915/916).

4

LCR-914/915/916 User Manual









tan

D

1

Q

R

XX

tan

C

1

fC2

1

X

LfL2X

R

XX

tan)X(XRZ

)Xj(XRE

CL

1

C

L

CL

1

CL

2

CL

















































Series Measurement

Parallel Measurement

SS

jXRZ 

PP jXR

Y

11



Measuring Principles

5

Phase Drawing

LCR-914/915/916 User Manual

6

LCR-914/915/916 User Manual

Making 5-Wire Measurements with the SMD
Test Probe

7

LCR-914/915/916 User Manual

Making 4-Wire Measurements with the 5-Wire
Terminal

Making 2-Wire Measurements with the Alligator
Clip Set

8

LCR-914/915/916 User Manual

Measuring L/C/R/DCR

• Press the L/C/R/DCR button to select the measurement
function.

• Press the L/C/R/DCR button for 2 seconds to enter the Auto

L/C/R function.

9

LCR-914/915/916 User Manual

Measuring D/Q/ESR/θ

• Press the D/Q/ESR/θbutton to select the measurement
function.

10

LCR-914/915/916 User Manual

Selecting the Test Frequency

• Press the FREQ button to select the test frequency.

• The selectable frequency range depends on the model:

LCR-914: 100Hz, 120Hz, 1kHz.
LCR-915: 100Hz, 120Hz, 1kHz, 10kHz.
LCR-916: 100Hz, 120Hz, 1kHz, 10kHz, 100kHz.

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LCR-914/915/916 User Manual

Selecting the Series / Parallel Measurement
Function

• At the L/C/R measuring function, it defaults to Auto Series /
Parallel measuring function.

• Press the SER/PAL button to select the measuring function.

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LCR-914/915/916 User Manual

Selecting the Display Count

• Press the 2000 /20000 button to select the display count.

Zero

The Zero mode records the current input value as a reference
and displays the reference on the sub display. Any inputs after
this will be subtracted from the reference value and displayed on
the main display. To use the Zero mode, follow the steps below.

1. Press the Zero button to enter Zero mode. The “Δ” symbol

appears on the display.

2. Press the Zero button again to record a new input value as a

reference.

3. Hold the Zero button for 2 seconds to exit this mode.

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LCR-914/915/916 User Manual

Display Hold

• Press the HOLD button to hold the reading on the meter, press

the button again to return.

Display MAX/MIN

The MAX/MIN mode records the maximum and the minimum
input values. When the inputs go below the recorded minimum
value or above the recorded maximum value, the meter beeps
and records the new value.
To use the MAX/MIN mode, follow the steps below:

1. Press the MAX/MIN button to enter the MAX/MIN mode. The

“MAX” icon appears on the display. The maximum value is
shown on the main display and the current value is shown on
the sub display.

2. Press the MAX/MIN button to select the MAX or MIN mode.

3. Press the MAX/MIN button for 2 seconds to exit this mode.

Note: This function is only for LCR-916.

14

Calibratation

LCR-914/915/916 User Manual

In order to achieve the best measurement results, calibration is
essential. To calibrate the meter, press the CAL button.

15

LCR-914/915/916 User Manual

When “OPEn” appears on the sub display, make the terminal or

the SMD test probe open, and press the CAL button to start the
open calibration. About 30 seconds later, the result of the open
calibration appears on the main display. If the result is “pass”,
press the CAL button to proceed to the next step. If the result is
“fail”, press the CAL button to exit the function.

16

LCR-914/915/916 User Manual

When “Srt” appears on the sub display, short the terminals or the
SMD test probe, and then press the CAL button to start the short
calibration. About 30 seconds later, the result of the short
calibration appears on the main display. If the result is “pass”,
press the CAL button to complete the calibration. If the result is
“fail”, press the CAL button to exit the function.

17

Sorting

LCR-914/915/916 User Manual

To check the accuracy of a part, press the SORTING button to
enter the sorting mode. The sorting result appears on the main
display, and the current value appears on the sub display.

18

LCR-914/915/916 User Manual

The default sorting standard value is the current value, and the
default tolerance is ±1.0%.

Setup Sorting Standard

To setup the sorting standard value, follow the steps below:

1. Press the SETUP button to enter the setup mode.

2. Press  and  button to setup the range of the standard

value. Then press the ENTER button to save the setup value
and enter the next step.

3. Press , ,  and  button to setup the standard value.

Then press the ENTER button to save the setup value and
enter the next step.

4. Press and button to setup the tolerance value. Then

press the ENTER button to save the setup value and exit this

mode.

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LCR-914/915/916 User Manual

Caution

˙ Replace the batteries as soon as the low battery indicator

appears, to avoid false reading.

˙ 1.5V x 4 alkaline batteries.

Battery Replacement

Refer to the following figure to replace the batteries :

External Power Source

Save battery power by using the external power source.

˙Use the 5V AC adapter only as specified in this manual.
˙Do not use other power sources with the meter.

Caution

20

LCR-914/915/916 User Manual

Accessory

LCR-916

LCR-915

LCR-914

1.

Shorting Cube

Standard

Standard

Standard

2.

2Wire Alligator

Clip Set

Standard

Standard

Standard

3.

Magnetic Hang

Kit

Standard

Standard

Optional

4.

Battery

Standard

Standard

Standard

5.

User Manual

Standard

Standard

Standard

6.

SMD Test Probe

Standard

Optional

Optional

7.

AC Adapter

Standard

Optional

Optional

8.

USB Cable

Standard

Optional

Optional

9.

PC Software CD

Standard

Optional

N/A

10.

4Wire DIP Clip

Set

Optional

Optional

Optional

Specifications

General Specifications
Maximum voltage applied to any terminal:
30VDC or 30VAC rms
Display: 2000/20000 counts
Overrange Indication: OL
Battery Life: 80 hours
Low Battery Indicator: " " is displayed when the battery

voltage drops below the operating voltage.

Low battery voltage: Approx. 4.5V
Auto Power Off: 10 minutes.
Operating Temperature: No-condensation ≦10°C,

11°C ~ 30°C (≦80% RH),

30°C ~ 40°C (≦75% RH),
40°C ~ 50°C (≦45%RH)

Storage Temperature:

-20°C to 60°C, 0 to 80% R.H. (batteries not fitted)

Temperature Coefficient:

0.15 x (Spec.Accy) / °C, < 18°C or > 28°C.

Measurement: Samples 1.25 times per second normal.
Altitude: 6561.7 ft (2000m).
Weight: (630g) including battery.
Dimensions (W x H x D):
95mm x 207mm x 52mm with holster.
Accessories:

Power Requirements: 1.5V x 4 IEC LR6 or AA size.
External Power Requirements: DC 5V (USB cable or AC
adapter)
Pollution Degree: 2
Safety: Complies with EN 61010-1, IEC 61010-1
EMC: EN 61326-1

21

LCR-914/915/916 User Manual

Range

Resolution

Accuracy

100.00 Hz

0.01 Hz

± 0.01%

120.00 Hz

0.01 Hz

± 0.01%

1.0000 kHz

0.1 Hz

± 0.01%

10.000 kHz

[1]

1 Hz

± 0.01%

100.00 kHz

[2]

10 Hz

± 0.01%

[1] The 10kHz test frequency is only for the LCR-915/916.
[2] The 100kHz test frequency is only for the LCR-916.

Model

Length

Bandwidth

Type

SMD Test Probe

60cm

1MHz

5-Wire

4-Wire Test Probe

60cm

1MHz

5-Wire

Alligator Clip Set

15cm

1kHz

2-Wire

Shock Vibration: Sinusoidal vibration per MIL-T- 28800E
(5 ~ 55 Hz, 3g maximum).

Drop Protection: 4 feet drop to hardwood on concrete floor.
Indoor Use.

Electrical Specifications

(1) Test Frequency

(2) Test Signal
AC Signal Level: 600mVrms
AC Signal Accuracy: ±10%
DC Bias Level: 1V
DC Bias Accuracy: ±10%

(3) Test Cable

Accuracy: ±(A x B)(% of reading)

A: Basic Accuracy as specified by
B: Test Cable Accuracy
B(%) = 1 + (L x F x T)
L(m): Cable length
F(MHz): Test frequency
T: Cable type. If the cable is 5-wire type, then “T” is 40, else “T”
is 4,000.

When measuring by basic accuracy, the following
conditions must be met:

1. Ambient temperature: 23˚C ± 5˚C < 80% RH.

2. Test cable length: 0m

3. Open and short calibration has been performed

4. D ≤ 0.1 for C, L measurements; Q ≤ 0.1 for R
measurements.

See the operation manual for additional details.

22

(4) Inductance

Frequency

Range

Accuracy

100Hz
120Hz

20.000mH

± (0.5% + 5d)

[2]

200.00mH

± (0.2% + 2d)

2000.0mH

20.000H

200.00H

2000.0H

± (0.5% + 2d)

20.000kH

± (1.0% + 2d)

[2]

1kHz

2000.0uH

± (0.5% + 5d)

[2]

20.000mH

± (0.2% + 2d)

200.00mH

2000.0mH

20.000H

200.00H

± (0.5% + 2d)

2000.0H

± (1.0% + 2d)

[2]

10kHz

[1]

200.00uH

± (0.5% + 5d)

[2]

2000.0uH

± (0.2% + 2d)

20.000mH

200.00mH

2000.0mH

± (2.0% + 2d)

20.000H

± (5.0% + 2d)

100kHz

[3]

20.000uH

± (0.5% + 5d)

[2]

200.00uH

± (0.2% + 2d)

2000.0uH

20.000mH

± (2.0% + 2d)

200.00mH

± (5.0% + 2d)

[1] The 10kHz test frequency is only for the LCR-915/916.
[2] The measuring time is 2 seconds.
[3] The 100kHz test frequency is only for the LCR-916.

Input Protection: 30VDC or 30VAC rms
Minimum Resolution: 0.001uH in the 20.000uH range.
Measuring Time: 800ms

Note: If D > 0.1, the accuracy should be multiplied by

2

1 D

LCR-914/915/916 User Manual

23

(5) Capacitance

Frequency

Range

Accuracy

100Hz
120Hz

2000.0pF

± (0.5% + 5d)

[2]

20.000nF

± (0.2% + 2d)

200.00nF

2000.0nF

20.000uF

200.00uF

± (0.5% + 2d)

2000.0uF

± (1.0% + 2d)

20.000mF

± (2.0% + 2d)

[2]

1kHz

2000.0pF

± (0.5% + 5d)

[2]

20.000nF

± (0.2% + 2d)

200.00nF

2000.0nF

20.000uF

± (0.5% + 2d)

200.00uF

± (1.0% + 2d)

2000.0uF

± (2.0% + 2d)

[2]

10kHz

[1]

200.00pF

± (0.5% + 5d)

[2]

2000.0pF

± (0.2% + 2d)

20.000nF

200.00nF

2000.0nF

20.000uF

± (2.0% + 2d)

200.00uF

± (5.0% + 2d)

[2]

100kHz

[3]

20.000pF

± (0.5% + 20d)

[2]

200.00pF

± (0.2% + 2d)

2000.0pF

20.000nF

200.00nF

2000.0nF

± (2.0% + 2d)

20.000uF

± (5.0% + 2d)

[2]

[1] The 10kHz test frequency is only for the LCR-915/916.
[2] The measuring time is 2 seconds.
[3] The 100kHz test frequency is only for the LCR-916.

Input Protection: 30VDC or 30VAC rms
Minimum Resolution: 0.001pF in the 20.000pF range.
Measuring Time: 800ms

Note: If D > 0.1, the accuracy should be multiplied by

2

1 D

LCR-914/915/916 User Manual

24

(6) Resistance

Frequency

Range

Accuracy

100Hz
120Hz

200.00Ω

± (0.2% + 5d)

2.0000kΩ

± (0.2% + 2d)

20.000kΩ

200.00kΩ

2.0000MΩ

20.000MΩ

± (0.5% + 2d)

200.00MΩ

± (1.0% + 2d)

[2]

1kHz

20.000Ω

± (0.5% + 5d)

[2]

200.00Ω

± (0.2% + 2d)

2.0000kΩ

20.000kΩ

200.00kΩ

2.0000MΩ

20.000MΩ

± (2.0% + 2d)

200.00MΩ

± (5.0% + 2d)

[2]

10kHz

[1]

20.000Ω

± (0.5% + 5d)

[2]

200.00Ω

± (0.2% + 2d)

2.0000kΩ

20.000kΩ

200.00kΩ

2.0000MΩ

± (2.0% + 2d)

20.000MΩ

± (5.0% + 2d)

100kHz

[3]

20.000Ω

± (0.5% + 5d)

[2]

200.00Ω

± (0.2% + 2d)

2.0000kΩ

20.000kΩ

200.00kΩ

± (2.0% + 2d)

2.0000MΩ

± (5.0% + 2d)

[1] The 10kHz test frequency is only for the LCR-915/916.
[2] The measuring time is 2 seconds.
[3] The 100kHz test frequency is only for the LCR-916.

Input Protection: 30VDC or 30VAC rms
Minimum Resolution: 0.001Ω in the 20.000Ω range.
Measuring Time: 800ms

Note: If Q > 0.1, the accuracy should be multiplied by

2

1 Q

LCR-914/915/916 User Manual

25

LCR-914/915/916 User Manual

Range

Resolution

Accuracy

200.00Ω

0.01Ω

± (0.2% + 5d)

2.0000kΩ

0.0001kΩ

± (0.2% + 2d)

20.000kΩ

0.001kΩ

200.00kΩ

0.01kΩ

2.0000MΩ

0.0001MΩ

20.000MΩ

0.001MΩ

± (0.5% + 2d)

200.00MΩ

0.01MΩ

± (1.0% + 2d)

[1]

[1] < 50dgt rolling.

Range

Resolution

Accuracy

-90.0° ~ 90.0°

0.1°

± (0.2% + 5d)

(7) DCR

Input Protection: 30VDC or 30VAC rms
Minimum Resolution: 0.01Ω in the 200.00Ω range.
Measuring Time: 2 seconds

(8) D & Q

Definition Q=1/D
Range: 2.000 ~ 2000
Minimum Resolution: 0.001 in the 2.000 range.
Accuracy: Accuracy of Main Reading x (1+D)
Input Protection: 30VDC or 30VAC rms

(9) ESR

The specification for ESR is the same as Resistance.

(10) θ

Input Protection: 30VDC or 30VAC rms

26