LCR Elite1 User manual

LCR Elite1
LCR Elite1 User Manual - ver 1.1
User Manual

LCR Elite1 User Manual - ver 1.1
Notices
The information contained in this document is provided “as is”, and is subject to change, without notice, in
future editions.
This document contains proprietary information that is protected by copyright. All rights are reserved. No
part of this document may be photocopied, reproduced, or translated to another language without the prior
agreement and written consent from LCR Research Ltd.
© LCR Research Ltd. 2015
Warranty
LCR Research warrants this product to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of
one (1) year from the shipment date. LCR Research warrants the following items for ninety (90) days from
the date of shipment: rechargeable batteries, gold plated tips and documentation. During the warranty
period, LCR Research will, at its option, either repair or replace products that prove to be defective. For
warranty service or repair, this product must be returned to a service facility designated by LCR Research.
The buyer shall prepay shipping charges to LCR Research, and LCR Research 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 LCR Research from another country. Repaired or replaced products are warranted for
the balance of the original warranty period.
Limitation of Warranty
This warranty does not cover normal wear and tear and scratches on surface or screen. This warranty does
not cover physical damage to the screen, switch and/or button; electrical damage of the product due to high
voltage or improper battery type. This warranty does not cover to any product from which the serial number
has been removed or that has been damaged or rendered defective resulting from improper or inadequate
maintenance by the Buyer, software, interfacing or parts not supplied by LCR Research, unauthorized
modication or misuse, operation outside the usage parameters stated in the user documentation, or
improper site preparation or maintenance.
LCR Research specically disclaims no other warranty is expressed or implied, including the implied
warranties of merchantability or tness for a particular purpose. LCR Research shall not be liable for errors
or for incidental or consequential damages in connection with the furnishing, use, or performance of this
document or of any information contained herein.
Exclusive Remedies
The remedies provided herein are the Buyer’s sole and exclusive remedies. LCR Research shall not be liable
for any direct, indirect, special, incidental, or consequential damages, whether based on contract, tort, or
any other legal theory. Such excluded damages shall include, but are not limited to: costs of removal and
installation, losses sustained as the result of injury to any person, or damage to property.

LCR Elite1 User Manual - ver 1.1
Safety Notices
CAUTION
Caution must be observed to avoid minor injury to yourself or damage to the product or other property.
WARNING
Warnings must be followed carefully to avoid personal injury, death or damage to the product or other property.
Safety Considerations
Read the information below before using this metre. This metre is intended for use by qualied personnel who
recognize shock hazards and are familiar with the safety precautions required to avoid possible injury. The
following general safety precautions must be observed during all phases of operation, service, and repair of this
metre. Failure to comply with these precautions or with specic warnings elsewhere in this manual violates safety
standards for design, manufacture, and intended use of the metre. LCR Research assumes no liability for the
customer’s failure to comply with these requirements.
CAUTION
• Disconnect circuit power and discharge all high-voltage capacitors before testing.
• When measuring in-circuit components, rst de-energize the circuits before connecting them to the test tips.
• The battery must be charged by a computer USB port or a USB power adapter that provides output voltage
DC 5V ± 5%.
• This metre is for indoor use at altitudes of up to 2000 metres.
WARNING
• Use this metre only as specied in this manual; otherwise, the protection provided by the metre may be impaired.
• Do not use the metre if it is damaged. Before you use the metre, inspect the case. Look for cracks or missing plastic.
• Inspect the test tip sleeves for damaged insulation or exposed metal. Check the test tips for continuity. Replace
damaged test tip sleeves before you use the metre.
• Do not touch exposed metal in measurement. Keep your ngers on insulated test tip sleeves.
• Do not use the metre if it operates abnormally.
• Do not operate the metre around explosive gas, vapor, or in wet environments.
• Never use the metre in wet conditions or when there is water on the surface. If the metre is wet, ensure that the
metre is dried only by trained personnel.
• When servicing the metre, use only the specied replacement parts.
• Do not attempt to replace the internal lithium-ion polymer battery yourself. You may damage the battery and/
or board, which could cause overheating and injury. The battery should be replaced only by a LCR Research
Authorized Service Provider, and must be recycled or disposed of separately from household waste. Do not
incinerate the battery.
• Do not use damaged cables or chargers, or charge when moisture is present. It can cause re, electric shock, injury,
or damage to the product or other property.

LCR Elite1 User Manual - ver 1.1
Contents
1. Overview
Product Introduction
............................................................
1
Features and Functions
..........................................................
1
Turn On the Metre
...............................................................
2
Power O
........................................................................
2
Charging the Battery
............................................................
2
Battery Level Indicator
..........................................................
2
Display Screen
...................................................................
3
General Display Indicators
....................................................
3
Measurement Units
...........................................................
4
Cleaning the Metre
..............................................................
5
2. Making Measurements
Selecting the Measurement Modes
.............................................
6
Selecting the Testing Frequency
................................................
7
Selecting the Series/Parallel Circuit Mode
......................................
8
Shortcut to the Default Mode
...................................................
8
3. Characteristics and Specications
Product Characteristics
..........................................................
9
Electrical Specications
.........................................................
9
Testing Signal Specications 
.................................................
9
Typical Osets 
..............................................................
10
Measurement Ranges and Optimal Testing Frequency 
...................
10
Accuracy Specications 
.....................................................
11

1 LCR Elite1 User Manual - ver 1.1
1. Overview
This chapter provides the basic operation procedures and describes names and functions on the screen display.
Product Introduction
LCR Elite1 (“the metre”) is a portable impedance measuring device for incoming inspection of components, quality
control, and laboratory use.
It is capable of measuring resistance, capacitance or inductance with 3 test frequencies (100Hz, 1kHz and 10kHz). It
has a basic accuracy better than 0.5% for resistance and 1% for capacitance and inductance measurements.
The metre has a pair of gold plated tips that can pick the SMD components with size down to 0201. The parasitic
parameters of its probes are small and very predictable thanks to its unique mechanical design. It signicantly
reduces the probability of measurement errors related to setup (such as wires, probes, tips).
Features and Functions
Tweezers type test probes
OLED display
Navigation button
Micro-B USB
Replaceable gold plated tips
Figure 1-1: LCR Elite1 overview

2 LCR Elite1 User Manual - ver 1.1
Note
If test frequency is manually set to 10 kHz, automatic power o may take longer to occur or not occur at all. This is
due to the metre being more sensitive at 10 kHz. It may see parasitic values and keep measuring even when the
tips are open.
Turn On the Metre
To power on the metre, press the navigation button once. The metre
powers up with the most recently selected measurement function.
Power O
The metre powers o automatically if neither a measurement is performed
nor the navigation button is clicked for approximately 60 seconds. To
manually power o metre - press and hold button until “TURNING OFF”
message appears on screen (Figure 1-2).
Charging the Battery
The metre is powered by an internal, lithium-ion polymer rechargeable
battery. It can be charged by connecting to a computer USB port using
a standard micro-B USB cable or, by using an USB power adapter. The
USB power adapter should have output voltage 5V +/- 5% with output
current 100 mA or greater. The USB cable and power adapter are available
separately. (Figure 1-3)
Battery Level Indicator
The battery icon in the bottom-right corner shows the battery level
or charging status.
When the battery icon becomes hollow, it indicates that the battery
remaining capacity is low and it should be recharged. The warning
appears when the battery capacity is about 95% depleted. The unit is still
operational for a while; however the battery should be recharged as soon
as possible. (Figure 1-4)
CAUTION
Rechargeable batteries have a limited number of charge cycles and may
eventually need to be replaced. The metre battery isn’t user replaceable;
it can be replaced only by a LCR Research Authorized Service Provider.
Figure 1-3: Charge using power
adapter or computer
Figure 1-2: Power o message
Empty battery
Full capacity
Figure 1-4: Battery charge icons

3 LCR Elite1 User Manual - ver 1.1
The Navigation Button
The navigation button is used to select dierent functions by single
clicking, double clicking or triple clicking the navigation button.
Please read the Selecting the Measurement Modes chapter on page 6 for
detailed instructions.
Single click to select measurements.
Double click to select testing frequencies.
Triple click to select series/parallel circuit modes.
The navigation button can be used for shortcut operation as well. When
it is pressed down for approximately 2 seconds, the metre goes to the
default mode no matter which mode it is currently in. For detailed
information, please go to page 8: Shortcut to the Default Mode.
Display Screen
This section describes the names and functions of parts on the metre screen.
General Display Indicators
The general display indicators of the metre are described in the table
below. Each display indicator is described in Table 1-1. Select the respective
“Learn more” pages in Table 1-1 for more information on each indicator.
Figure 1-5: Measurement display
Test frequency mode
Primary display
Test frequency
Test mode
Secondary display
Circuit mode
Auto circuit mode selection
Battery indicator

4 LCR Elite1 User Manual - ver 1.1
Measurement Units
The available signs and notations for each measurement function in the
metre are described in Table 1-1.
The units listed below are applicable to the primary display measurements
of the metre.
Table 1-1 General Display Indicators
Indicator Description Learn more on:
AAuto mode indicator Page 6
RResistance measurement indicator Page 6
LInductance measurement indicator Page 6
CCapacitance measurement indicator Page 6
Rs Series equivalent resistance
Rp Parallel equivalent resistance
AF Auto testing frequency selection Page 7
MF Manual test frequency selection Page 7
100 Hz Testing frequency at 100 Hz Page 7
1 kHz Testing frequency at 1 kHz Page 7
10 kHz Testing frequency at 10 kHz Page 7
AC Auto circuit mode selection Page 8
Parallel circuit mode indicator Page 8
Series circuit mode indicator Page 8
Battery level indicator Page 2
Table 1-2 Measurement Units Display
Legend Description
Mmega 1E+06 (1000000)
Kkilo 1E+03 (1000)
mmilli 1E–03 (0.001)
umicro 1E–06 (0.000001)
nnano 1E–09 (0.000000001)
ppico 1E–12 (0.000000000001)
uH, mH, H Henry, units for inductance measurement
pF, nF, uF, mF Farad, units for capacitance measurement
mΩ, Ω, kΩ, MΩ Ohm, units for resistance and impedance measurement
Hz, kHz Hertz, units for frequency measurement

5 LCR Elite1 User Manual - ver 1.1
Cleaning the Metre
WARNING
To avoid electrical shock or damage to the metre, always keep the insides of the casing dry.
Dirt or moisture on the tips can aect measurement accuracy. Follow the steps below to clean the tips and case.
1. Shake out any dirt that may be on the tips.
2. Wipe the tips with a clean swab dipped in alcohol.
3. Wipe the case with a damp cloth and mild detergent.
Note
Do not use abrasives or solvents when clean the metre.

6 LCR Elite1 User Manual - ver 1.1
2. Making Measurements
Selecting the Measurement Modes
Single click the “navigation” button to select the measurement mode.
Four measurement modes can be selected as displayed in the ow
chart below.
Table 2-1 Measurement Mode Selection
Legend Function Description
AAuto mode Automatically identify the
component type in the primary
display (L, C, or R)
RResistance mode Measure resistance
LInductance mode Measure inductance
CCapacitance mode Measure capacitance
Figure 2-1 shows how the measurement functions are switched when the
navigation button is single clicked.
WARNING
To avoid electrical hazards and possible damage to the metre or to the
equipment under test, always discharge the capacitor to be tested before
measuring. For in circuit measurement, always disconnect circuit power
and discharge all high-voltage capacitors before testing.
Figure 2-1: Measurement mode
selection

7 LCR Elite1 User Manual - ver 1.1
Table 2-2 Auto Mode Phase Angle Rules
Phase angle Primary display Secondary display
|Q| < 0.15 R
Q >= +0.15 LRs or Rp
(depends on user settings)
Q < -0.15 CRs or Rp
(depends on user settings)
Selecting the Testing Frequency
Double click the “navigation” button to select the testing frequency. Four
testing frequencies can be selected as displayed in the ow chart below.
Table 2-3 Testing Frequency Selection
Legend Description
AF Auto testing frequency
100 Hz 100 Hz testing frequency
1 kHz 1 kHz testing frequency
10 kHz 10 kHz testing frequency
Figure 2-2 shows how the test frequencies are switched when the navigation
button is double clicked.
Note
In auto mode, the metre identies L, C, and R measurements automatically according to the angle of impedance
detected in the DUT. See Table 2-2 for the phase angle rules.
Note
When auto mode is selected by single clicking the navigation button, the testing frequency and series/parallel
circuit mode stay unchanged. To change them separately, please refer page 7: Selecting the Testing Frequency
and page 8: Selecting the Series/Parallel Circuit Mode.
A shortcut is available to quickly switch to the default mode (auto mode with auto testing frequency and auto
circuit mode), please refer page 8: Shortcut to the Default Mode.
Note
The metre is capable of using auto frequency to measure capacitance approximately greater than 3 pF and
inductance approximately greater than 10 uH. To measure capacitance or inductance out of this range, please select
the proper testing frequency manually according to Table 3-4: Measurement Ranges and Optimal Testing Frequency
on page 10.
Figure 2-2: Selecting testing frequency

8 LCR Elite1 User Manual - ver 1.1
Selecting the Series/Parallel Circuit Mode
Triple click the “navigation” button to select the circuit mode for the
secondary display. Three circuit modes can be selected as displayed in the
ow chart to the right.
Table 2-4 Circuit Mode Selection
Legend Description
AC Auto circuit mode
Parallel circuit mode
Series circuit mode
If the auto circuit mode is selected, series or parallel circuit mode will be
automatically identied. See Table 2-5 for the series/parallel rules used.
Table 2-5 Auto Mode Series/Parallel Rules for
Capacitance Measurements
Capacitance range
C < 400 pF Parallel circuit diagram (Rp)
C >= 400 pF Serial circuit diagram (Rs)
Shortcut to the Default Mode
The metre provides shortcut to let the user go to default mode quickly. As
long as the navigation button is pressed down for approximately 2 seconds,
it goes to the default mode no matter which mode it is currently in.
In the default mode, the metre automatically selects:
• An appropriate measurement in the primary display (L, C, or R)
and secondary display (Rs or Rp).
• An appropriate testing frequency.
• An appropriate circuit mode (series or parallel).
Follow the following steps to reset to the default mode:
1. Press down the navigation button.
2. In approximately 2 seconds, the RESETTING TO DEFAULT prompts will be
shown on the display as Figure 2-4 shows.
3. Release the navigation button to bring the metre to default mode.
Figure 2-4: Resetting to default
Figure 2-3: Selecting circuit mode

9 LCR Elite1 User Manual - ver 1.1
3. Characteristics and Specications
Product Characteristics
Table 3-1 Product Characteristics
Dimensions (L x W x H) 151 x 19 x 14.5mm
Weight 30 grams
Display 0.91-inch, 128x32 OLED display
Battery 3.7V 150 mAH internal lithium-ion polymer battery
Battery life 1 day in typical measurement (1)
Charging source USB port
USB power adapter (output voltage DC 5V ± 5%)
Charging time 2.5 hours typical
Measurement rate 1 time/second typical
Operating environment Operating temperature from -10°C to 50°C, 0% to 80% RH
Full accuracy up to 80% RH for temperature 23°C ± 3°C
Altitude up to 2000 m
Storage compliance -20°C to 60°C, 0% to 80% RH
Safety and EMC compliance IEC61000-4-2 - ESD (4 kV Contact, 8 kV Air)
EN 61000-4-3 - Radiated Immunity
IEC61000-4-8 - Magnetic Field Immunity
FCC15/EN 55011/ICES-003 - Class A, Radiated Emisisons
FCC15 Class A Conducted Emissions
Calibration cycle 1 Year
Electrical Specications
Testing Signal Specications
Table 3-2 Testing Signal Specications
Testing frequency 100Hz, 1kHz, 10kHz
Testing signal level 0.45Vrms
Source impedance 100Ω ± 1%
Note
(1) Battery life varies by use, conguration, and many other factors. Actual results may vary.

10 LCR Elite1 User Manual - ver 1.1
Notes
(1) There is some small resistance oset due to the resistance of the tips, and the contact resistance between
the tips and the component being measured. Typical oset value is approximately 25 mΩ and may increase
if the gold on the tips wears out. It is recommended that the user performs oset measurements before
making precision measurements, and use such oset value to calculate the actual resistance.
(2) There is some small capacitance oset due to the capacitance between tips. The oset depends on the
distance between the tips (i.e. measured component size). It is recommended that the user performs oset
measurements before making precision measurements, and use such oset value to calculate the actual
capacitance.
(3) There is some small inductance oset due to the inductance on tips. Typical oset value is approximately
150nH. It is recommended that the user performs oset measurements before making precision
measurements, and use such oset value to calculate the actual inductance.
Typical Osets
Table 3-3 Typical Osets
Resistance oset (1) 25 mΩ
Capacitance oset (2) 0.25 pF for 0201 size
0.21 pF for 0402 size
0.18 pF for 0603 size
0.16 pF for 0805 size
0.15 pF for 1206 size
Inductance oset (3) 150nH
Measurement Ranges and Optimal Testing Frequency
Table 3-4 Measurement Ranges and Optimal Testing Frequency
Parameter Measurement range Optimal testing frequency
Resistance 25 mΩ to 10 MΩ 1 kHz
Capacitance 0.3 pF to 30 nF
30 nF to 20 uF
20 uF to 500 uF
10 kHz
1 kHz
100 Hz
Inductance 1.0 uH to 10 mH
10 mH to 500 mH
500 mH to 1 H
10 kHz
1 kHz
100 Hz

11 LCR Elite1 User Manual - ver 1.1
Accuracy Specications (1)
Note
(1) Accuracy is specied at optimum test frequency after subtract the oset resistance, inductance or capacitance.
(2) The accuracy for the ceramic capacitor will be inuenced depending on the dielectric constant (K) of the
material used to make the ceramic capacitor.
Table 3-7 Capacitance Resolution
Range Resolution
10 pF 0.001 pF
100 pF 0.01 pF
1 nF 0.1 pF
10 nF 1 pF
100 nF 10 pF
1 uF 100 pF
10 uF 1 nF
100 uF 10 nF
500 uF 100 nF
Table 3-6 Resistance Resolution
Range Resolution
100 mΩ 0.01 mΩ
1 Ω 0.1 mΩ
10 Ω 1 mΩ
100 Ω 10 mΩ
1 kΩ 100 mΩ
10 kΩ 1 Ω
100 kΩ 10 Ω
1 MΩ 100 Ω
10 MΩ 1 kΩ
Table 3-5 Capacitance Accuracy Specications
Resistance
25 mΩ - 1 MΩ 0.5 % + 20 mΩ
1 MΩ - 2 MΩ 2.0 %
2 MΩ - 10 MΩ 5.0 %
Inductance
1.0 uH - 1 H 1.0 % + 0.1 uH
Capacitance (2)
0.3 pF - 500 uF 1.0 % + 0.2 pF
Table 3-8 Inductance Resolution
Range Resolution
1 uH 0.1 nH
10 uH 1 nH
100 uH 10 nH
1 mH 100 nH
10 mH 1 uH
100 mH 10 uH
1 H 100 uH