Keysight 4284A Installation guide

Keysight Technologies
Migrating from a Keysight 4284A
LCR Meter to a Keysight E4980A
Precision LCR Meter
Technical Overview

Keysight Technologies, Inc. is proud to introduce the Keysight E4980A precision
LCR meter to our 4284A LCR customers. Based on the latest technology, this
LCR meter provides the best combination of accuracy, speed, and versatility for
a wide range of component measurements. The E4980A offers excellent cost/
performance value, enhancing your test and measurement efficiency by
providing fast measurement speed and outstanding performance at both low
and high impedance ranges.
E4980A Precision LCR Meter Overview .......................................................................... 3
Advantages of the E4980A ................................................................................................ 4
Accuracy ........................................................................................................................ 4
Speed.............................................................................................................................. 6
Versatility ....................................................................................................................... 9
E4980A and 4284A Common Features ........................................................................... 12
Migrating from the 4284A................................................................................................. 13
Appendix
1. Specification Comparison ............................................................................................. 14
2. Setup Resolution Comparison...................................................................................... 15
3. Measurement Speed Comparison............................................................................... 16
4. Option Configuration Comparison............................................................................... 17
5. Interface Comparison Table.......................................................................................... 17
6. Display Area Design Comparison................................................................................ 18
7. Front Panel Comparison................................................................................................ 19
8. Menu and Key Tree Structure Comparison ............................................................... 20
9. Remote Control: GPIB Commands Compatibility ..................................................... 22
10. Trigger System and Data Transfer Comparison ...................................................... 24
11. Status Byte Assignments Comparison .................................................................... 25
12. Technical Reference for the Handler Interface Migration.................................... 26
Setting a new standard for
impedance measurements
TOP 3 reasons to migrate
– Accuracy
– Speed
– Versatility

The Keysight E4980A precision LCR meter (20 Hz to 2 MHz) provides the best
combination of accuracy, speed, and versatility for a wide range of component
measurements. Offering the fastest measurement speed in its class and out-
standing performance at both low and high impedance ranges, the E4980A is
the ultimate tool for general testing of leaded and surface-mount components
and materials.

With basic impedance accuracy of 0.05%, minimized noise and extremely small
residual impedance for both low and high impedance measurements, the
E4980A LCR meter provides the measurement performance needed to meet the
test requirements of the latest devices. Low measurement fluctuation results in
extremely stable and accurate measurements for better design reliability and
higher yields.
–Low impedance measurements: milliohm equivalent series resistance (ESR)
–High impedance measurement: femto-farad (fF) capacitance
Fast measurement speed reduces your cost of test
More than five times faster1than the 4284A LCR meter with the same or lower
noise level, the E4980A LCR offers fast measurement speed and outstanding
performance over a wide impedance range. The maximum speed at required
signal-to-noise levels can be achieved using three measurement modes
(SHORT/MED/ LONG compensation) and an average number up to 999.
–5.6 ms/point (SHORT), the best speed in its class
–88 ms/point (MED)
–220 ms/point (LONG)
Versatile functions and features to meet all your impedance
measurement needs
The E4980A can be used with over 30 fixtures2to meet all your evaluation
needs from materials to SMD components. This light weight, compact instru-
ment provides 16 impedance measurement parameters for your testing conve-
nience. Other features include:
Measurement versatility
–20 Hz to 2 MHz test frequency with 4-digit resolution at any frequency
–100 V to 2 Vrms, 1 A to 20 mArms variable test signal
–Auto-level control
–201 points of programmable list sweep
Option E4980A-001 power and DC bias enhancement
–0 to 20 Vrms/100 mArms test signal
–Built-in 40 V DC bias with 0.33 mV resolution
–DC resistance, DC current, and DC voltage measurement capability
E4980A Precision LCR Meter Overview
1. In SHORT mode.
2. Please refer to Keysight's "Accessories Selection Guide for Impedance Measurements"
(literature number: 5965-4792E), available on our Web site: 
lcrmeters

Option E4980A-002 bias current interface and the 42841A
bias current source
DC current bias:
–0.01 A to 20 A (with the 42841A and the 42842A)
–0.02 A to 40 A (with the 42841A x 2ea., the 42842B and the 42843A)
Automated test system interface
–Option E4980A-201 handler interface
–Option E4980A-301 scanner interface
Advantages of the E4980A
Accuracy:
Excellent performance for low and high impedance measure-
ments
The E4980A LCR meter provides impedance measurements with excellent per-
formance across all frequency ranges to meet the test requirements of the lat-
est devices. Compared to the 4284A LCR meter, the E4980A provides a wider
measurement range and increased data fluctuation to increase test quality and
reduce cost of test.
100 mohm measurement range for ultra-low impedance test
Option E4980A-001 can provide a 100 mohm measurement range for ultra-low
impedance measurements,1while option 4284A-001 only provides a 1 ohm
measurement range.2
Wider measurement range, same accuracy
E4980A extends the test frequency range up to 2 MHz and enhances the accu-
racy capability to meet the stringent requirements of today's devices. Figures 1
and 2 shows the calculated measurement range graph for both the 4284A and
E4980A LCR meters based on their specifications. The measurement range of
the E4980A is wider than 4284A with the same accuracy across frequency
ranges making this instrument more suitable for both low and high impedance
measurements.
1.E-02
1.E-01
1.E+00
1.E+01
1.E+02
1.E+03
1.E+04
1.E+05
1.E+06
1.E+07
1.E+08
1.E+01 1.E+02 1.E+03 1.E+04 1.E+05 1.E+06 1.E+07
Test frequency [Hz]
1% Accuracy measurement range [ohm]
4284A
E4980A
Condition:
Test signal: 1 Vrms
Test time: MED
Cable length = 0 m
At room temperature
1. Test signal voltage is over 2 Vrms and the test signal current is not more than 100 mA.
2. Test signal voltage is over 2 Vrms and the test signal current is not more than 200 mA.
Figure 1. Measurement range comparison
(accuracy = 1%)

Improved measurement stability
Figure 3 shows the data fluctuation comparison of low and high impedance
measurements based on the results of 100 continuous measurements. (DC
bias: OFF, Cable length: 0 m, Temperature: 25 ºC) The graphs in Figure 3 show
that the E4980A enhances both the measurement data fluctuation and the
measurement time.
The graphs in Figure 4 show the E4980A set up as “SHORT, Avg=11”. The test
time is similar to the 4284A's “SHORT” mode test times, but the data fluctua-
1.E-03
1.E-02
1.E-01
1.E+00
1.E+01
1.E+02
1.E+03
1.E+04
1.E+05
1.E+06
1.E+07
1.E+08
1.E+09
1.E+01 1.E+02 1.E+03 1.E+04 1.E+05 1.E+06 1.E+07
Test frequency [Hz]
10% Accuracy measurement range
[ohm]
4284A
E4980A
Condition:
Test signal: 1 Vrms
Test time: MED
Cable length = 0 m
At room temperature
Measured standard deviation
-3.0E-05
-2.0E-05
-1.0E-05
0.0E+00
1.0E-05
2.0E-05
3.0E-05
0102030405060708090100
Times
Data de viation [ohm]
E4980A SHORT
4284A SHORT
Measured standard deviation
-1.0E-05
-5.0E-06
0.0E+00
5.0E-06
1.0E-05
0102030405060708090100
Times
Data de viation [ohm]
E4980A MED
4284A MED
E4980A SHORT Av15.6 ms 2.45

ohm
4284A SHORT Av130 ms 8.82

ohm
Standard deviation
Measurement time er oint
E4980A MED Av1 88 ms 0.42  ohm
4284A MED Av1 180 ms 1.68 
ohm
Standard deviation
Measurement time er oint
E4980A MED Av1 88 ms 0.12 
4284A MED Av1180 ms 0.19 
Standard deviation Measurement time er oint
E4980A SHORT Av15.6 ms 0.77 
4284A SHORT Av130 ms 1.39 
Standard deviation
Measurement time er oint
Measured standard deviation
-3.0E-15
-2.0E-15
-1.0E-15
0.0E+00
1.0E-15
2.0E-15
3.0E-15
0102030405060708090100
Times
4284A SHORT
E4980A SHORT
Measured standard deviation
-6.0E-16
-3.0E-16
0.0E+00
3.0E-16
6.0E-16
0102030405060708090100
Times
4284A MED
E4980A MED
Data deviation [] Data deviation []
Low impedance measurement High impedance measurement
DUT: 1 mohm resistor, freq: 100 kHz, 10 Vrms DUT: 1pF capacitor, freq: 1 MHz, 20 mVrms
Figure 2. Measurement range comparison
(accuracy = 10%)
Figure 3. Data fluctuation comparisons of the E4980A and the 4284A using SHORT and MED with the same average number of 1

tion has been greatly improved. The data fluctuation in this example is similar
to the 4284A's data fluctuation in “MED” mode.
Speed:
Faster measurement speeds
The E4980A offers more than 5 times faster in SHORT mode, and approximately
two times faster measurement speed in MED mode than the 4284A; this is the
best speed in its class. Maximum speed and repeatability can be achieved
using the three measurement modes (SHORT/MED/LONG) with the average
function. See Figure 5.
The E4980A precision LCR meter's fast measurement speed, combined with
high accuracy and measurement repeatability, provides accurate and
high-throughput test capability for both low and high impedance measure-
ments.
Option E4980A-005: For users that do not require the ultimate measurement
speed in a short length of time, an economical, entry model option is available.
1. Measurement time at 1 MHz. For additional details, refer to the E4980A data sheet
(literature number 5989-4435EN).
Measured data fluctuation
-1.0E-05
-5.0E-06
0.0E+00
5.0E-06
1.0E-05
0102030405060708090100
Times
Data deviation [ohm]
E4980A SHORT (Avg11)
4284A SHORT
E4980A (SHORT, Avg=11) 27.6 ms 0.23 fF
4284A (SHORT, Avg=1) 30 ms 1.39 fF
Standard deviation
Measurement time per point
E4980A (SHORT, Avg=11) 28.6 ms 0.94 ohm
4284A (SHORT, Avg=1) 30 ms 8.82
ohm
Standard deviation
Measurement time per point
Measured data fluctuation
-3.0E-15
-2.0E-15
-1.0E-15
0.0E+00
1.0E-15
2.0E-15
3.0E-15
0102030405060708090100
Times
4284A SHORT
E4980A SHORT (Avg11)
Data deviation [F]
Low impedance measurement High impedance measurement
DUT: 1 mohm resistor, freq: 100 kHz, 10 Vrms DUT: 1pF capacitor, freq: 1 MHz, 20 mVrms
Figure 4. Data fluctuation comparisons of the E4980A and the 4284A using SHORT with the same measurement time
Figure 5. Measurement time1comparison of the
standard E4980A and 4284A LCR meters

The entry model offers the same level of accuracy, only with 2 to 5 times less
speed than the standard model.
Faster data transfer speed
The E4980A's GPIB data transfer speed is 5 to 40 times faster than the data transfer
speed of the 4284A.
GPIB data transfer speed comparison of E4980A vs 4284A
1
10
100
1000
COMP
OFF COMP ON List 10 points 128 set buffer List 201 points
Data size
Total transfer time [ms]
4284A ASCIII
4284A Binary
E4980A ASCII
E4980A Binary
COMP ON: Comparator function is On
COMP OFF: Comparator function is OFF
List 10 points: list sweep is set at 10 points
128 set buffer: buffer memory stores and
transfers 128 sets of the data.
List 201 points: list sweep is set at 201 points
COMP
OFF
COMP
ON
List
10 points
128 set
buffer
List
201 points
E4980A ASCII 22.16 4.82 28.95 44.33
Binary 1.96 1.98 4.64 21.67 33.09
4284A ASCII 10.74 11.6 60.33 723.03
Binary 4.62 5.57 28.88 315.51
Figure 6. Measurement speed: standard E4980A LCR
vs. economy model E4980A-005 LCR vs. 4284A LCR
Figure 7. GPIB data transfer rates for the E4980A and
4284A LCR meters

From the data shown above, it is easy to conclude that the E4980A provides
higher throughput than the 4284A; further lowering cost of test in manufactur-
ing environments.
Shorter cycle time
Enhanced measurement and data transfer times result in shorter cycle time.
Figure 8 compares the total measurement times of the E4980A, the
E4980A-0051and the 4284A LCRs. As you can see, the E4980A offers 2 to more
than 5 times improvement in measurement speed.
0.0000 0.5000 1.0000 1.5000 2.0000 2.5000
4284A
Short
E4980A-005
Short (DispOFF)
E4980A Short
(DispON)
E4980A Short
(DispOFF)
4284A
Med
E4980A-005
Med (DispOFF)
E4980A Med
(DispON)
E4980A Med
(DispOFF)
Measurement time [s]
Measure time Data trans time
Actual measurement setup:
DUT: 1pF capacitor
Freq: 1 MHz
Test signal level: 30 mVrms
10 points bias current list sweep
Comparator function: OFF
Measurement rang hold
AVG = 1, OSL: OFF
Bias current: 1, 2, 5, 7, 10, 13, 15,
20, 25, 30 V
2.5 times faster
More than
5 times faster
1. E4980A-005 is the entry model. Please see page 7 for more information.
Figure 8. Measurement speed comparison of the E4980A, E4980A-005 and 4284A LCR meters
(Unit: s) 4284A E4980A-005 E4980A Short E4980A Short 4284A E4980A-005 E4980A Med E4980A Med
Short Short (DispOFF) (DispON) (DispOFF) Med Med (DispOFF) (DispON) (DispOFF)
Measurement
Time
0.6422 0.2599 0.1013 0.0734 2.1642 1.7399 0.9648 0.8904
Date Transfer
Time
0.0516 0.0036 0.0097 0.0036 0.0517 0.0037 0.0097 0.0037
Total Time 0.6938 0.2635 0.1110 0.0070 2.2159 1.7436 0.9745 0.8942

Versatility:
The E4980A provides powerful features to increase test reliability and efficiency. The
instrument has a new user interface that is even easier to use and the measurement
capability to suit your applications.
User friendly interface offers more PC connectivity
Flexible connectivity: Use USB (USB TMC), LAN and GPIB interfaces to control the
E4980A LCR. You can even use a LAN cable with a computer and a Web browser.
USB memory interface: A USB memory device can be used to save setup states,
measurement log data and graphic image files (memory devices only).
Advanced, easy-to-use interface
–New “skip” key enables access lower-level menus quickly and easily
–New larger windows for enhanced readability
–Quick recall to shorten recall time
–New [Preset] key enables fast, easy clearing and resetting of test setups.
Figure 9. Control your instrument remotely and
easily using USB (USB TMC) or LAN connections
Figure 10. A USB memory device can be used to
save set up states, data or graphs
Figure 11. Large display mode example


The E4980A provides more accurate evaluation under actual usage situations. This
is due to:
–Enhanced frequency point resolution, 0.01 Hz (min.) and 4-digit resolution in every
frequency range.
–10 times enhanced resolution of test signal voltage and DC bias voltage (max.).
–Test signal: Min. 100 uV (1 mV for the 4284A)
–Bias voltage: Min. 330 uV (1 mV for the 4284A)
–Enhanced data display: 7 digit resolution for the E4980A (6 digit resolution for the 4284A),
and a new DISP:ENAB OFF command to turn off the display completely saving display
refresh time.
–Delay time: Min 100us (1 ms for the 4284A) for step delay. Min 100 us (N/A for the 4284A)
for trigger delay.

With the E4980A LCR, you can set frequency, measurement range and stimulus
conditions as list parameters (up to 201). Set two parameters independently to achieve
measurements results under a variety of conditions.
Add an external PC with a data spreadsheet application such as Microsoft Excel, to
simplify character analysis of impedance vs frequency (test signal, DC bias, etc.).
Freq. test signal DC bias, etc.
Impedance
E
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
50k 100k 150k 200k
Frequency [Hz]
Z: E4980A
Z: 4284A
|Z| [ohm]
Figure 12. Increased frequency resolution enhances
test accuracy
Figure 13. 201 point list sweep lets you
set your own parameters