GW Instek LCR-800 Series User manual

LCR-800 Series User Manual
i
CONTENTS PAGE
1. INTRODUCTION……………………………………..……... 1
2. PRECAUTIONS BEFORE OPERATION…….…………….
2-1.Unpacking the instrument………………….…………….
2-2.Checking the Line Voltage…………………..……………
2-3.Environment……………………………………..………..
2-4.Equipment Installation, and Operation…………………
2
2
2
3
3
3. PANEL DESCRIPTION…...……………………..………….. 4
OPERATION…………….………………………………...….
4-1.Connects to DUT….………………..………….……..…...
4-2.Start-Up……….....……………………………..………….
4-3.Zeroing…………………………………………………….
4-4.Menu Functions.…..………………………………………
4-5.Measurement Condition…..……………………………...
8
8
8
8
11
18
4.
5. SPECIFICATIONS…………………………………………... 35
6. MESSAGE CODE.………………………………………….... 42
7. MAINTENANCE....…………………………………………... 43
8. OPTION 1 (BIN Function for LCR-826/827/829 only)……..
8-1. BIN Functions for Components Sorting……………..….
8-2. BIN Setting Conditions:...………………………………..
8-3. BIN Range Setting: Component Sorting Range..............
44
44
46
52
9. OPTION 2 (RS-232, for LCR-816/817/819 only)…………… 61

LCR-800 Series User Manual
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SAFETY TERMS AND SYMBOLS
These terms may appear in this manual or on the product:
WARNING: Warning statements identify condition or practices
that could result in injury or loss of life.
CAUTION: Caution statements identify conditions or practices
that could result in damage to this product or other property.
The following symbols may appear in this manual or on the product:
DANGER ATTENTION Protective Earth (ground)
High Voltage refer to Manual Conductor Terminal
Terminal

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FOR UNITED KINGDOM ONLY
NOTE: This lead / appliance must only be wired by competent persons
WARNING: THIS APPLIANCE MUST BE EARTHED
IMPORTANT: The wires in this lead are coloured in accordance with the
following code:
Green/ Yellow: Earth
Blue: Neutral
Brown: Live (Phase)
As the colours of the wires in main leads may not correspond with the
colours marking identified in your plug/appliance, proceed as follows:
The wire which is coloured Green & Yellow must be connected to the Earth
terminal marked with the letter E or by the earth symbol or coloured
Green or Green & Yellow.
The wire which is coloured Blue must be connected to the terminal which is
marked with the letter N or coloured Blue or Black.
The wire which is coloured Brown must be connected to the terminal
marked with the letter Lor Por coloured Brown or Red.
If in doubt, consult the instructions provided with the equipment or contact
the supplier.
This cable/appliance should be protected by a suitably rated and approved
HBC mains fuse: refer to the rating information on the equipment and/or
user instructions for details. As a guide, cable of 0.75mm2should be
protected by a 3A or 5A fuse. Larger conductors would normally require
13A types, depending on the connection method used.
Any moulded mains connector that requires removal /replacement must be
destroyed by removal of any fuse & fuse carrier and disposed of
immediately, as a plug with bared wires is hazardous if a engaged in live
socket. Any re-wiring must be carried out in accordance with the
information detailed on this label.

LCR-800 Series User Manual
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EC Declaration of Conformity
We
GOOD WILL INSTRUMENT CO., LTD.
No. 95-11, Pao-Chung Rd., Hsin-Tien City, Taipei Hsien, Taiwan
declares that the below mentioned product
LCR-817/819/827/829/816/826
are herewith confirmed to comply with the requirements set out in the Council
Directive on the Approximation of the Law of Member States relating to
Electromagnetic Compatibility (89/366/EEC, 92/31/EEC, 93/68/EEC) and Low
Voltage Equipment Directive (73/23/EEC).
For the evaluation regarding the Electromagnetic Compatibility and Low Voltage
Equipment Directive, the following standards were applied:
EN 61326-1: Electrical equipment for measurement, control and laboratory use ––
EMC requirements (1997+A1: 1998)
Conducted and Radiated Emissions
EN 55011 Group I class A: 1998 Electrostatic Discharge EN 61000-4-2: 1995
Current Harmonic
EN 61000-3-2: 1995 Radiated Immunity EN 61000-4-3: 1996
Voltage Fluctuation
EN 61000-3-3: 1995 Electrical Fast Transients EN 61000-4-4: 1995
———————————————— Surge Immunity
EN 61000-4-5: 1995
———————————————— Conducted Susceptibility
EN 61000-4-6: 1996
———————————————— Power Frequency Magnetic field
EN 61000-4-8: 1993
———————————————— Voltage Dips/ Interrupts
EN 61000-4-11: 1994
———————————————— Oscillatory Waves
EN 61000-4-12: 1995
Low Voltage Equipment Directive 73/23/EEC & amended by 93/68/EEC
Safety Requirements
EN 61010-1: 1993+A2: 1995; IEC 61010-1: 1990+A1: 1992+A2: 1995

LCR-800 Series User Manual
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1. INTRODUCTION
The precise LCR meter series are automatic, user programmable instruments
that provide high reliability and great precision for measuring a wide variety of
impedance parameters. The frequency range of LCR-819/829 covers from 12Hz
to 100kHz, LCR-817/827 from 12Hz to 10kHz, and LCR-816/826 from 100Hz
to 2kHz. The basic accuracy is 0.1% for LCR827/829, 0.05% for LCR-817/819,
and 0.2% for LCR-816/826. The measured results can be displayed on the high
quality LCD monitor with decimal points and units. The measured result
resolution is five full digits for Inductance (L), Capacitance (C), and Resistance
(R) (four full digits for Dissipation (D), Quality factor (Q) or C with R). In the
meantime, the LCD monitor is also shown the control status and parameters of
settings. The keypads are easy for menu programming. The LCR Meters’ test
fixture (option) is a method of convenient, reliable, guarded 4-terminal/2 wires
connection of radial and axial leaded components to the LCR Meters. Test
conditions can be stored and recalled from internal memory that will reduce the
setup time for measurement preparing.

LCR-800 Series User Manual
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2. PRECAUTIONS BEFORE OPERATION
2-1. Unpacking the instrument
The product has been fully inspected and tested before shipping from the
factory. Upon receiving the instrument, please unpack and inspect it to
check if there are any damages caused during transportation. If any damage
is found, notify the bearer and/or the dealer immediately.
2-2. Checking the Line Voltage
The LCR Meters can be operated with AC power source between 100V
rated voltage and 240V rated voltage at a frequency of 50 to 60Hz, no AC
voltage selector is necessary. Power connection to rear panel is through an
AC inlet module comprised of an AC connector and fuse holder. To change
the fuse proceed as follows:
!Remove the fuse holder by inserting a small flat head screwdriver
behind the small tab to force the holder outward.
!Install the correct fuse (slow-blow, 3A, 250Vac).
!Re-install the fuse holder back into the LCR Meters AC inlet module,
push in and lock.
WARNING. To avoid electrical shock the power cord protective
grounding conductor must be connected to ground.
WARNING. To avoid personal injury, disconnect the power cord
before removing the fuse holder.

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2-3. Environment
The normal ambient temperature range of the LCR Meters is from 10°to
50°C. To operate the instrument over this specific temperature range may
cause damage to the circuits.
Do not use the LCR Meters in a place where strong magnetic or electric
field exists as it may disturb the measurement.
2-4. Equipment Installation, and Operation
Ensure there is proper ventilation for the vents in the LCR meters case. If
this equipment is used not according to the specification, the protection
provided by the equipment may be impaired.
WARNING: This is a Class A product. In a domestic environment
this prduct may cause radio interference in which case the user
may be required to take adequate measures.

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3. PANEL DESCRIPTION
(1). Power Switch
Turns AC Power on or off.
(2). Function keyF1
Soft key functions as indicated on the adjacent LCD monitor.
(3). Function keyF2
Soft key functions as indicated on the adjacent LCD monitor.
(4). Function keyF3
Soft key functions as indicated on the adjacent LCD monitor.
(5). Function keyF4
Soft key functions as indicated on the adjacent LCD monitor.
(6). MENU key
Enters menu display mode or exits sub menu back to main menu.
(7). Compound key
!For making numerical entries as labeled.
!Turns the “RANGE HOLD” mode on or off.
(8). Compound key
!For making numerical entries as labeled.
!Turns the “CONSTANT VOLTAGE” mode on or off.
(9). Compound key
!For making numerical entries as labeled.
!Measures the unit of Dissipation and Quality Factor in PPM.
(Note: The models of LCR-816 and 826 do not have this function.)

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(10). Compound key
!For making numerical entries as labeled.
!Selects the “INTERNAL BIAS” mode or “EXTERNAL BIAS” mode. (If
this key function is switched to “INTERNAL BIAS” mode, the bottom of
LCD monitor will display the “INT.B” message. If the external DC bias
is selected, the bottom of LCD monitor will display the “EXT.B”
message.)
(11). Compound key
!For making numerical entries as labeled.
!Turns the INTERNAL BIAS mode or EXTERNAL BIAS mode “ON” or
“OFF”.
(12). Compound key
!For making numerical entries as ““ (the negative sign).
!Inputs the “TEST FREQUENCY”.
(13). START (Compound key)
!Starts measurement sequence. Normally used in the “MANU”
(Triggered) mode.
!Selects “AUTO” or “MANU” mode by pressing this key for 3 seconds at
least.
!The LCR Meters will process the measurement automatically, if the
“AUTO” mode is selected.
(14). ↵
↵↵
↵key (ENTER)
This key enables programming of all special functions, test frequency, test
voltage, averaging, delay, and nominal value etc.
(15). Symbol key
Inputs the decimal point
(16). Numeral key—“2”
(17). Numeral key—“3”
(18). Numeral key—“5”
(19). Numeral key—“6”
(20). Numeral key—“9”
(21). Primary Display
This line can display the measured Inductance, Capacitance, or Resistance.
(22). Secondary Display

LCR-800 Series User Manual
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This line can display the measured Quality Factor or Dissipation or ESR or
EPR.
(23). Instrument status or indicates measurement results based on entered test
limits.
(24). Test conditions
(25). Input terminals
BNC connectors, connects to device under test (DUT).
Connectors of the LCR Meters BIAS
Lforce (current, low) 
Lsense (potential low) 
Hsense (potential high) 
Hforce (current, high) 

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FRONT PANEL

LCR-800 Series User Manual
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4. OPERATION
4-1. Connects to DUT
The LCR Meters utilize the structure of four wires measurement which allows
accurate, easy, and stable measurements and avoids mutual inductance and
interference from measurement signals, noise and other factors inherent with
other types of connections. For the accuracy of measurement, GOODWILL
produces the cable set and test fixture (option) for connection directly to the
front panel BNC connectors.
4-2. Start-Up
Connects the power cord of the LCR Meters to the mains socket-outlet. Presses
the POWER button of front panel to apply the AC power to the LCR Meters.
4-3. Zeroing
In order to eliminate strayed capacitance and impedance of test cable during the
measurement, the LCR Meters should be zeroed to correct for test cable and/or
test fixture errors before taking measurements. The corrections are calculated
and stored in memory of the LCR Meters during the zeroing process. Open and
short circuit zeroing should be done for test cable and/or test fixture. For the best
accuracy, the test cable and/or test fixture should be zeroed once per day at least
and each time test cable or test fixture is changed in general.
The zeroing process of open and short circuits are following:
Open Circuit
!The test cable or test fixture should be open with no component connected.
!Press MENU key.
!Press F1 key to select “OFFSET” menu.
!Press F1 key to select open circuit zeroing (the “CAP OFFSET” is indicated
on the adjacent LCD monitor.).

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!After the BAR at the bottom of LCD monitor is filled to the full, the zeroing
process is done.
!If the zeroing process is successful, a message of “OK” will appear on the
LCD monitor. If failed, a message of “FAIL” will appear on the LCD
monitor.
Short Circuit
!The test cable should be connected or test fixture shorted (using a clean
copper wire, as short as possible).
!Press MENU key.
!Press F1 key to select “OFFSET” menu.
!Press F2 key to select short circuit zeroing (the “R/L OFFSET” is indicated
on the adjacent LCD monitor.).
!After the BAR at the bottom of LCD monitor is filled fully, the zeroing
process is done.
!If the zeroing process is successful, a message of “OK” will appear on the
LCD monitor. If failed, a message of “FAIL” will appear on the LCD
monitor.
Test Condition:
Test voltage=1V
Test speed = SLOW
R.H = OFF
C.V = OFF
For the summary, the zeroing menu can be chosen through menu selection as
shown in Figure 4-1 above.
NOTE: The “Open Circuit” and “Short Circuit” have to pass the test,
otherwise, the accuracy of the LCR Meters will become worse.

LCR-800 Series User Manual
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SPEED
SLOW
DISPLAY
VALUE
MODE
L/Q
CIRCUIT
SERIES
MENU
L 1.2345H
Q 0.6789
TESTING
F : 1.000 kHz
V : 1.000 V
AUTO MANU INT.B OFF
R.H OFF
C.V OFF
OFFSET
SORT
SETTING
CALBRAT
EXIT
CAP. R/L OFFSET
SET SORT
SET PARAMETER
CALIBRATION
Press menu
key
Press F1 key
to the zeroing
menu
EXIT
OPEN TEST
SHORT TEST
CAP
OFFSET
R/L
OFFSET
Press F1 KEY for
open test
Press
F2 KEY for
short test
Figure 4-1: Summary of zeroing menu

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4-4. Menu Functions
All the LCR Meters’ programmable functions are controlled by the easy to use
menu displays. User can enter the menu mode by selecting the MENU key that
calls up four top level menus, OFFSET, SORT, SETTING and CALBRAT.
Each one of these is comprised of a sub menu list whose functions are described
in detail below. User can enter one of four functions by pressing the
corresponding function key (just adjacent LCD monitor, see figure 4-2).
4-4-1. Primary & Secondary Display
For the LCR Meters, four combinations of two parameters can be measured and
displayed simultaneously. One referred to the “Primary Display” (displayed
first) and the other to the “Secondary Display”. Depending on the component
type the primary and secondary display could be L& Q, C& D, C& Ror R
and Q. The parameter can be chosen by the user through F3 key as shown in
Figure 4-3.
OFFSET
SORT
SETTING
CALBRAT
EXIT
CAP. R/L OFFSET
SET SORT
SET PARAMETER
CALIBRATION
Press F1 key
to the zeroing
menu
Press F2 key
to the bin sort
menu
Press F3 key
to the utility
menu
Press F4 key
to the
calibration
menu
Press MENU key
to exit menu screen
Figure 4-2: four main menu screen

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SPEED
SLOW
DISPLAY
VALUE
MODE
L/Q
CIRCUIT
SERIES
MENU
L 1.2345H
Q 0.6789
TESTING
F : 1.000 kHz
V : 1.000 V
AUTO MANU INT.B OFF
R.H OFF
C.V OFF
Press F3 key
successively in order
to select the different
measurement mode
(L/Q, C/D, C/Q, R/Q)
Primary
Display Secondary Display
Figure 4-3. Primary & Secondary display
User can select R/Q for resistor measurement; select L/Q for inductor
measurement; select either C/D or C/R for capacitor measurement.
4-4-2. Series & Parallel Equivalent Circuit
Impedance that is neither a pure resistance nor a pure reactance can be
represented at any specific frequency by either a series or a parallel combination
of resistance and reactance. Such representation is called “equivalent circuit”.
The component value of the “Primary Display” depends on which equivalent
circuit (series or parallel) is chosen. In normal, the component manufacturer
shall specify how a component is to be measured (usually series) and at what
frequency.
Suggested Test Conditions:
Inductors less than 10µH: Series, 100kHz.
Inductors from 10 µH to 1mH: Series, 10kHz.
Inductors from 1mH to 1H: Series, 1kHz.
Inductors greater than 1H: Series, 0.1kHz.
Capacitors less than 10pF: Parallel, 100kHz.
Capacitors from 10 to 400pF: Series or Parallel, 10kHz.
Capacitors from 400 to 1µF: Series, 1kHz.
Capacitors greater than 1µF: Series, 0.1 or 0.12kHz.
Resistor less than 1kΩ: Series, 1kHz.
Resistor from 1kΩto 10MΩ: Parallel, 0.25kHz.
Resistor greater than 10 MΩ: Parallel, 0.03kHz

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Unless for special reason, always select “Series” for capacitors and inductors.
This has traditionally been standard practice. For very small capacitance or
inductance, select a higher test frequency for better accuracy. For very large
capacitance or inductance, select a lower test frequency for better accuracy. For
dc resistance, select a lower test frequency to minimize ac effects.
Because the reactive component most likely to be represented in a low resistance
resistor is series inductance, the “Series” is selected for a resistor below about
1kΩ. If a resistor large than 10MΩ, select “Parallel” that because the reactive
component most likely to be represent in a high resistance resistor is shunt
capacitance. If the Q is less than 0.1, the measured Rp is probably very close to
the dc resistance.
The total loss of a capacitor can be expressed in several ways, including D and
“ESR” (Equivalent Series Resistance). “ESR” is typically much larger than
actual “ohmic” series resistance of the wire leads and foils that are in series with
the heart of a capacitor physically, because ESR includes also the effect of
dielectric loss. ESR is related to D by the formula: ESR = Rs = D/ωCs. Where ω
represents “omega” = 2 pi time frequency.
Although it is traditional to measure series inductance of inductors, there are
situations in which the parallel equivalent circuit better represents the physical
component. For small “air-core” inductors, the significant loss mechanism is
usually “ohmic” or “copper loss” in the wire, therefore the series circuit is
appropriate. Nevertheless, for an “iron core”, the significant loss mechanism can
be “core loss”, therefore, the parallel equivalent circuit is appropriate which
being a better model of the inductor.
SPEED
SLOW
DISPLAY
VALUE
MODE
L/Q
CIRCUIT
SERIES
MENU
L 1.2345H
Q 0.6789
TESTING
F : 1.000 kHz
V : 1.000 V
AUTO MANU INT.B OFF
R.H OFF
C.V OFF
Press F4 key to
select the
Series
or Parallel circuit
Figure 4-4. Selections of Series & Parallel Circuit
4-4-3. Measurement Displays

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The measured results of the LCR Meters can be shown on the LCD monitor in
three ways: VALUE, DELTA%, or DELTA. User can press F2 key to select the
appropriate item for measurement.
VALUE
The LCD monitor will display the measured value of both the primary and
secondary parameter, shown with decimal and units. The resolution of primary
display (L, C, or R) is five digits. The resolution of secondary display (D, Q or R
with C) is four digits. The message “TESTING” is displayed when a test is in
process.

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DELTA%
The “DELTA%” shows the percent deviation of the measured L, C, or R value
from a stored NOMINAL VALUE. The sign of deviation is indicated.
DELTA
The LCR difference is similar to the DELTA% except that the deviation is shown
in suitable units (ohms, henries, etc).
SPEED
SLOW
DISPLAY
VALUE
MODE
L/Q
CIRCUIT
SERIES
MENU
L 1.2345H
Q 0.6789
TESTING
F : 1.000 kHz
V : 1.000 V
AUTO MANU INT.B OFF
R.H OFF
C.V OFF
Press F2 key to select the
three different measuring
display ("VALUE",
"DELTA%", or "DELTA").
Figure 4-5. Types of measurement display
4-4-4. Nominal Value
Allows entry of a “Nominal Value” for the primary parameter which is the basis
for the measurement result in “DELTA” or “DELTA %”. Accepts numerical entry
up to five digits with decimal. Units are depended on which measurement
displays selected.

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Steps of “Nominal Value” input (Figure 4-6):
!Press MENU key.
!Press F2 key to select “SORT” menu.
!Press F1 key to select “Nominal Value” (the “NOM.VAL” is indicated on
the adjacent LCD monitor).
!Input the nominal value via the numeral keys (5 digits with decimal
maximum).
!Press ↵
↵↵
↵key
!After the BAR at the bottom of LCD monitor is filled fully, the “Nominal
Value” input is done.
4-4-5. Selection of Measurement Speed
One of three measurement speeds SLOW, MEDIUM, or FAST could be
selected (Figure 4-7). The continuous mode speeds are about 1, 5, and 12
measurement per second respectively. The trade-off is accuracy vs. speed. LCR-
817/819 will take a more accurate measurement at a slower rate. The trade-off is
as follows section
SLOW speed : More than 1 measurement per second, at 0.05% accuracy (or
better)
MEDIUM speed : More than 3 measurements per second, at 0.1% accuracy
(or better)
FAST speed : More than 7 measurements per second, at 0.24% accuracy
(or better)
* For the details of accuracy, please refer to the specifications.
* Regarding the models LCR-827 & 829, please refer to 4-6-2 Handler Interface
Timing.