Velleman ESR70 User Manual

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.......................................................................5

Analysing capacitors........................................................ 6-7

Typical values of ESR .........................................................8

Probe Compensation............................................................9

Care of your Atlas ESR......................................................10

Appendix A – Troubleshooting .........................................11

Appendix B – Technical Specifications.............................12

Appendix C – Warranty Information.................................13

Appendix D – Disposal Information..................................14

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Atlas ESR User Guide February 2008 – Rev 4

Introduction

The Atlas E SR 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.

• Built-in protection circuitry means risk of damage to the
unit due to residual charge is greatly reduced.

• Integrated controlled discharge circuitry reduces the need
for the user to manually discharge capacitors before test.*

• Use in or out of circuit for ESR measurement.

• Automatic and manual power-off.

* Note:
The discharge circuitry exists to ensure that a charged capacitor
is less likely to damage the unit. For example, if the capacitor
under test has a potential of a few tens of volts across it, the
charge is removed automatically.

It is the user’s responsibility to ensure that any dangerously
charged capacitors are safely discharged before connection to
the unit.

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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 con nection

to the unit.

To allow the self-protection mechanism to function, always

ensure that the Atlas ESR has completed any analysis

before co nnecting the test probes to a component.

Failure to comply with these warnings may result in

personal injury, damage to the equipment under test,

damage to t he Atlas ESR and invalidation of the

manufacturer's warranty.

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Atlas ESR User Guide February 2008 – Rev 4

Notes on ESR

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.

An increase in ESR (due to age, abuse or temperature cycling) can result in
poor capacitor performance. The capacitor becomes less “ideal” and starts to
dissipate more power, an ideal capacitor of course dissipates zero power.

ESR

C

Capacitor manufacturers typically quote the ESR of their products at 100kHz,

which is the same test frequency used by the Atlas ESR.

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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. This ensures that the built-in protection circuit is
ready for any charge that may be present on the capacitor.

The Atlas ESR will start component
analysis when the on-test button is

pressed.

The analysis typically takes under 10 seconds to complete, depending on the
characteristics of the capacitor.

If the capacitor is charged (<50V), the

Atlas ESR will attempt to discharge the

capacitor while showing the progress

Measuring
Capacitance...

Discharging...
Capacitor V= 23V

of the procedure:

If the Atlas ESR cannot recognise the

component connected to the test

Open circuit or

low capacitance.

probes, or the capacitance is out of
range, one the following messages may
be displayed:

Page 6

Capacitor value

too high

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

Cap = 476.6µF

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.

In the event that ESR exceeds the maximum that can be measured, the display
may show:

Cap = 476.6µF

or

ESR = >20.0

The ESR measurement range is automatically determined during the analysis.
Typically, the resolution for ESR measurement is as shown in the table below:

ESR = 0.21
* In Circuit *

ESR = 0.21

* In Circuit *
ESR = >20.0

ESR Value Automatically

selected test current

0.00 Ω – 2.00 Ω 20mA 0.01 Ω

2.0 Ω – 20.0 Ω 2mA 0.1 Ω

Although the measurement resolution is generally determined by the absolute
value of the ESR (as shown in the above table), low capacitance values can
result in a poorer ESR measurement resolution.

Page 7

Displayed

Resolution

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.

As a rough guide only, the following table shows “typical” values of ESR for a
range of different capacitance and voltage ratings.

4.7µF >20Ω >20Ω >20Ω >20Ω 19.0Ω 16.0Ω 13.0Ω
10µF 20.0Ω 16.0Ω 14.0Ω 11.0Ω 9.3Ω 7.7Ω 6.3Ω
22µF 9.0Ω 7.5Ω 6.2Ω 5.1Ω 4.2Ω 3.5Ω 2.9Ω
47µF 4.2Ω 3.5Ω 2.9Ω 2.4Ω 2.0Ω 1.60Ω 1.40Ω

100µF 2.0Ω 1.60Ω 1.40Ω 1.10Ω 0.93Ω 0.77Ω 0.63Ω
220µF 0.90Ω 0.75Ω 0.62Ω 0.51Ω 0.42Ω 0.35Ω 0.29Ω
470µF 0.42Ω 0.35Ω 0.29Ω 0.24Ω 0.20Ω 0.16Ω 0.13Ω

1000µF 0.20Ω 0.16Ω 0.14Ω 0.11Ω 0.09Ω 0.08Ω 0.06Ω
2,200µF 0.09Ω 0.07Ω 0.06Ω 0.05Ω 0.04Ω 0.03Ω 0.03Ω
4,700µF 0.04Ω 0.03Ω 0.03Ω 0.02Ω 0.02Ω 0.02Ω 0.01Ω

10,000µF 0.02Ω 0.02Ω 0.01Ω 0.01Ω 0.01Ω 0.01Ω 0.01Ω

Please note that the above figures are only typical

electrolytics at room temperature, please verify readings against expected

10V 16V 25V 35V 63V 160V 250V

figures for standard grade

values for the particular type of capacitor you are testing.

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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 on-
test button for about 4

Probe

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 on-
test button.

4. After a short delay the display
will confirm that the
procedure is complete and
then switch off.

If the following message is displayed
then the probes may not have been

Compensation

Short probes
and press TEST.

OK

Compensation

correctly shorted during the above
proecedure. This message may also be
displayed if any of the probe connections are faulty.

Page 9

Fail. Try again.

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.

If a low battery warning message

** Warning **

appears, replacement of the battery is

ow

Immediate replacement of the battery is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT as the
built-in protection mechanism may not function correctly if the battery
condition is poor and therefore render your unit susceptible to damage from
even low energy charged capacitors.

The Atlas ESR will not continue to operate if a low battery condition is

encountered.

New batteries can be purchased from many retailers and directly from Peak
Electronic Design Ltd or an authorised agent.

Battery types: Suitable battery types include 23A, V23A, GP23A, MN21 or a

good quality 12V alkaline equivalent as used in many test instruments and
automotive remote key fobs.

a

ery

essential.

Battery access: To replace the battery, unscrew the three screws to remove the

rear panel. Remove the old battery and insert a new one, taking care to observe
the correct polarity. Carefully replace the rear panel, do not over-tighten the
screws.

Peak Safe Battery Disposal Scheme: Please return your old analyser battery to

Peak Electronic Design Ltd for safe and environmentally responsible disposal.

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Atlas ESR User Guide February 2008 – Rev 4

Appendix A - Troubleshooting

Problem Cause / Possible Solution

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!

Perform a probe compensation.

It is possible that one (or more) of the 4-wire

probe connections has become broken. Check all

connections.

This message is displayed if the Atlas ESR has

detected that the attached capacitor may be

exhibiting “Soakage” or “Dielectric

Absorption”, this is quite normal. The

instrument then ensures that the capacitor is very

well discharged and helps to prevent voltage

developing across the capacitor after the normal

discharge procedure has completed.

The unit attempts to remove charge from the

capacitor using a controlled discharge procedure.

If this takes longer than 60 seconds then the

discharge process will be aborted. It is

recommend that you safely discharge the

Display shows

Warning! V=132V

Safely discharge

Display shows

Self Test Fail

Code 2

capacitor manually and try analysis again.

If the voltage across the capacitor is greater than

50V then the Atlas ESR will not attempt to

discharge the capacitor, please safely discharge

the capacitor manually.

It is possible that a hardware failure has

occurred, please contact Peak Electronic Design

Limited for assistance.

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Atlas ESR User Guide February 2008 – Rev 4

Appendix B - Technical Specifications

All values are at 25°C unless otherwise specified.

Parameter Min Typ Max Note

Peak test current into S/C ±20mA ±25mA
Peak test voltage across O/C ±2.5V ±3.0V
Capacitance measurement range 1µF 22,000µF
Capacitance accuracy ±4% ±0.2µF
ESR measurement range 0Ω 20Ω 2
ESR resolution for ESR < 2Ω 0.01Ω 0.02Ω
ESR resolution for ESR > 2Ω 0.1Ω 0.2Ω
ESR accuracy for ESR < 2Ω ±1.5% ±0.02Ω
ESR accuracy for ESR > 2Ω ±1.5% ±0.2Ω
Abuse voltage (for C < 10µF) ±275V 3
Abuse voltage (for C > 10µF) ±50V 3
Auto-Discharge voltage limit ±50V
Battery type MN21/GP23A 12V Alkaline 2
Battery voltage range 8.5V 12V
Battery voltage warning threshold 8.5V
Inactivity power-down period 30 seconds
Dimensions (excluding test leads) 103 x 70 x 20 mm
Operating temperature range

10°C

40°C

1

Notes

1. Subject to acceptable LCD visibility.

2. Subject to revision.

3. Maximum abuse voltage rated limitation of internal protection electronics.
Probes, leads and unit are not certified for high voltage use.

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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. This warranty
covers the cost of repair or replacement due to defects in materials and/or
manufacturing faults.

The warranty does not cover malfunction or defects caused by:

a) Operation outside the scope of the user guide.
b) Unauthorised access or modification of the unit (except for battery

replacement).

c) Accidental physical damage or abuse.

The customer’s statutory rights are not affected by any of the above.

All claims must be accompanied by a proof of purchase.

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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.

Each individual EU member state has implemented the WEEE regulations into
national law in slightly different ways. Please follow your national law when
you want to dispose of any electrical or electronic products.

More details can be obtained from your national WEEE recycling agency.

If in doubt, you may send your Peak Product to us for safe and environmentally
responsible disposal.

At Peak Electronic Design Ltd we are committed to continual product development and improvement.

The specifications of our products are therefore subject to change without notice.

© 2004/2008 Peak Electronic Design Limited - E&OE

West Road House, West Road, Buxton, Derbyshire, SK17 6HF, UK.

www.peakelec.co.uk Tel. [phone] Fax. [phone]

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