Atlas LCR40 User manual

Atlas LCR40
Automatic LCR Meter
Model LCR40 (Firmware: 3.72)
Desig ed a d ma ufactured with pride i the UK
User Guide
© Peak Electro ic Desig Limited 2002/2021
I the i terests of developme t, i formatio i this guide is subject to cha ge without otice.
E&OE
EN40-7

LCR40 User Guide November 2021 – Rev 7
Page 2
Want to use it now?
We understand that you want to use your LCR40 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 very important notices on page 4!
Contents Page
Introduction ......................................................................... 3
Important otices ................................................................ 4
Using your LCR40 ............................................................. 5
ormal use .................................................................... 5
Probe compensation ....................................................... 6
Testing Inductors ................................................................. 7
Testing Capacitors ............................................................... 8
Testing Resistors ............................................................... 11
Low Resistance and Inductance................................... 11
Taking care of your LCR40 .............................................. 12
Battery Replacement.................................................... 12
Self Tests ..................................................................... 13
Appendix A – Accessories ................................................ 14
Appendix B – Component Identification .......................... 15
Appendix C – Technical Specifications ............................ 17
Appendix D – Troubleshooting ......................................... 18
Appendix E – Statutory Information ................................. 20
This user guide has been written to accompany the LCR40 meter with
revision 3.72 firmware. Other revisions of firmware may differ in operation,
features and specifications. The firmware version is displayed briefly upon
power-up.

LCR40 User Guide November 2021 – Rev 7
Page 3
Introduction
The Peak Atlas LCR40 is an advanced instrument that greatly simplifies the
testing of passive components.
Traditional LCR bridges can be inherently complex and very time consuming
to use.
The LCR40 does everything automatically, it tells you the component type in
addition to component value data.
What's more, the LCR40 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-to-
read 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 using 2mm connectors.
• Automatic ranging and scaling.
• 1% basic accuracy for resistors.
• 1.5% basic accuracy for inductors and capacitors.

LCR40 User Guide November 2021 – Rev 7
Page 4
Important Notices
Please observe the ollowing guidelines:
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 LCR40 and invalidation o the
manu acturer's warranty.
“Analysis of discrete, unconnected components is
recommended.”


 The LCR40 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.

LCR40 User Guide November 2021 – Rev 7
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Using your LCR40
Normal Use
The LCR40 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: If you press the
on-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.
Instant Analysis: You can skip the 5
second delay by pressing the on-test
button again. The analysis will then start
immediately.
Scrolling through the results: Results are displayed a screen at a time, simply
press the scroll-off button to see each screen when you're ready.
If you reach the last screen of results, pressing scroll-off will take you to the
first results screen again. Remember, you can take your time; and you don't
need to keep the component connected.
Starting again: The component analysis can be started again at any time by
pressing on-test.
Switching off: The unit will automatically switch off after about 60 seconds
following the last keypress. If you wish, you can manually switch off by
holding down the scroll-off button for about 1 second.
Analysis starts
in 5 seconds...
Analysing...

LCR40 User Guide November 2021 – Rev 7
Page 6
Probe Compensation
If you change the probes on your LCR40, 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. ow let the leads rest on a non-
conductive surface, try not to touch them during the compensation procedure.
ow press and hold on-test until the
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 LCR40 will then ask
you to open the probes.
ow simultaneously unclip the 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
leads (and indeed the LCR40 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.


 Please note that probe compensation is particularly important when
analysing low value inductors, capacitors and resistors.
Please short
the probes
Probe
Compensation
Now open
the probes

LCR40 User Guide November 2021 – Rev 7
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Testing Inductors
The LCR40 can analyse most inductors, coils and chokes.
Inductor test frequency: The test frequency that the LCR40 uses will be
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 0
μH
and 0.3mH
200kHz
Between 0.3mH and 4mH
15kHz
Between 4mH and
2
H
1kHz
The inductance range for each test frequency shown in the table above is
approximate. Effects such as DC resistance, hysteresis and Q factor can
influence the frequency that the LCR40 selects for your particular inductor.
Inductance range: Values ranging from about 1µH to 2H can be measured,
with a minimum resolution of 0.4µH. The DC resistance of the inductor is
measured from 0.5Ω to 1kΩ with a
minimum resolution of 0.3Ω.
Inductor results: Following analysis, the
inductance is displayed.
Press scroll-off to display the
frequency at which the inductance was
measured.
Pressing the scroll-off button again will
display the inductor's DC resistance.


 Inductance measured for some components can be dependent on the
test frequency used. The effect of frequency on inductance varies
depending on the type of windings and core utilised. Even air cored
inductors can show significant changes of measured inductance at
different frequencies.
Inductance
1.507mH
est frequency
15kHz
DC Resistance
67.2 ohms

LCR40 User Guide November 2021 – Rev 7
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Testing Capacitors
The LCR40 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 LCR40.
An electrolytic capacitor can even develop its own stored charge that may
be sufficient to cause damage to the LCR40 even after it has been
temporarily discharged. This is a characteristic known as dielectric
absorption or “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 LCR40.
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:
pF
(pico
-
Farads)
nF
(nano
-
Farads)
µF
(micro
-
Farads)
1
0.001
0.000001
1000
1
0.001
1000 000
1000
1
1000 000 000
1000 000
1000

LCR40 User Guide November 2021 – Rev 7
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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
0.2pF.
Capacitor test frequency: The LCR40 uses a high purity sine wave signal 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:
Capacitanc
e
Range
Test Frequency Used
Between 0pF and 1nF
200kHz
Between 1nF and 15nF
15kHz
Between 15nF and 1
μ
F
1kHz
Above 1
μ
F
DC
The capacitance ranges for each test frequency shown in the table above is
approximate. Effects such as leakage, dielectric dissipation and ESR can
influence the frequency that the LCR40 selects for your particular capacitor.
Capacitor results: Following analysis of the capacitor, the capacitance value
is displayed first. Press the scroll-off button to display the frequency at
which the capacitance was measured.
Capacitance
48.3pF
est frequency
200kHz

LCR40 User Guide November 2021 – Rev 7
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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.


 Capacitors (particularly electrolytics) can store enough charge that
may cause damage to the LCR40.
An electrolytic capacitor can even develop its own stored charge that may
be sufficient to cause damage to the LCR40 even after it has been
temporarily discharged. This is a characteristic known as dielectric
absorption or “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 LCR40.


 Generally, tantalum capacitors and electrolytic capacitors are
polarised. The LCR40, however, uses a maximum of 1V to test the
capacitor and so polarity of the LCR40 test probes is usually
unimportant.
est frequency
DC
Capacitance
106.5uF

LCR40 User Guide November 2021 – Rev 7
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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).
esistor results: Following analysis, the
resistance value is displayed.
Low Resistance/Inductance
Low value inductors (<5µH) and low value resistors (<10Ω) are treated as a
special case by the LCR40. This is because low value inductors and low value
resistors can exhibit very similar characteristics at the test frequencies
available from the LCR40.
The following message is displayed:
Pressing the scroll-off button will
display the values of resistance and
inductance that the LCR40 has
measured.
The test frequency displayed is the
frequency used for the measurement of
the inductance.


 Please note that probe compensation is particularly important when
analysing low value inductors, capacitors and resistors.
Resistance
332.2k
Low Resistance
and Inductance
Resistance
1.3 ohms
Inductance
0.6uH
est frequency
200kHz

LCR40 User Guide November 2021 – Rev 7
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Taking care of your LCR40
Battery Replacement
The LCR40 requires no special maintenance
although the battery should be replaced at least
every 12 months to prevent leak damage.
If this message is displayed, the battery
should be replaced as soon as possible to
prevent malfunction or leak damage.
Although the unit may continue to
operate following a low battery warning, measurements may be adversely
affected.
Battery types: Suitable battery types include 23A, V23A, GP23A, M 21,
L1028 or a good quality 12V alkaline equivalent as used in many test
instruments and automotive remote key fobs.
Battery access: To replace the battery, place the instrument face-down on a
smooth surface and then 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.


 The GP23A type battery will typically last for about 27 hours of
operation which equates to about 1600 operations of 1 minute duration
(1 minute is the auto-power-off period). You can improve battery life by
switching off the LCR40 before the auto-power-off period expires by
pressing and holding the scroll-off button.
* Low Battery *

LCR40 User Guide November 2021 – Rev 7
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Sel 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 detected. It is therefore strongly recommended that a low battery is
replaced as soon as a “Low Battery” message is displayed.
Error 02

LCR40 User Guide November 2021 – Rev 7
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Appendi A - Accessories
A range of useful additions is available to enhance your LCR40.
ATC02 – Single Handheld Case
A smart handheld case that offers great protection for your instrument as well
as space for extra probes and battery.
ATC55 – Dual Instrument Case
A specially designed case with custom made foam compartments for up to 2
Peak instruments. The case has a tough exterior, ideal for protecting your
LCR40, probes, spare batteries and user guide.
SMD03 – Sur ace Mount 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 with standard 2mm female
connectors.
Other Probe Accessories
Different probe types are available, specially made for your LCR40. Contact
Peak Electronic Design Ltd or an authorised agent for more details.
Further information can be seen here:
www.peakelec.co.uk/acatalog/lcr40-and-lcr45-accessories.html

LCR40 User Guide November 2021 – Rev 7
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Appendi B – Component Identification
It is important to appreciate that the LCR40 can only decide on the identity of
the component under test using results of the electrical tests that it performs on
the component.
The LCR40 determines the type of component under test according to the
following criteria:
Inductor and Resistor Detection
The LCR40 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 LCR40 will tell you that you have a
resistor. If however the resistance was only 10Ω, then the LCR40 will tell you
that you have an inductor.
ote that any inductor with a DC resistance of more than 1000Ω will be
identified as a resistor.

LCR40 User Guide November 2021 – Rev 7
Page 16
Capacitor Detection
The LCR40 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).
or
2. If the measured DC resistance is between 100kΩ and 10MΩ and
the measured capacitance is larger than 10pF.
or
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.

LCR40 User Guide November 2021 – Rev 7
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Appendi C – Technical Specifications
All values are at 20C unless otherwise specified.
Par
ameter
Min
Typ
Max
Not
e
Resistance
range
1Ω
2MΩ
resolution
0.3
Ω
0.6
Ω
accuracy
Typically ±1.0% ±1.2Ω
1,2,6
Capacitance
range
0.5pF
10,000
µ
F
resolution
0.2pF
0.5
pF
accuracy
Typically ±1.5% ±1.0pF
1,2,5
Inductance
range
1
µH
2
H
resolution
0.4
µH
0.8
µH
accuracy
Typically
±1.5% ±1.6µH
1,2,4
Peak test voltage (across O/C)
-
1.05V
+1.05V
Peak test current (thru S/C)
-
5
.0
mA
+
5
.0
mA
Test frequency
accuracy
1kHz
-
1.5%
±
1%
+1.5%
14.925kHz
-
1.5%
±
1%
+1.5%
200kHz
-
1.5%
±
1%
+1.5%
Sine purity
Typically
-
60dB 3
rd
harmoni
c
Operating temperature range
1
5
°C
35
°C
3
Battery operating voltage
8.5V
13V
Battery life
Typically ~1
6
00 operations
7
otes:
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.
7. Based on <1 minute duration per operation.

LCR40 User Guide November 2021 – Rev 7
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Appendi D - Troubleshooting
Problem
Possible Solution
Capacitance measured when
probes are open circuit is not
close to zero (
±
1.0pF).
Perform a probe compensation.
Resistance and/or inductance
measured when probes are
short circuit is not close to
zero (
±1.2Ω, ±1.6µH).
Perform a probe compensation.
Measured value doesn’t
appear to be correct.
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 the
LCR
40
.
Measured values vary
slightly between tests.
The displayed resolution is higher than the
measurement resolution to avoid rounding
errors. Small variations within the quoted
measurement resolutions are normal.
Calibration date is
approaching or is in the past.
Don’t worry, the LCR40 will carry on
working after the “Calibration Due Date”.
The
da
te is simply a recommendation.

LCR40 User Guide November 2021 – Rev 7
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This page is intentionally blank.
Appendix E is on the rear cover of this user guide.

LCR40 User Guide November 2021 – Rev 7
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Appendi E – Statutory Information
Peak Satis action Warranty
If for any reason you are not completely satisfied with the LCR40, 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.
Statutory Warranty
The statutory warranty is valid for 24 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.
d) ormal wear and tear.
The customer’s statutory rights are not affected by any of the above.
All claims must be accompanied by a proof of purchase.
WEEE (Waste o Electrical and Electronic Equipment),
Recycling o Electrical and Electronic Products
It is not permissible to simply throw away electrical and electronic equipment.
Instead, these products must enter the recycling process. Each country 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 rom your
national WEEE recycling agency.
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.
Designed and manufactured in the UK © 2002/2021 Peak Electronic Design Limited - E&OE
www.peakelec.co.uk Tel. [phone]