Applent Instruments AT2818 User manual

Manual Print History
The print history shown below lists the printing dates of all Revisions and Addenda
created for this manual. The Revision Level letter increases alphabetically as the manual
undergoes subsequent updates. Addenda, which are released between Revisions, contain
important change information that the user should incorporate immediately into the
manual. Addenda are numbered sequentially. When a new Revision is created, all
Addenda associated with the previous Revision of the manual are incorporated into the
new Revision of the manual. Each new Revision includes a revised copy of this print
history page.
Revision A January, 2010
Revision B January, 2011

! $Instruments Inc.
Address: Lanlin Dangnan Industrial Park,
Changzhou, Jiangsu, China (PRC)
Post Code: 213014
Telephone (Sales):
0086-0519-88805550 / 89966117/89966227
Fax：[phone]
Sales Email: sale[email protected]
Tech Email: [email protected]
http://www.applent.com
©2005-2011 Applent Instruments Inc.
English
Revision C0
FIRMWARE REVISIONS
This manual applies directly to instruments that
have the firmware Rev. B3.x
[AT2818/2816A/2816B/2817A/2817/810A]
LCRMeter       User’sGuide

2 AT2818/2816A/2816B/2817A/2817/810A User's Guide
SafetySummary
Warning Dangerous：
When you notice any of the unusual conditions listed below, immediately terminate operation and disconnect the
power cable.
Please Contact Applent Instruments Incorporation sales representative for repair of the instrument. If you continue
to operate without repairing the instrument, there is a potential fire or shock hazard for operators.
Instrument operates abnormally.
Instrument emits abnormal noise, smell, smoke, or a spark-like light during the operation.
Instrument generates high temperature or electrical shock during operation.
Power cable, plug, or receptacle on instrument is damaged.
Foreign substance or liquid has fallen into the instrument.
The following general safety precautions must be observed during all phases of operation, service, and repair of
this instrument. Failure to comply with these precautions or with specific WARNINGS elsewhere in this manual
may impair the protection provided by the equipment. In addition it violates safety standards of design,
manufacture, and intended use of the instrument.
Disclaimer Applent Instruments assumes no liability for the customer's failure to
comply with these requirements.
Ground
The Instrument
To avoid electric shock hazard, the instrument chassis and cabinet must be
connected to a safety earth ground by the supplied power cable with earth
blade.
DO NOT
Operate In An Explosive
Atmosphere
Do not operate the instrument in the presence of inflammable gasses or
fumes. Operation of any electrical instrument in such an environment
constitutes a definite safety hazard.
Keep Away
From Live
Circuits
Operating personnel must not remove instrument covers. Component
replacement and internal adjustments must be made by qualified
maintenance personnel. Do not replace components with the power cable
connected. Under certain conditions, dangerous voltages may exist even
with the power cable removed. To avoid injuries, always disconnect power
and discharge circuits before touching them.
DO NOT
Service Or Adjust Alone
Do not attempt internal service or adjustment unless another person,
capable of rendering first aid and resuscitation, is present.
DO NOT
Substitute Parts Or
Modify Instrument
Because of the danger of introducing additional hazards, do not install
substitute parts or perform unauthorized modifications to the instrument.
Return the instrument to an Applent Instruments Sales and Service Office
for service and repair to ensure that safety features are maintained.

3
Unpacking and Preparation
CERTIFICATION,LIMITEDWARRANTY,&LIMITATIONOF
LIABILITY
Applent Instruments, Inc. （shortened form Applent）certifies that this product met its published specifications
at the time of shipment from the factory. Applent further certifies that its calibration measurements are traceable to
the People’s Republic of China National Institute of Standards and Technology, to the extent allowed by the
Institution’s calibration facility or by the calibration facilities of other International Standards Organization
members.
This Applent instrument product is warranted against defects in material and workmanship for a period
corresponding to the individual warranty periods of its component products. The warranty period is 1 year and
begins on the date of shipment. During the warranty period, Applent will, at its option, either repair or replace
products that prove to be defective. This warranty extends only to the original buyer or end-user customer of a
Applent authorized reseller, and does not apply to fuses, disposable batteries or to any product which, in Applent’s
opinion, has been misused, altered, neglected or damaged by accident or abnormal conditions of operation or
handling.
For warranty service or repair, this product must be returned to a service facility designated by Applent. The buyer
shall prepay shipping charges to Applent and Applent shall pay shipping charges to return the product to the Buyer.
However, the Buyer shall pay all shipping charges, duties, and taxes for products returned to Applent from another
country.
Applent warrants that its software and firmware designated by Applent for use with an instrument will execute its
programming instruction when properly installed on that instrument. Applent does not warrant that the operation
of the instrument, or software, or firmware, will be uninterrupted or error free.
The foregoing warranty shall not apply to defects resulting from improper or inadequate maintenance by the
Buyer, Buyer-supplied software or interfacing, unauthorized modification or misuse, operation outside the
environmental specifications for the product, or improper site preparation or maintenance.
THIS WARRANTY IS BUYER’S SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY AND IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER
WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY IMPLIED
WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. APPLENT SHALL
NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR
LOSSES, INCLUDING LOSS OF DATA, WHETHER ARISING FROM BREACH OF WARRANTY OR
BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT, RELIANCE OR ANY OTHER THEORY.
Applent Instruments, Inc.
Changzhou,
Jiangsu,
China,
Rev.A2 January, 2005
Rev.B0 January, 2008

4 AT2818/2816A/2816B/2817A/2817/810A User's Guide
Contents
Safety Summary ........................................................................................................................................................ 2
CERTIFICATION, LIMITED WARRANTY, & LIMITATION OF LIABILITY..................................................... 3
Contents..................................................................................................................................................................... 4
Figure Contents.......................................................................................................................................................... 8
Table Contents ........................................................................................................................................................... 9
1.Unpacking and Preparation.............................................................................................................................. 10
1.1Incoming Inspection ........................................................................................................................ 10
1.2Setting up Fuse ................................................................................................................................ 10
1.3Environmental Requirements ...........................................................................................................11
1.4Cleaning............................................................................................................................................11
1.5How to Remove the Handle..............................................................................................................11
2.Overview ......................................................................................................................................................... 13
2.1Introduction...................................................................................................................................... 13
2.2Main Specifications and Features .................................................................................................... 13
2.2.1Test Function............................................................................................................................ 13
2.2.2Equivalent Circuit .................................................................................................................... 13
2.2.3Ranging.................................................................................................................................... 14
2.2.4Measurement Speed................................................................................................................. 14
2.2.5Trigger Mode ........................................................................................................................... 14
2.2.6Basic Accuracy ........................................................................................................................ 14
2.2.7Measurement Range ................................................................................................................ 14
2.3Test Signal ....................................................................................................................................... 15
2.3.1Test Signal Frequency.............................................................................................................. 15
2.3.2Test Signal Level ..................................................................................................................... 15
2.3.3Output impedance.................................................................................................................... 15
2.4Main Functions ................................................................................................................................ 15
2.4.1Correction Function ................................................................................................................. 15
2.4.2Comparator Function (Sorting)................................................................................................ 16
2.4.3List Sweep ............................................................................................................................... 16
2.5Measurement Assistance Functions ................................................................................................. 16
2.5.1Files ......................................................................................................................................... 16
2.5.2Key Lock ................................................................................................................................. 16
2.5.3RS-232 ..................................................................................................................................... 16
2.6Options............................................................................................................................................. 16
2.6.1USB host port [*Option].......................................................................................................... 16
2.6.2DC Bias Voltage....................................................................................................................... 16
3.Startup.............................................................................................................................................................. 17
3.1Front panel....................................................................................................................................... 17
3.2Real Panel ........................................................................................................................................ 17
3.3Power On/Off................................................................................................................................... 18
3.3.1Power On ................................................................................................................................. 18
3.3.2Power Off................................................................................................................................. 18
3.4Warm-up Time ................................................................................................................................. 18
3.5Connect to Device under Test (DUT) .............................................................................................. 18
4.[Meas] Key ...................................................................................................................................................... 20
4.1<MEAS DISPLAY> Page ............................................................................................................... 20
4.1.1Measurement Function [FUNC] .............................................................................................. 20
4.1.2Impedance Range [RANGE] ................................................................................................... 21
4.1.3Test Frequency [FREQ] ........................................................................................................... 22
4.1.4Trigger Mode [TRIG] .............................................................................................................. 24
4.1.5Test Signal Voltage Level [LEVEL] ........................................................................................ 25
4.1.6Measurement Speed [SPEED] ................................................................................................. 26
4.2<BIN No. DISPLAY> Page............................................................................................................. 26
4.2.1Comparator Function ON/OFF................................................................................................ 27
4.2.2Auxiliary Bin [AUX] ............................................................................................................... 28
4.3<BIN COUNT DISPLAY> page*Not available in AT2817 .......................................................................... 28
4.3.1Counter Function [COUNT] .................................................................................................... 28

5
Unpacking and Preparation
4.4<LIST SWEEP DISPLAY> Page*Not available in AT2817 ......................................................................... 29
4.4.1Sweep Trigger Mode [TRIG]................................................................................................... 29
5.[Setup] Key...................................................................................................................................................... 31
5.1<MEAS SETUP> Page.................................................................................................................... 31
5.1.1Source Output Impedance [SRC RES] .................................................................................... 32
5.1.2Averaging Factor [AVG].......................................................................................................... 32
5.1.3DC Bias Voltage Monitor {Option}......................................................................................... 32
5.1.4Auto LCZ Function [AUTO LCZ] .......................................................................................... 32
5.1.5Monitor 1 and Monitor 2 [MON 1][MON 2]........................................................................... 33
5.2<CORRECTION> Page................................................................................................................... 33
5.2.1Open correction [OPEN] ......................................................................................................... 34
5.2.2Short Correction [SHORT] ...................................................................................................... 35
5.2.3Frequency 1, 2, 3 Correction [FREQ 1] [FREQ 2] [FREQ3] .................................................. 36
5.3<LIMIT TABLE SETUP> Page ...................................................................................................... 37
5.3.1Comparator Function ON/OFF................................................................................................ 38
5.3.2Auxiliary Bin [AUX] ............................................................................................................... 39
5.3.3Primary Parameter Comparator limit mode [MODE].............................................................. 39
5.3.4Nominal value for tolerance mode........................................................................................... 41
5.3.5Beep feature ............................................................................................................................. 41
5.3.6Beep Tone [TONE] .................................................................................................................. 41
5.3.7Total Number of Bins [#-BINS] .............................................................................................. 41
5.3.8Lower and Upper Limits.......................................................................................................... 42
5.4<LIST SWEEP SETUP> Page *Not available in AT2817 ............................................................................ 42
5.4.1Sweep Trigger Mode [TRIG]................................................................................................... 43
5.4.2List Sweep Parameters............................................................................................................. 43
5.4.3Sweep Point and Limit Modes................................................................................................. 44
6.System Configurations..................................................................................................................................... 45
6.1<SYSTEM CONFIG> Page ............................................................................................................ 45
6.1.1System Language [LANGUAGE] ........................................................................................... 45
6.1.2Setting the system date and time.............................................................................................. 46
6.1.3Account Setting ....................................................................................................................... 46
6.1.4Beep Feature ............................................................................................................................ 47
6.1.5Beep Tone [TONE] .................................................................................................................. 47
6.1.6RS-232 Baud Rate ................................................................................................................... 47
6.2<SYSTEM INFO> Page .................................................................................................................. 48
7.File Operation .................................................................................................................................................. 49
7.1<CATALOG> Page.......................................................................................................................... 49
7.1.1Recall a File at Startup [AUTO RECALL].............................................................................. 49
7.1.2Auto save data to last file [AUTO SAVE] ............................................................................... 50
7.1.3File operation ........................................................................................................................... 50
8.Handler Interface ............................................................................................................................................. 51
8.1Pin Assignment ................................................................................................................................ 51
8.2Power Rating ................................................................................................................................... 52
8.3Electrical Characteristics ................................................................................................................. 53
8.3.1Input Signal:............................................................................................................................. 53
8.3.2Output Signal:.......................................................................................................................... 53
8.3.3Power supply ........................................................................................................................... 53
8.3.4Schematic................................................................................................................................. 53
8.4Timing Chart.................................................................................................................................... 54
9.Examples ......................................................................................................................................................... 56
9.1Basic Measurement Procedure......................................................................................................... 56
9.2Example ........................................................................................................................................... 57
10.Remote Control........................................................................................................................................ 59
10.1About RS-232C ............................................................................................................................... 59
10.2About USB-Serial Interface (Option) .............................................................................................. 59
10.3To Select Baud Rate......................................................................................................................... 60
10.4About USB-Serial Interface............................................................................................................. 60
10.4.1Installing USB-Serial drivers on Windows XP........................................................................ 60
10.4.2Installing AT281X Serial_Port_Debug Software..................................................................... 63
10.5SCPI Language ................................................................................................................................ 64

6 AT2818/2816A/2816B/2817A/2817/810A User's Guide
11.Command Reference ............................................................................................................................... 66
11.1Terminator........................................................................................................................................ 66
11.2Notation Conventions and Definitions............................................................................................. 66
11.3Command Structure ......................................................................................................................... 66
11.4Header and Parameters .................................................................................................................... 68
11.5Command Reference ....................................................................................................................... 69
11.6DISPlay Subsystem ......................................................................................................................... 70
11.6.1DISP:PAGE ............................................................................................................................. 70
11.6.2DISP:LINE .............................................................................................................................. 71
11.7FUNCtion Subsystem ...................................................................................................................... 71
11.7.1FUNCtion[:IMPedance][:TYPE]............................................................................................. 71
11.7.2FUNCtion:IMPedance:RANGe ............................................................................................... 72
11.7.3FUNCtion:IMPedance:RANGe:AUTO ................................................................................... 72
11.7.4FUNCtion:MONitor1 /2 .......................................................................................................... 72
11.8FREQuency Subsystem ................................................................................................................... 73
11.9VOLTage Subsystem ....................................................................................................................... 73
11.9.1VOLTage:LEVel ...................................................................................................................... 74
11.9.2VOLTage:SRESistance ............................................................................................................ 74
11.10APERture Subsystem....................................................................................................................... 74
11.10.1APERture:RATE? .................................................................................................................... 75
11.10.2APERture:AVG?...................................................................................................................... 75
11.11FETCh Subsystem ........................................................................................................................... 75
11.11.1FETCh[:IMPedance]?.............................................................................................................. 76
11.11.2FETCh:MAIN? ........................................................................................................................ 76
11.11.3FETCh:MONitor1? /2? ............................................................................................................ 76
11.12COMParator Subsystem .................................................................................................................. 76
11.12.1COMParator:STATe................................................................................................................. 77
11.12.2COMParator:MODE................................................................................................................ 77
11.12.3COMParator:AUX................................................................................................................... 78
11.12.4COMParator:BINS .................................................................................................................. 78
11.12.5COMParator:TOLerance:NOMinal ......................................................................................... 78
11.12.6COMParator:TOLerance:BIN.................................................................................................. 78
11.12.7COMParator:SLIM .................................................................................................................. 79
11.13LIST Subsystem *Not available in AT2817 .................................................................................................. 79
11.13.1LIST:PARAmeter..................................................................................................................... 79
11.13.2LIST:STAT............................................................................................................................... 80
11.13.3LIST:BAND............................................................................................................................. 80
11.14CORRection Subsystem .................................................................................................................. 81
11.14.1CORRection:OPEN ................................................................................................................. 81
11.14.2CORRection:SHORt................................................................................................................ 82
11.14.3CORRection:LOAD:STATe..................................................................................................... 82
11.14.4CORRection:SPOT:STAT........................................................................................................ 83
11.14.5CORRection:SPOT:FREQuency ............................................................................................. 83
11.14.6CORRection:SPOT:OPEN....................................................................................................... 83
11.14.7CORRection:SPOT:SHORt ..................................................................................................... 83
11.14.8CORRection:SPOT:LOAD...................................................................................................... 83
11.15TRIGger Subsystem......................................................................................................................... 84
11.15.1TRIGger[:IMMediate] ............................................................................................................. 84
11.15.2TRIGger:SOURce.................................................................................................................... 84
11.16BIAS Subsystem.............................................................................................................................. 85
11.17FILE Subsystem............................................................................................................................... 85
11.17.1FILE? ....................................................................................................................................... 85
11.17.2FILE:SAVE.............................................................................................................................. 85
11.17.3FILE:LOAD............................................................................................................................. 86
11.17.4FILE:DELete ........................................................................................................................... 86
11.18ERRor Subsystem............................................................................................................................ 86
11.19Common Commands ....................................................................................................................... 86
11.19.1*IDN? ...................................................................................................................................... 86
11.19.2*TRG ....................................................................................................................................... 86
11.19.3*SAV........................................................................................................................................ 87

7
Unpacking and Preparation
11.19.4*RCL ....................................................................................................................................... 87
12.Specification ............................................................................................................................................ 88
12.1General Specification....................................................................................................................... 88
12.2Dimensions ...................................................................................................................................... 91

8 AT2818/2816A/2816B/2817A/2817/810A User's Guide
FigureContents
Figure 1-1 Fuse Holder.............................................................................................................................. 10
Figure 1-2 How to remove the handle ....................................................................................................... 12
Figure 3-1Front panel ............................................................................................................................... 17
Figure 3-2Real Panel ................................................................................................................................ 17
Figure 3-3Connect to DUT....................................................................................................................... 19
Figure 4-1<MEAS DISPLAY> Page........................................................................................................ 20
Figure 4-2<BIN No. DISPLAY> page ..................................................................................................... 26
Figure 4-3Comparator Workflow ............................................................................................................. 27
Figure 4-4<BIN COUNT> page............................................................................................................... 28
Figure 4-5<LIST SWEEP DISPLAY> page............................................................................................. 29
Figure 4-6Sweep trigger mode ................................................................................................................. 29
Figure 4-7Sweep Mode ............................................................................................................................ 29
Figure 5-1<MEAS SETUP> Page............................................................................................................ 31
Figure 5-2<CORRECTION> Page........................................................................................................... 34
Figure 5-3Stray Admittance...................................................................................................................... 34
Figure 5-4Residual Impedances ............................................................................................................... 35
Figure 5-5<LIMIT TABLE SETUP> Page .............................................................................................. 38
Figure 5-6Comparator Workflow ............................................................................................................. 38
Figure 5-7Tolerance mode........................................................................................................................ 39
Figure 5-8Example of sorting in tolerance mode ..................................................................................... 40
Figure 5-9Sequential mode....................................................................................................................... 40
Figure 5-10<LIST SWEEP SETUP> Page................................................................................................. 42
Figure 5-11Sweep trigger mode ................................................................................................................. 43
Figure 5-12Sweep Mode ............................................................................................................................ 43
Figure 6-1<SYSTEM CONFIG> Page..................................................................................................... 45
Figure 6-2<SYSTEM INFO> Page .......................................................................................................... 48
Figure 7-1<CATALOG> Page.................................................................................................................. 49
Figure 8-1Pin Assignment ........................................................................................................................ 51
Figure 8-2Handler schematic.................................................................................................................... 53
Figure 8-3Typical Circuit Diagram of Handler Interface Input signals.................................................... 53
Figure 8-4Typical Circuit Diagram of Handler Interface Output signals. ................................................ 54
Figure 8-5Timing chart............................................................................................................................. 54
Figure 9-1Basic Measurement Procedure................................................................................................. 56
Figure 9-2Measurement results ................................................................................................................ 58
Figure 10-1The RS-232 connector in the real panel................................................................................... 59
Figure 10-2USB Serial Port........................................................................................................................ 62
Figure 11-1Command Tree Example ......................................................................................................... 66
Figure 11-2DISP Command Tree ............................................................................................................... 70
Figure 11-3FUNCtion Subsystem Tree ...................................................................................................... 71
Figure 11-4FREQ Subsystem Command Tree ........................................................................................... 73
Figure 11-5VOLTage Subsystem Command Tree...................................................................................... 73
Figure 11-6APERture Subsystem Command Tree ..................................................................................... 74
Figure 11-7FETCh Subsystem Command Tree.......................................................................................... 75
Figure 11-8COMParator Subsystem Command Tree................................................................................. 76
Figure 11-9LIST Subsystem Command Tree ............................................................................................. 79
Figure 11-10CORRection Subsystem Command Tree......................................................................... 81
Figure 11-11TRIGger Subsystem Command Tree ............................................................................... 84
Figure 11-12BIAS Subsystem Command Tree .................................................................................... 85
Figure 11-13FILE Subsystem Command Tree ..................................................................................... 85
Figure 12-1Dimensions .............................................................................................................................. 91

9
Unpacking and Preparation
TableContents
Table 2-1 Equivalent Circuit.................................................................................................................... 13
Table 2-2AT2818 AT2816A AT2816B AT2817A Measurement Range.................................................. 14
Table 2-2 AT2817 Measurement Range................................................................................................. 14
Table 2-2 AT810A Measurement Range................................................................................................ 15
Table 3-1Front panel description ............................................................................................................ 17
Table 3-2Real panel description.............................................................................................................. 18
Table 4-1The combinations of measurement parameters........................................................................ 20
Table 4-2Monitor parameters.................................................................................................................. 21
Table 4-3Impedance range mode ............................................................................................................ 22
Table 4-4Effective measurement range for the impedance range when in HOLD state ......................... 22
Table 4-5AT2818 Frequency range and test frequency point ................................................................. 23
Table 4-6AT2816A Frequency range and test frequency point............................................................... 23
Table 4-7AT810A Frequency range and test frequency point................................................................. 23
Table 4-8AT2818’s Test Frequency that can be set using INCR++/DECR--.......................................... 24
Table 4-9AT2816X’s Test Frequency that can be set using INCR++/DECR-- ....................................... 24
Table 4-10AT2818’s Test Frequency that can be set using INCR+/DECR- ............................................. 24
Table 4-11AT2816X’s Test Frequency that can be set using INCR+/DECR-........................................... 24
Table 4-12AT2817A’s Test Frequency that can be set using INCR+/DECR- ........................................... 24
Table 4-13AT2817’s Test Frequency that can be set using INCR+/DECR- ............................................. 24
Table 4-14AT810A’s Test Frequency that can be set using INCR++/DECR-- ......................................... 24
Table 4-15Test voltage Level that can be set with INCR++/DECR--....................................................... 26
Table 4-16Test voltage Level that can be set with INCR+/DECR- .......................................................... 26
Table 8-1Description of Handler Interface Signals................................................................................. 51
Table 8-2Timing...................................................................................................................................... 55
Table 10-1RS-232 connector pinout ......................................................................................................... 59
Table 11-1Multiplier Mnemonics ............................................................................................................. 69

10 AT2818/2816A/2816B/2817A/2817/810A User's Guide
1. UnpackingandPreparation
This chapter describes how to set up and start the AT281x LCR Meter.
Incoming Inspection
Power Requirements
Setting up the Fuse
How to Remove the Handle
Environmental Requirements
Cleaning
1.1 IncomingInspection
After you receive the instrument, carry out checks during unpacking according to the
following procedure.
WARNING
If the external face of the instrument (such as the cover, front/rear panel, VFD screen,
power switch, and port connectors) appears to have been damaged during transport, do
not turn on the power switch. Otherwise, you may get an electrical shock.
Make sure that the packing box or shock-absorbing material used to package the
instrument has not been damaged.
Referring to <Packing List> in the packing box, check that all packaged items supplied
with the meter have been provided as per the specified optioned.
NOTE
If an abnormality is detected, contact the company and transport the meter to your
nearest Applent Instruments sales or service office. For inspection by the transport
company, save the packing box, shock-absorbing material, and packaged items as you
received them.
1.2 SettingupFuse
Figure1‐1  FuseHolder
~Line: 90VAC–115VAC
20VA MAX
Fuse: 250V 1A
Slow Blow
Please use the following fuse type.
UL/CSA type, Slow-Blow, 5×20-mm miniature fuse, 1A, 250 V
When you need a fuse, contact your nearest Applent Instruments sales or service office.
To verify and replace the fuse, remove the power cable and pull out the fuse holder.

11
Unpacking and Preparation
NOTE Two fuses in Fuse Holder.
1.3 EnvironmentalRequirements
Set up the AT281x where the following environmental requirements are satisfied.
Operating Environments
Ensure that the operating environment meets the following requirements.
Temperature: 0C to 55C
Temperature range at calibration: 23C±5C (<1C deviation from the temperature
when performing calibration)
Humidity: 15% to 85% at wet bulb temperature ≤40 °C (non-condensation)
Altitude: 0 to 2,000m
Vibration: Max. 0.5 G, 5 Hz to 500 Hz
1.4 Cleaning
To prevent electrical shock, disconnect the AT281x power cable from the receptacle
before cleaning.
Use a dry cloth or a cloth slightly dipped in water to clean the casing.
Do not attempt to clean the AT281x internally.
WARNING: Don’t Use Organic Solvents (such as alcohol or gasoline) to clean the
Instrument.
1.5 HowtoRemovetheHandle
A handle kit is attached to the AT281x:

12 AT2818/2816A/2816B/2817A/2817/810A User's Guide
Figure1‐2  Howtoremovethehandle
1 Retracted

3 Carrying Position

2 Extended
Remove Handle（Lift the handle perpendicular to the unit while pulling it in the direction of 1.）


13Overview
2. Overview
This chapter contains general information about AT281x .The information is organized
as follows
Introduction
Main Specifications
Feature overview
2.1 Introduction
Thank you for purchasing AT281x LCR meter.
The Applent AT281x is a general-purpose LCR meter for incoming inspection of
components, quality control, and laboratory use.
The AT281x is used for evaluating LCR components, materials, and semiconductor
devices over a wide range of frequencies (10 Hz to 300 kHz) and test signal levels
(0.01Vrms to 2 Vrms).
With its built-in comparator, the AT281x can output comparison/decision results for
sorting components into a maximum of ten bins. Furthermore, by using the handler
interface, the AT281x can be easily combined with a component handler, and a system
controller to fully automate component testing, sorting, and quality-control data
processing.
The AT281x’s list sweep function permits entry of up to 10 frequencies or test signal
levels points to be automatically measured.
2.2 MainSpecificationsandFeatures
2.2.1 TestFunction
Cs-Rs, Cs-D, Cp-Rp, Cp-D, Lp-Rp, Lp-Q, Ls-Rs, Ls-Q, G-B, Rs-Q, Z-r, Z-d.
2.2.2 EquivalentCircuit
Serial and Parallel
Table2‐1  EquivalentCircuit
Circuit Dissipation Factor Conversion
L
Lp
Rp
D=2FLp/Rp=1/Q Ls=Lp/(1+D2)
Rs=RpD2/(1+D2)
Lp Rp
D=Rs/2FLs=1/Q Lp=(1+D2)Ls
Rp=(1+D2)Rs/D2
C
Cp
Rp
D=1/2FCpRp=1/Q Cs=(1+D2)Cp
Rs=RpD2/(1+D2)

14 AT2818/2816A/2816B/2817A/2817/810A User's Guide
Cs Rs D=2FCsRs=1/Q Cp=Cs/(1+D2)
Rp=Rs(1+D2)/D2
Q=Xs/Rs，D=Rs/Xs，Xs=1/2πFCs=2πFLs
2.2.3 Ranging
Auto, Hold and Nominal range. Total 9 Ranges.
About Nominal ranges: (Applent new definition)：The AT281x will automatically
select the best range according to the nominal value.
2.2.4 MeasurementSpeed
Fast: 30 readers per second;
Medium 2: 10 readers per second;
Medium 1: 5 readers per second;
Slow: 1.5 readers per second.
Simultaneity, you can specify the averaging factor within the range of 1 to 256 in steps
of 1Averaging Factor to improve performance.
2.2.5 TriggerMode
Include Internal, Manual, External and Bus Trigger.
2.2.6 BasicAccuracy
AT2818 0.05%
AT2816A 0.05%
AT2816B 0.1%
AT2817A 0.05%
AT2817 0.05%
2.2.7 MeasurementRange
Table2‐2 AT2818AT2816AAT2816BAT2817AMeasurementRange
Parameter Measurement Range
L 0.00001H ～9999.99H
C 0.00001pF ～9999.99mF
R、X、Z 0.00001Ω～99.9999M
B、G 0.01nS ～999.999S
D 0.00001 ～9.99999
Q 0.00001 ～99999.9
θd -179.999°～179.999°
θr -3.14159 ～3.14159

Table2‐3   AT2817MeasurementRange 
Parameter Measurement Range
L 0.0001nH ～9999.9H
C 0.0001pF ～9999.9mF
R、X、Z 0.0001Ω～99.999M
B、G 0.01nS ～999.99S
D 0.0001 ～9.9999

15Overview
Q 0.0001 ～99999
θd -179.99°～179.99°
θr -3.1416 ～3.1416
% -99.999% ～999.99%
Table2‐4   AT810AMeasurementRange 
Parameter Measurement Range
L 0.001nH ～9999.99H
C 0.001pF ～9999.99mF
R、X、Z 0.00001Ω～99.9999M
B、G 0.01nS ～999.999S
D 0.00001 ～9.99999
Q 0.00001 ～99999.9
θd -179.999°～179.999°
θr -3.14159 ～3.14159
% -999.999% ～999.999%
2.3 TestSignal
2.3.1 TestSignalFrequency
AT2818: 10Hz～300kHz
AT2816A: 50Hz～200kHz
AT2816B: [37 Points]
50, 60, 80, 100, 120, 150, 200, 250, 300,400, 500, 600, 800,
1e3, 1.2e3, 1.5e3, 2e3, 2.5e3, 3e3, 4e3, 5e3, 6e3, 8e3,
10e3, 12e3, 15e3, 20e3, 25e3, 30e3, 40e3, 50e3, 60e3, 80e3,
100e3, 120e3, 150e3, 200e3
AT2817A : [16 Points]
50, 60, 100, 120, 200, 400, 500, 1e3, 2e3, 4e3, 5e3, 10e3, 20e3, 40e3, 50e3, 100e3
AT2817 : [10 Points]
50, 60, 100, 120, 1e3, 10e3, 20e3, 40e3, 50e3, 100e3
AT810A: 10Hz～20kHz
Frequency Accuracy: 0.02%
2.3.2 TestSignalLevel
0.01V~2.00Vrms, 0.01V resolution.
Test Signal Accuracy: (10%+10mV)
2.3.3 Outputimpedance
30, 50and 100,
Accuracy: 5%
2.4 MainFunctions
2.4.1 CorrectionFunction
OPEN/SHORT correction:

16 AT2818/2816A/2816B/2817A/2817/810A User's Guide
Eliminates measurement errors due to stray parasitic impedance in the test fixtures.
LOAD correction
Improves measurement accuracy by using a calibrated device as a reference.
2.4.2 ComparatorFunction(Sorting)
Bin sort
The primary parameter can be sorted into BIN1-BIN9, AUX, OUT and HI/IN/LO for
each of the primary measurement parameters.
The sequential mode or tolerance mode can be selected as the sorting mode.
Limit Setup
Absolute value, deviation value, and % deviation value can be used for setup.
BIN count [*Not available in AT2817]
Countable from 0 to 999999
2.4.3 ListSweep
Points
There is a maximum of 10 points.
Sweep parameter
Test frequency, test signal voltage.
Comparator function of list sweep
The comparator function enables you to set one pair of lower and upper limits for each
measurement point.
You can select from: Judge with the first sweep parameter/Judge with the second
parameter/Not used for each pair of limits.
2.5 MeasurementAssistanceFunctions
2.5.1 Files
Up to 10 setup conditions can be written to/read from the built-in non-volatile memeory.
2.5.2 KeyLock
The front panel keys can be locked.
2.5.3 RS‐232
Complies with SCPI.
2.6 Options
2.6.1 USBhostport[*Option]
Universal serial bus jack, type-A (4 contact positions, contact 1 is on your left); female;
for connection to USB memory device only.
2.6.2 DCBiasVoltage
0V/1.5V/2V.

17Startup
3. Startup
This chapter describes names and functions of the front panel, rear panel, and screen
display and provides the basic procedures for operating AT281x.
Front panel summary
Rear panel summary
Power On/Off
Connect to Device under Test
3.1 Frontpanel
Figure3‐1 Frontpanel
2
3
1
456
8
9
7
10
Table3‐1 Frontpaneldescription
No. Description
1 USB Disk Port (USB-Host)
2 Trigger Key
3 Power Switch
4 System Key (Include File, System and Key Lock)
5 Soft Key
6 Menu key
7 UNKNOWN Terminal
8 Entry Key
9 Cursor Key
10 LCD Display
3.2 RealPanel
Figure3‐2 RealPanel

18 AT2818/2816A/2816B/2817A/2817/810A User's Guide
123
45
Table3‐2 Realpaneldescription
No. Description
1 Frame Terminal
2 Option Slot
3 Power Cable Receptacle(Outlet)
(to LINE)
4 RS-232C Interface
5 Handler Interface
3.3 PowerOn/Off
3.3.1 PowerOn
Press the power key at least 2 seconds. Release power key until the Trig’ed LED lit.
3.3.2 PowerOff
Press the power key at least 2 seconds. AT281x will shut down when you release the
power key. No operation voltages are applied to the instruments.
3.4 Warm‐upTime
AT281x is ready to be used as soon as the power-up sequence has completed. However,
to achieve the accuracy rating, warm up the instrument for 30 minutes.
3.5 ConnecttoDeviceunderTest(DUT)
The AT281x uses a four terminal measurement configuration that provides easy,
accurate and stable measurements and avoids mutual inductance, interference from
measurement signals, noise and other factors inherent with other types of connections.

19Startup
Figure3‐3 ConnecttoDUT
Do not apply DC voltage or current to the UNKNOWN terminals. Applying DC voltage or
current may lead to device failure. Connect the measurement sample (DUT) to the test port
(or the test fixture, cables, etc. connected to the test port) after the LCR meter has been
completely discharged.

20 AT2818/2816A/2816B/2817A/2817/810A User's Guide
4. [Meas]Key
This section includes the following information:
MEAS DISPLAY page
BIN No. page
BIN COUNT page [Not available in AT2817]
LIST SWEEP page [Not available in AT2817]
4.1 <MEASDISPLAY>Page
When press the [Meas] key, the <MEAS DISPLAY> page appears.
The following measurement controls can be set.
FUNC - Measurement Function
RANGE – Impedance range
FREQ – Test Frequency
TRIG – Trigger Mode
LEVEL – Test Signal Level
SPEED – Meas Speed
Figure4‐1 <MEASDISPLAY>Page
4.1.1 MeasurementFunction[FUNC]
The AT281x simultaneously measures four components of the complex impedance
(parameters) in a measurement cycle. These include primary parameter, secondary parameter
and two monitor parameter.
NOTE The monitor parameters can be set in <SETUP> page.
The monitor parameters are initially set to OFF.
Types of measurement parameters
Table4‐1 The combinations of measurement parameters
Cs-Rs Cs-D Cp-Rp Cp-D
Lp-Rp Lp-Q Ls-Rs Ls-Q