Microtest 6577 User manual

6577
S/W Ver
Firmware Ver
Date
1.0
User Manual
Precision LCR Meter

Table of Content
1. SAFETY REGULATIONS................................................................................................ 1–1
1.1 Summary......................................................................................................................... 1–1
1.2 AC Power Supply ........................................................................................................... 1–1
1.3 Adjustment, Maintenance, and Repairs .......................................................................... 1–1
1.4 Static Electricity.............................................................................................................. 1–2
2. DESCRIPTION................................................................................................................... 2–1
3. INSTALLATION................................................................................................................ 3–1
3.1 Connecting AC Power .................................................................................................... 3–1
3.2 Instrument Measurement Accessories ............................................................................ 3–1
3.3 Instrument Measurement Terminal Wiring Diagram...................................................... 3–1
4. OPERATIONS.................................................................................................................... 4–1
4.1 Back Panel ...................................................................................................................... 4–1
4.1.1 Voltage Selection Switch Voltage Selector .............................................................. 4–1
4.1.2 IEC Socket and Fuse Holder.................................................................................... 4–1
4.1.3 Back Panel Control Connector................................................................................ 4–1
4.1.4 DC 5V Out................................................................................................................ 4–2
4.1.5 GPIB Connector....................................................................................................... 4–2
4.1.6 Booting..................................................................................................................... 4–3
4.1.7 Shutdown.................................................................................................................. 4–3
4.2 Instrument Front Panel.................................................................................................... 4–3
4.2.1 Soft Keys................................................................................................................... 4–3
4.2.2 Navigation Keys....................................................................................................... 4–4
4.2.3 Control Keys ............................................................................................................ 4–4
4.2.4 Data Entry Keypad .................................................................................................. 4–5
4.3 Trimming ........................................................................................................................ 4–7
4.3.1 Executing O/C Trim or S/C Trim............................................................................. 4–8
4.4 Actual Measurement Components.................................................................................. 4–9
4.4.1 Actual Example.......................................................................................................4–10
4.4.2 MEASUREMENT MODE Parameters....................................................................4–11
5. ADVANCED OPERATIONS ............................................................................................ 5–1
5.1 2, 3, 4 Wire Measurement Mode Wiring........................................................................ 5–1
5.2 Measuring Extremely Small Capacitance....................................................................... 5–1
5.3 Measuring Extremely Small Inductance......................................................................... 5–1
5.4 Measuring Ferrite Inductors and Iron Cored Inductors................................................... 5–2
5.5 Multi-step Mode.............................................................................................................. 5–2
5.5.1 Multi-step Mode –Settings ...................................................................................... 5–3
5.5.2 Multi-step Mode –Test ............................................................................................ 5–3
5.6 Status Page...................................................................................................................... 5–4
5.6.1 Status Page Parameters........................................................................................... 5–5
6. UNIVERSAL INTERFACE (GPIB)................................................................................. 6–1

6.1 GPIB Control.................................................................................................................. 6–1
6.1.1 Summary .................................................................................................................. 6–1
6.1.2 Interface Specifications............................................................................................ 6–1
6.1.3 Changing GPIB Address.......................................................................................... 6–1
6.1.4 Message Format....................................................................................................... 6–2
6.1.5 Transmit Data.......................................................................................................... 6–5
6.1.6 Status Report............................................................................................................ 6–6
6.1.7 General Instruction Set...........................................................................................6–10
6.1.8 Standard Operation Status Instruction Set .............................................................6–11
6.2 6420 Series Component Specification Instruction Set...................................................6–12
6.2.1 Instructions Summary .............................................................................................6–12
6.3 Program Example...........................................................................................................6–35
6.3.1 Example 1................................................................................................................6–35
6.3.2 Example 2................................................................................................................6–36
6.3.3 Example 3................................................................................................................6–37
6.3.4 Example 4................................................................................................................6–39
7. 6420 SERIES SPECIFICATIONS .................................................................................... 7–1
7.1 Measurement Parameters................................................................................................ 7–1
7.2 Test Conditions............................................................................................................... 7–1
7.2.1 AC Drive .................................................................................................................. 7–1
7.3 Measurement Speed........................................................................................................ 7–2
7.4 Display Range................................................................................................................. 7–3
7.5 Operation Mode.............................................................................................................. 7–3
7.5.1 Measurement Mode.................................................................................................. 7–3
7.5.2 Multi-measurement Mode........................................................................................ 7–3
7.6 Measurement Wiring ...................................................................................................... 7–3
7.7 Measurement Precision................................................................................................... 7–3
7.8 Precision Map ................................................................................................................. 7–5
7.8.1 |Z| Accuracy Chart................................................................................................... 7–5
7.8.2 |Z| vs L, C Chart....................................................................................................... 7–6
7.8.3 |Z|, |Y|, L, C, R, X, G and B Accuracy...................................................................... 7–7
7.8.4 D Accuracy............................................................................................................... 7–7
7.8.5 Q Accuracy............................................................................................................... 7–7
7.9 Universal Specifications ................................................................................................. 7–9
7.9.1 Power....................................................................................................................... 7–9
7.9.2 Display Screen......................................................................................................... 7–9
7.9.3 Remote Control........................................................................................................ 7–9
7.9.4 Remote Control Trigger........................................................................................... 7–9
7.9.5 Mechanism Specifications........................................................................................ 7–9
7.10 Test Environment.......................................................................................................... 7–9
7.10.1 Operating Temperature Range .............................................................................. 7–9
7.10.2 Absolute Humidity.................................................................................................. 7–9
7.10.3 Height..................................................................................................................... 7–9
7.10.4 Installation Details................................................................................................7–10
7.10.5 Pollution Level......................................................................................................7–10
7.10.6 Safety.....................................................................................................................7–10
7.10.7 EMC......................................................................................................................7–10

8. THEORETICAL REFERENCE....................................................................................... 8–1
8.1 Abbreviation ................................................................................................................... 8–1
8.2 Formula........................................................................................................................... 8–1
8.3 Serial/Parallel Connection Conversion........................................................................... 8–2
8.4 Polarity Guidance............................................................................................................ 8–2
9. MAINTENANCE, SUPPORT, AND SERVICES................................................................ 3
9.1 Guarantee............................................................................................................................ 3
9.2 Maintenance........................................................................................................................ 3
9.2.1 Cleaning....................................................................................................................... 3
9.2.2 Safety Confirmation..................................................................................................... 3
9.3 Support and Services........................................................................................................... 4

1–1
1. SAFETY REGULATIONS
1.1 Summary
This instrument was designed based on EN61010-1 specifications; this safety
regulation requirement ensures that the instrument can be kept under safe conditions
when used in laboratories or factories.
This instrument is not suitable for outdoor use, especially in humid or highly dusty
locations. Improper use of this instrument may result in the possibility of electric shocks.
When the instrument malfunctions, please attach a malfunction label to it and strictly
prohibit continual use.
Microtest Electronics and the sales company are not responsible for personal injuries
and component damage due to improper operations.
1.2 AC Power Supply
Power cables that comply with the local country specifications must be used, and
connectors applicable to IEC320 connectors must be used for the connection of this
instrument. Users must ensure that the ground cable is properly grounded. If a fuse is
included in the power plug, use fuses that comply with 3 ampere safety regulations.
Ensure that AC power is used before use and adjust the 115V/230V power selection
switch on the rear panel so that the machine matches the local power voltage.
WARNING!
Any poor contacts of internal or external ground cables will be considered as
malfunctions and this instrument must not be used.
1.3 Adjustment, Maintenance, and Repairs
WARNING!
The power must be unplugged before adjusting, maintaining, and repairing this
instrument.
When connecting the power to this instrument, the internal components are considered
connected to the external power; touching the components may result in the possibility
of electric shocks.
The internal capacitor itself has power storage functions; power will be stored in the
capacitor for a period of time after the power or the switch has been turned off. Touching
the component may also result in the possibility of electric shocks.

1–2
Only technical personnel who have had professional training are allowed to perform
adjustment, maintenance, and repair tasks.
1.4 Static Electricity
This instrument uses components that are very sensitive to static.
1) The desktop of the work table must be conductive material that is grounded.
2) When the soldering iron and tools are not in use, their contact terminals must be in
contact with grounded conductors.
3) The maintenance staff must wear static bracelets with leakage resistance less than
1MΩ.
4) The components or assembly base board must be placed in cases with protection
against static.

2–1
2. DESCRIPTION
Figure 2-1 6420 Series LCR Meter
The 6577 series impedance analyzer provides a 4-point measurement function; the test
signal provided is DC and 1MHz, and the drive voltage is from 10mV to 2V rms.
The display and control functions of this instrument include:
•Fixed Frequency Measurement
•Multi-segment Sequential Measurement; users can set multi-segment sequential
measurements according to needs.
•Actual Measurement Value Display
•Displays the absolute difference or percentage difference with the rated value.
•The bar analogy graphic display makes it easy to determine the features of various
components - only used for fixed frequency measurement.
All functions above can be operated by using the front panel and remote control such as
GPIB interface in order to achieve fully-automated high speed testing.

3–1
3. INSTALLATION
3.1 Connecting AC Power
This instrument is applicable for both 115V and 230V AC current; power cables that
comply with the local country specifications must be used, and connectors applicable to
IEC320 connectors must be used for the connection of this instrument. Users must
ensure that the ground cable is properly grounded. If a fuse is included in the power
plug, use fuses that comply with 3 ampere safety regulations,
Ensure that AC power is used before use, and adjust the 115V/230V power selection
switch on the rear panel so that the machine matches the local power voltage.
Batteries or DC power are not applicable to this instrument.
The power switch and power selection switch are located on the back panel.
3.2 Instrument Measurement Accessories
Cables, fixtures, and rotators provided by Wayne Kerr are applicable to the 6420 series
products; only when accessories that have passed quality verification are used can the
measurement accuracy be ensured.
Kelvin Clip Leads (Fine Jaws), Part No. 1EVA40100
Kelvin Clip Leads ((large jaws), Part No. 1EVA40180
Four-Terminal Lead Set, Part No. 1EV1505
SMD Tweezers, Part No. 1EVA40120
Four-Terminal Component Fixture, Part No. 1EV1006
1100 Protection Unit, Part No. 1J1100
3.3 Instrument Measurement Terminal Wiring Diagram
Figure 3-1 4-Terminal Measurement

4–1
4. OPERATIONS
WARNING!
This instrument should be operated by personnel who have received training.
If this product was not set up or operated according to specifications, it may
result in the possibility of electric shocks (for example not properly grounded or
touching the power components abnormally); therefore please read this
Operation Manual carefully before use, and ensure that the power and other
accessories have no errors before use.
Do not use this instrument while it is malfunctioning.
4.1 Back Panel
Figure 4-1 The 6420 Series Rear Panel
4.1.1 Voltage Selection Switch Voltage Selector
This instrument is applicable to 115Vac or 230Vac AC power; confirm whether the
voltage selector is flipped to the correct position before connecting the power.
4.1.2 IEC Socket and Fuse Holder
Please read this section 3.1 錯誤! 找不到參照來源。carefully before connecting the
power.
4.1.3 Back Panel Control Connector
Label
Type
Use
Reference
GPIB
Standard GPIB
For remote operation.
Sections 4.1.6 and 6
DC 5V out
Stereo phone jack
Safety key.
Section 4.1.4
RS-232
9-way D-type (male)
Reserved
PRINTER Port
25-way D-type (female)
Reserved

4–2
Handler
RJ45 connector
OPTIONAL - to interface
to PASS /FAIL signal
4.1.4 DC 5V Out
4.1.4.1 Safety Key(A-B)
The two points (A-B) should be short-circuited in order to output current.
Figure 4-2 Contact Assignment of the Phone Jack
4.1.5 GPIB Connector
This instrument provides a standard GPIB interface, allowing users to easily and quickly
connect this instrument to a PC through this interface in order to achieve fast and
automatic measurement functions.
4.1.5.1 GPIB Connector Pin Assignment
Pin
Description
Pin
Description
1
Data Line 1
13
Data Line 5
2
Data Line 2
14
Data Line 6
3
Data Line 3
15
Data Line 7
4
Data Line 4
16
Data Line 8
5
EOI (End or Identify)
17
REN (Remote Enable)
6
DAV (Data Valid)
18
Ground
7
NRFD (Not Ready For Data)
19
Ground
8
NDAC (Not Data Accepted)
20
Ground
9
IFC (Interface Clear)
21
Ground
10
SRQ (Service Request)
22
Ground
11
ATN (Attention)
23
Ground
12
Screen
24
Signal Ground

4–3
4.1.6 Booting
Turn on the power switch on the back panel; the screen will display the machine model
number at this time, and return to the screen during previous shutdown.
If the instrument screen is too bright or too dark, adjust the contrast adjustment knob
(CONTRAST control) on the back panel.
Press the main menu key on the front panel and the instrument will quickly return to the
main menu screen.
4.1.7 Shutdown
This instrument allows shutdown at any time; in order to prevent data loss, avoid
shutting down the instrument while it is resetting or calibrating.
4.2 Instrument Front Panel
Figure 4-2 The 6420 Series Front Panel
4.2.1 Soft Keys
The 6577 series instrument has 10 soft key switches that will change with the different
screens; their functions are displayed to the right of the screen at corresponding
positions of the keys. When users press the soft key switch, the instrument will execute
the function indicated at the corresponding position of the key.

4–4
Figure 4-3 The Soft Keys
4.2.2 Navigation Keys
Figure 4-4 The Navigation Keys
Press the left and right keys of the navigation key to switch the parameter setting
position on the screen; press the up and down of the navigation keys to switch
the parameter setting value in that field.
4.2.3 Control Keys
Figure 4-5 The Control Keys
Press the Local key to switch from GPIB PC remote control connection to manual panel
control.

4–5
Figure –The 6420 Series Main Menu
Single Measurement/Repetitive Measurement Sngl/Rep allows users to select
whether only to measure once or repeat measurement continuously after being
triggered.
Figure 4-6 Single Shot Mode
Figure 4-7 Repetitive Mode
Pressing the Trigger key while the instrument is under single measurement
status will acquire measurement results once, and the instrument will not perform
measurements again. It will wait for the next trigger or other function changes.
4.2.4 Data Entry Keypad
Figure 4-8 The Data Entry Keypad
The data entry keypad is a multi-function keypad; it can become number keys or unit
keys or control codes according to different situations.
After the unit key Units is pressed, pressing the data entry keypad allows users to
select the unit to use; when the same key is pressed repeatedly, the first or second unit

4–6
such as D/Q or V/A displayed on that key can be selected. Press the Enter key to end
the unit selection function.
When an invalid key is pressed, the data on that row will be cleared and an error
message will be displayed as shown in Figure Figure 4-9. The original setting value will
be preserved.
Figure 4-9 Example of an Error Message from an Invalid Keypad Entry
The +/- keys can be operated before or after the number keys are pressed; at this time
the value will change from a positive value to negative value, or from a negative value to
positive value. However, if the parameter value is a positive value only, this key will
have no action.
4.2.4.1 Keypad Codes
Pressing the key code and entering a correct value under certain special functions and
then pressing the Enter key will cause the instrument to execute some special
functions. The following is the code table for special functions.
MEASURE
Code
Description
10
Select fine frequency steps
11
Select coarse frequency steps
80
Hide V.I value in measurement mode
81
Show V.I value in measurement mode

4–7
Key Operation Order Example (characters in [ ])
Example 1: Provide a measurement parameter setting with an inductance value of
27.39mH.
1) MEASUREMENT MODE:
AC Meas, L, Q, Parallel, Show Scale, %.
2) Use the and keys to move to the measurement parameter position; the
parameter where the cursor is located will be highlighted at this time.
3) Press the following keys in order:
[.] [0] [2] [7] [3] [9] [Units] [H] Confirm that the correct data was entered and then press
the Enter key. [Enter]
or
[2] [7] [.] [3] [9] [Units] [m] [H] [Enter]
If the wrong key was pressed but Enter was not yet pressed, the key can be used to
correct it or press the Delete or Clear key for correction.
Example 2: Set the test frequency as 100 kHz.
1) Use the and keys to move the cursor to the frequency to select the position.
2) Press the following keys in order:
[1] [0] [0] [0] [0] [0] [Enter]
or
[1] [0] [0] [Units] [k] [Enter]
or
[.] [1] [Units] [M] [Enter
4.3 Trimming
The purpose of trimming is to eliminate the parasitic capacitance of the fixture or test
cable or the error caused by series impedance.
The trimmed data will be saved in the flash memory inside the instrument; the data will
not disappear even if powered off. However, regular trimming is necessary; this allows
you to acquire the most precise measurement values.
Usually trimming must be performed again when the test frequency or drive voltage
changes.
When performing open circuit trimming O/C Trim the instrument clamp or fixture
clamp must be separated at approximately the same width as the holding points of the
DUT.

4–8
When performing short-circuit trimming S/C Trim a conductive object must be
clamped on the instrument clamp or fixture clamp and the clamp distance must be
shortened as much as possible; do not clamp the instrument clamps together directly.
Doing so will result in being unable to provide 4-cable 4-terminal measurement effects.
Figure 4-10 Connections for O/C trimming of Kelvin clips
Figure 4-11 Connections for S/C trimming of Kelvin clips
4.3.1 Executing O/C Trim or S/C Trim..
Figure 4-12 6420 Series Calibrate Mode
1) Select CALIBRATE and the instrument will be in CALIBRATE MODE. (This
function can be executed from the Main Menu or other modes that have the need for
calibration; pressing the Return key will return to the original operation mode.)
2) Short circuit moderately or open the instrument clamp or fixture clamp.
3) Select the short circuit or open circuit calibration key and wait for the instrument to
complete the trim task.

4–9
4.3.1.1 Trim Options
Figure 4-13 Trim Options
All frequency trims trims will complete the trimming action for all frequencies; this task
has to be performed after the instrument clamp or fixture clamp has changed. Other trim
options are only used for single tests and when the test frequency range is smaller (the
smaller the frequency range the less time is needed for trimming).
Single frequency trims Spot trim trims only trims the test frequency set in the
measurement mode.
For <= 10 kHz trims, the trim frequency is less than or equal to 10 kHz.
For <= 100 kHz trims, the trim frequency is less than or equal to 100 kHz.
Abort will cancel the trim function and return to the original test mode.
Note:
If a trim other than All freq trim is selected, when the test frequency range set by the
user exceeds the trim frequency range, O/C Trim Error or S/C Trim Errortexts will
be displayed on the screen. All freq trim must be performed again at this time in order to
ensure measurement precision.
4.4 Actual Measurement Components
First boot up the instrument and connect the test cable or fixture to the BNC connector
on the front panel; if the test cable or fixture was changed, trim must be performed as
described in section 4.3.
The following is the order of actual measurement components.
1) Press the Menu control key on the front panel,the MAIN MENU will be displayed on
the screen.
2) Press the soft measurement key MEASURE to enter MEASUREMENT MODE.

4–10
Figure 4-14 Will be displayed.
3) Use the soft keys as shown in Figure Figure 4-2 and Figure 4-3 to set the
measurement parameters needed; as described in section 4.4.2, do not set above
the limit of the component specifications.
4) Connect the component to the fixture or test cable.
5) If the instrument is set to Repetitive mode, the measurement result will be
displayed on the screen, and the measurement value will be updated based on the
measurement speed selected. There will also be a flashing ＊symbol displayed at
the top-left corner of the screen.
6) If Single shot mode was selected, the Trigger key on the front panel must be
pressed in order for the instrument to start measurement once or connect the trigger
input terminal of DC5ＶOut for the first time, as described in section 4.1.4. The
flashing ＊at the top-left corner of the screen will stop flashing.
4.4.1 Actual Example
This example will tell you how to measure the capacitance and dissipation factor of a
470nF capacitor.
First boot up the instrument and connect the test cable or fixture to the BNC connector
on the front panel; if the test cable or fixture was changed, trim must be performed as
described in section 4.3.
1) Press the Menu control key on the front panel,the MAIN MENU will be displayed on
the screen.
2) Press the soft measurement key MEASURE to enter MEASUREMENT MODE.
3) Set the instrument to repetitive mode (refer to Figures Figure 4-6 and Figure 4-7)).
4) Press the soft keys in order to enter the following parameters:
AC Meas
C

4–11
D
Parallel
5) Use the and keys to move to the measurement parameter position; the
parameter where the cursor is positioned will be highlighted. Use the and
keys to adjust the parameters so that the parameters are as described below
500mVac
1.5000 kHz
Range Auto
Speed Med
6) Connect the component to the fixture or test cable; the screen will display the
measurement C and D values as shown in Figure 4-15.
Figure 4-15 Example Capacitance and Dissipation Factor
4.4.2 MEASUREMENT MODE Parameters
The following MEASUREMENT MODE parameters can be selected using the ten soft
keys located to the right of the screen.
Rdc Meas
DC measurement resistance; its options include DC drive level,
range, and speed.
AC Meas
AC measurement; its options include drive level, measurement
frequency, range, and speed. Other test conditions and equivalent
circuits are set using the three soft keys below.
C L X B Z Y
First Test Condition
If the X parameter is selected, the Parallel/Series soft key must be
set as Series.
If the B parameter is selected, the Parallel/Series soft key must be
set as Parallel.
If Z or Y is selected, the second test condition will be angle (º). Also,

4–12
Q D R G and Parallel/Series will not be displayed on the screen.
Q D R G
Second Test Condition
If the G parameter is selected, the Parallel/Series soft key must be
set as Parallel.
Parallel/Series
Parallel or Series Equivalent Circuit
When the first test condition is set so that Parallel or Series
equivalent circuits can be selected, press this key to select Parallel
or Series equivalent circuit.
Show/Hide
Scale
The display scale or hide scale can be toggled. Under hide scale
status, the Parallel or Series equivalent circuit will be hidden;
when the screen is changed to display scale, the Parallel or
Series equivalent circuit will be displayed. The main function of
displaying a graphical scale is to allow users to easily
understand the range of the component is in, or to easily
observe whether the component value is too high or too low
when the component needs fine tuning in order to make the
necessary adjustments. When the measurement value of the
component is within the center set on the instrument, will
be displayed on the screen; will be displayed when the
value is too high and will be displayed when the value is
too low.
Abs %
This is only valid under display scale status; its function is to switch
between absolute value and percentage Abs and %. When absolute
value Abs is selected, the Hi and Lo limits of the absolute value will
be displayed; when percentage % is selected, the nominal value and
high/low percentage range will be displayed.
Use the cursor keys and to set the limits and nominal (please
refer to section 4.2.4 on how to enter values). Under %mode, the
graphical scale Hi and Lo ranges can be easily set; just enter a
number and then press the Enter key twice.
Save Nom
While executing the graphical scale function and the percentage
range is displayed, measure the component directly and then press
Save Nom and the instrument will automatically save the measured
value into the nominal value. This nominal value will be used as the
standard to compare with other components in the future.
Notes:
1) Do not press Save Nom when the measurement value is
negative.
Show/Hide
Setup
After selecting the measurement parameters, Hide Setup can be
pressed to hide the parameter setting function keys, but the values
set are still valid. Its main function is to simplify the screen to make it
easier for users to view; press Show Setup to restore the hidden set
parameter screen.