Velleman LCR40 User Manual

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GB40-4

Peak Atlas LCR

Passive Component Analyser

Model LCR40

User Guide

Peak Electronic Design Limited 2002/2009

In the interests of development, information in this guide is subject to change without notice - E&OE

Atlas LCR User Guide January 2009 – Rev 4

Want to use it now?

We understand that you want to use your Atlas LCR

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 read through pages 4-6!

Contents Page

Introduction ......................................................................... 3

Using your Atlas LCR......................................................... 5

Normal use Probe compensation

Testing Inductors................................................................. 7

Testing Capacitors............................................................... 8

Testing Resistors ............................................................... 11

Low Resistance and Inductance

Taking care of your Atlas LCR ......................................... 12

Battery Replacement Self Tests

Appendix A – Accessories ................................................ 14

Appendix B – Component Identification .......................... 15

Appendix C – Technical Specifications ............................ 17

Appendix D – Troubleshooting......................................... 18

Appendix E – Warranty Information................................. 19

Appendix F – Disposal Information.................................. 20

Page 2

Atlas LCR User Guide January 2009 – Rev 4

Introduction

The Atlas LCR is an advanced instrument that greatly simplifies the testing of passive components.

Traditional LCR bridges are inherently complex and very time consuming to use.

The Atlas LCR does everything automatically, it tells you the component type in addition to component value data.

What's more, the Atlas LCR automatically selects the best signal level and frequency for the particular component under test.

The software is smart; all internal calculations are performed with floating point maths. This means that precision isn't lost in the complex internal calculations and all results are displayed in properly formatted and easy-toread engineering units, eg. 23.6pF.

Summary Features:

• Automatic component identification.

• Automatic test frequency selection (DC, 1kHz, 15kHz and 200kHz).

• Delayed or instant analysis (for hands free operation).

• Auto power-off.

• Probe and test lead compensation.

• Interchangeable probe sets.

• Automatic ranging and scaling.

• 1% basic accuracy for resistors.

• 1.5% basic accuracy for inductors and capacitors.

Page 3

Atlas LCR User Guide January 2009 – Rev 4

Important Notices

WARNING:

This instrument must NEVER be connected to powered

equipment/components or equipment/components with

any stored energy (e.g. charged capacitors).

Failure to comply with this warning may result in personal

injury, damage to the equipment under test, damage to the

Atlas LCR and invalidation of the manufacturer's

warranty. Non-destructive overload situations are logged

in the non-volatile memory within the Atlas LCR.

“Analysis of discrete, unconnected components is

recommended.”



The Atlas LCR is designed to provide accurate and



reliable information for the majority of supported component types (inductors, capacitors and resistors) as described in the technical specifications. Testing of other component types or component networks may give erroneous and misleading results.

Page 4

Atlas LCR User Guide January 2009 – Rev 4

Using your Atlas LCR

Normal Use

The Atlas LCR performs its component analysis before the results are displayed. Therefore, once the analysis has completed, the probes can be disconnected from the component. Analysis itself only takes a few seconds and you can choose to start the analysis after a 5 second delay or immediately.

Delayed Analysis:

test

button the unit will power-up (if it's not already on!) and then delay for 5 seconds before analysis of your component starts.

This can be particularly useful if you need time to use both hands to apply the test probes to the component while the analysis takes place.

If you press the

on-

Analysis starts

Analysis startsAnalysis starts in 5 seconds.

in 5 seconds...

in 5 seconds.in 5 seconds.

....

Instant Analysis:

second delay by pressing the button again. The analysis will then start immediately.

Scrolling through the results

press the

If you reach the last screen of results, pressing first results screen again. Remember, you can take your time; and you don't need to keep the component connected.

Starting again

pressing

scroll-off

on-test

You can skip the 5

Analysing...

on-test

: Results are displayed a screen at a time, simply

button to see each screen when you're ready.

: The component analysis can be started again at any time by

Analysing...Analysing...

scroll-off

will take you to the

Switching off

following the last keypress. If you wish, you may manually switch off by holding down the

: The unit will automatically switch off after about 20 seconds

scroll-off

button for about 1 second.

Page 5

Atlas LCR User Guide January 2009 – Rev 4

Probe Compensation

If you change the probes on your Atlas LCR, it is good practice to run through the short compensation procedure. This ensures that the probes' own inductance, capacitance and resistance is automatically taken into account for subsequent measurements.

Before you start the compensation procedure, attach a small length of tinned copper wire between the two test probes. Now let the leads rest on a non-conductive surface, try not to touch them during the compensation procedure.

Probe

Now press and hold

on-test

until the

ProbeProbe

following is displayed:

After a short delay, the unit will prompt you to short the probes together. As you have already shorted the probes with the piece of wire, the Atlas LCR will then ask you to open the probes.

Now simultaneously unclip the both probes from the small length of wire and let the leads rest without touching them.

If this procedure has been successful, the unit will display “OK” and then switch off.

At this point the parasitic and stray characteristics associated with the test

Compensation

CompensationCompensation

Please short

Please shortPlease short

the probes

the probesthe probes

Now open

Now openNow open

the probes

the probesthe probes

leads (and indeed the Atlas LCR itself) will be stored in non-volatile memory. All further tests will have these values subtracted from the measured values, therefore displaying the characteristics of the component alone.





analysing low value inductors, capacitors and resistors.

Please note that probe compensation is particularly important when

Page 6

Atlas LCR User Guide January 2009 – Rev 4

Testing Inductors

The Atlas LCR is designed to analyse most inductors, coils and chokes.

Inductor test frequency

automatically selected from 1kHz, 15kHz or 200kHz. The following table shows the test frequencies used for various inductance ranges:

Inductance Range Test Frequency Used

Between 0µH and 0.3mH 200kHz

Between 0.3mH and 4mH 15kHz

Between 4mH and 10H 1kHz

The inductance range for each test frequency shown in the table above is

approximate

influence the frequency that the Atlas LCR selects for your particular inductor.

Inductance range

with a minimum resolution of 0.4µH. The DC resistance of the inductor is

. Effects such as DC resistance, hysteresis and Q factor can

: Values ranging from about 1µH to 10H can be measured,

: The test frequency that the Atlas LCR uses will be

measured from 0.5Ω to 1kΩ with a minimum resolution of 0.3Ω.

Inductor results:

the inductance is displayed.

Press frequency at which the inductance was measured.

Pressing the display the inductor's DC resistance.





frequency used. The effect of frequency on inductance varies depending on the type of windings and core utilised. Even air cored inductors can show

scroll-off

Inductance measured for some components can be dependant on the test

Following analysis,

to display the

button again will

Inductance

InductanceInductance

1.507mH

1.507mH1.507mH

Test frequency

Test frequencyTest frequency

15kHz

15kHz15kHz

DC Resistance

DC ResistanceDC Resistance

67.2 ohms

67.2 ohms67.2 ohms

significant changes of measured inductance at different frequencies.

Page 7

Atlas LCR User Guide January 2009 – Rev 4

Testing Capacitors

The Atlas LCR uses two different methods to analyse capacitors, AC impedance analysis for low value capacitors (less than about 1µF) and DC charge analysis for larger capacitors (about 1µF to 10,000µF).



Capacitors (particularly electrolytics) can store enough charge that



may cause damage to the LCR.

An electrolytic capacitor can even develop it’s own stored charge that may be sufficient to cause damage to the Atlas LCR even after it has been temporarily discharged. This is a characteristic known as “Soakage”.

It is vitally important that you ensure the capacitor is fully discharged (ideally for several seconds) to minimise the possibility of damage to the unit.

If you are unsure, measure the voltage across the capacitor using a suitable volt meter before applying the capacitor to the Atlas LCR.

The unit will automatically identify the type of capacitor being tested and apply the most appropriate test method.

The capacitance will always be displayed in the most suitable units. To convert between the various units refer to the following table:

(pico-Farads)

1 0.001 0.000001 0.000000001

1000 1 0.001 0.000001

(nano-Farads)

µF

(micro-Farads)

(milli-Farads)

1000,000 1000 1 0.001

1000,000,000 1000,000 1000 1

Page 8

Atlas LCR User Guide January 2009 – Rev 4

Low Value Capacitors

There is a vast range of low value capacitors available. Types include ceramic, polyester, polystyrene and mylar dielectric capacitors. Generally, low value capacitors tend to be unpolarised. Minimum capacitance resolution is about

0.1pF.

Capacitor test frequency:

of 1kHz, 15kHz or 200kHz to analyse these types of capacitors. The frequency is automatically selected to give the best possible measurement resolution.

The following table shows the test frequencies used for various capacitance ranges:

Capacitance Range Test Frequency Used

Between 0pF and 1nF 200kHz Between 1nF and 15nF 15kHz Between 15nF and 1µF 1kHz

Above 1µF DC

The capacitance ranges for each test frequency shown in the table above is approximate. Effects such as leakage, dielectric dissipation and ESR can

The Atlas LCR uses a high purity sine wave signal

influence the frequency that the Atlas LCR selects for your particular capacitor.

Capacitor results:

is displayed first. Press the which the capacitance was measured.

Capacitance

CapacitanceCapacitance

Following analysis of the capacitor, the capacitance value

48.3pF

48.3pF48.3pF

scroll-off

button to display the frequency at

Test frequency

Test frequencyTest frequency

200kHz

200kHz200kHz

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Atlas LCR User Guide January 2009 – Rev 4

Large Capacitors

Capacitors larger than about 1µF are treated differently, instead of being tested with an AC signal, they are tested with a DC signal. This is confirmed in the “Test frequency” screen.

Please be patient when testing large value capacitors, it may take several seconds depending on the capacitance.

Test frequency

Capacitance

CapacitanceCapacitance

106.5uF

106.5uF106.5uF

For capacitance values of greater than 1000µF, the Atlas LCR will use the

Test frequency

Test frequencyTest frequency

DCDC

units of mF (milli-Farads). Don’t confuse milli-Farads with micro-Farads, 1mF=1000µF.



Capacitors (particularly electrolytics) can store enough charge that



may cause damage to the LCR.

It is vitally important that you ensure the capacitor is fully discharged (ideally for several seconds) to minimise the possibility of damage to the unit.

If you are unsure, measure the voltage across the capacitor using a suitable volt meter before applying the capacitor to the Atlas LCR.





polarised. The Atlas LCR, however, uses a maximum of 1V to test the capacitor and so polarity of the Atlas LCR test probes is (usually) unimportant.

Generally, tantalum capacitors and electrolytic capacitors are

Page 10

Atlas LCR User Guide January 2009 – Rev 4

Testing Resistors

Resistance values ranging from 0.5Ω to 2MΩ can be measured, with a minimum resolution of about 0.3Ω. Resistance is measured using a DC signal with a peak voltage of 1V (across an open circuit) and a peak current of about 3mA (through a short circuit).

Resistance

Resistor results:

Following analysis, the

ResistanceResistance

resistance value is displayed.

332.2k

332.2k332.2k

Low Resistance/Inductance

Low value inductors (<5µH) and low value resistors (<10Ω) are treated as a special case by the Atlas LCR. This is because low value inductors and low value resistors can exhibit very similar characteristics at the test frequencies available from the Atlas LCR.

The following message is displayed:

Pressing the display the values of resistance and inductance that the Atlas LCR has measured.

scroll-off

button will

Low Resistance

Low ResistanceLow Resistance and Induct

and Inductance

and Inductand Induct

Resistance

ResistanceResistance

1.3 ohms

1.3 ohms1.3 ohms

ance

anceance

The test frequency displayed is the frequency used for the measurement of the inductance.





analysing low value inductors, capacitors and resistors.

Please note that probe compensation is particularly important when

Page 11

Inductance

InductanceInductance

Test frequency

Test frequencyTest frequency

0.6uH

0.6uH0.6uH

200kHz

200kHz200kHz

Atlas LCR User Guide January 2009 – Rev 4

Taking care of your Atlas LCR

Battery Replacement

The Atlas LCR requires no special maintenance although the battery should be replaced every 12 months to prevent leak damage.

If this message is displayed, the battery

* Low Battery *

* Low Battery ** Low Battery *

Although the unit may continue to operate following a low battery warning,

should be replaced as soon as possible to prevent malfunction or leak damage.

measurements may be adversely affected.

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

Battery types:

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

Battery access:

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 overtighten the screws.

Peak Safe Battery Disposal Scheme

to Peak Electronic Design Ltd for safe and environmentally responsible

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

To replace the battery, unscrew the three screws to remove the

: Please return your old analyser battery

disposal.

Page 12

Atlas LCR User Guide January 2009 – Rev 4

Self Tests

Many internal functions are tested each time the unit is powered up. If any of these self tests do not meet tight performance limits, a message will be displayed similar to the following:

The unit will then switch off.

It is possible that a temporary condition caused the failure and restarting the unit may clear the problem. If the fault persists please contact Peak Electronic Design Ltd or an authorised agent with details of the error message for further advice.



Please note that some internal tests cannot be performed if a low battery



warning has been displayed. This means that if there is an internal problem, a low battery condition can prevent the error condition from being displayed. It is therefore strongly recommended that a low battery is replaced as soon as a “Low Battery” message is displayed.

Error 02

Error 02Error 02

Page 13

Atlas LCR User Guide January 2009 – Rev 4

Appendix A – Accessories

A range of useful additions is available to enhance your Atlas LCR.

Carry Case

A specially designed case with custom made foam compartments and a smart tough exterior is ideal for protecting your Atlas LCR and probes. There's even space for a spare battery.

SMD Tweezer Probes

These tweezers are ideal for testing many types of surface mount device. The tweezers can cope with package sizes of 0402, 0603, 0805, 1206, 1210 and Case A/B/C/D.

Fitting is easy: the tweezers are terminated in the standard Atlas LCR probe connectors.

Other Probe Accessories

Many different probe types are available, specially made for your Atlas LCR. Contact Peak Electronic Design Ltd or an authorised agent for more details.

Page 14

Atlas LCR User Guide January 2009 – Rev 4

Appendix B - Component Identification

It is important to appreciate that the Atlas LCR can only decide on the identity of the component under test using results of the electrical tests that it performs on the component.

The Atlas LCR determines the type of component under test according to the following criteria:

Inductor and Resistor Detection

The Atlas LCR will distinguish between components that are largely inductive or largely resistive according to the values of inductance and resistance that it has measured. This is illustrated in the following graph.

For example, if the inductance of your component is measured at 100µH and it has a DC resistance of 100Ω, then the Atlas LCR will tell you that you have a resistor. If however the resistance was only 10Ω, then the Atlas LCR will tell you that you have an inductor.

Note that any inductor with a DC resistance of more than 1000Ω will be identified as a resistor.

Page 15

Atlas LCR User Guide January 2009 – Rev 4

Capacitor Detection

The Atlas LCR will tell you that you have a capacitor if the following criteria are satisfied:

1. If the measured DC resistance is higher than 10MΩ, even if the measured capacitance is very low (such as open probes).

2. If the measured DC resistance is between 100kΩ and 10MΩ and the measured capacitance is larger than 10pF.

3. If the measured DC resistance is between 1kΩ and 100kΩ and the measured capacitance is larger than 100nF.

Resistor Detection

Measured characteristics that do not satisfy any of the above criteria (for inductors or capacitors) will be displayed as a resistive element.

Page 16

Atlas LCR User Guide January 2009 – Rev 4

Appendix C – Technical Specifications

Parameter Min Typ Max Note

range 1Ω 2MΩ

Resistance

Capacitance

Inductance

Peak test voltage (across O/C) -1.05V +1.05V

Peak test current (thru S/C) -3.25mA +3.25mA

Test frequency

accuracy

Sine purity Typically -60dB 3rd harmonic

Operating temperature range 10°C 40°C 3

resolution 0.3 Ω 0.6Ω

accuracy Typically ±1.0% ±1.2Ω 1,2,6

range 0.5pF 10,000µF

resolution 0.2pF 0.5pF

accuracy Typically ±1.5% ±1.0pF 1,2,5

range 1µH 10H

resolution 0.4µH 0.8µH

accuracy Typically ±1.5% ±1.6µH 1,2,4

1kHz -1.5% ±1% +1.5%

14.925kHz -1.5% ±1% +1.5% 200kHz -1.5% ±1% +1.5%

Battery operating voltage 8.5V 13V

Notes:

1. Within 12 months of factory calibration. Please contact us if you require a full re-calibration and/or certification of traceable calibration.

2. Specified at temperatures between 15°C and 30°C.

3. Subject to acceptable LCD visibility.

4. For inductances between 100µH and 100mH.

5. For capacitances between 200pF and 500nF.

6. For resistances between 10Ω and 1MΩ.

Page 17

Atlas LCR User Guide January 2009 – Rev 4

Appendix D – Troubleshooting

Problem Possible Solution

Capacitance measured when

probes are open circuit is not

close to zero (±1.0pF).

Resistance and/or inductance

measured when probes are short circuit is not close to

zero (±1.2Ω, ±1.6µH).

Measured value doesn’t

appear to be correct.

Perform a probe compensation.

Ensure probes are well connected to the

component under test for the entire duration

of the analysis.

Ensure that nothing else is connected with

the component under test. Make sure that

you are not touching the connections.

The component value may be outside the

supported measurement range.

The component’s design frequency may not

correspond to the test frequencies used by

Measured values vary

slightly between tests.

Calibration date is

approaching or has past.

Probe has become detached.

the Atlas LCR.

The displayed resolution is higher than the

measurement resolution to avoid rounding

errors. Small variations within the quoted

measurement resolutions are normal.

Don’t worry, the Atlas LCR will carry on working after the “Calibration Due Date”

has past. The date is simply a

recommendation.

The probes simply fit to the test lead using

square-pin connectors, carefully push them

back together.

Page 18

Atlas LCR User Guide January 2009 – Rev 4

Appendix E – Warranty Information

Peak Satisfaction Guarantee

If for any reason you are not completely satisfied with the Peak Atlas LCR 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.

Page 19

Atlas LCR User Guide January 2009 – Rev 4

Appendix F – 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.

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

www.peakelec.co.uk Tel. +44 (0) 1298 70012 Fax. +44 (0) 1298 70046

Page 20

Velleman LCR40 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual