Philips PM 6303 User manual

9499 520 08201
Fifth Edition
900501
Operating manual

PM 6303
Operating manual
Gebrauchsanleitung
Notice d’emploi
9499 520 08201
Fifth Edition
900501

Please note
In correspondence concerning this instrument, please quote the type number and serial number as
given on the type plate.
Bitte beachten
Bei Schriftwechsel uber dieses Gerat wird gebeten, die Typennummer und die Geratenummer an-
zugeben. Diese befinden sich auf dem Typenschild an der Ruckseite des Gerates.
Noter s.v.p.
Dans votre correspondance et dans vos reclamations se rapportant acet appareil, veuillez toujours
indiquer le numero de type et le numero de serie qui sont marques sur la plaquette de caracteristiques.
Important
As the instrument is an electrical apparatus, it may be operated only by trained personnel. Maintenance
and repairs may also be carried out only by qualified personnel.
Wichtig
Da das Gerat ein elektrisches Betriebsmittel ist, darf die Bedienung nur durch eingewiesenes Personal
erfolgen. Wartung und Reparatur durfen nur von geschuitem, fach- und sachkundigem Personal
durchgefuhrt werden.
Important
Comme I’instrument est un equipement electrique, le service doit etre assure par du personnel qualifie.
De meme, I'entretien et les reparations sont &confier aux personnes suffisamment qualifies.
©Philips GmbH -Hamburg -Germany -1990
All rights are strictly reserved.
Reproduction or divulgation in any form whasoever is not permitted without written authority from the copyright owner.
Issued by Philips GmbH -Unternehmensbereich Elektronlk fur Wlssenschaft und Industrie- Werk fur Mefltechnik
Printed in Germany

E1-1
1. GENERAL
1.1. INTRODUCTION
The PM 6303 RCL meter is used for measurements of resistances, capacitances and inductances. Pro-
viding auto-function and auto-ranging facility the instrument allows fast and high precision measure-
ments of passive components over awide range.
The component under test is directly connected to the instrument, either via a two-terminal test fix-
ture, afour-wire test cable or afour-terminal test adapter. The measurement result, namely numerical
value, dimension and the equivalent-circuit symbol, is immediately displayed on alarge 4-digit liquid-
crystal display (LCDi, updated at arate of two measurements per second.
Amicroprocessor controls the measurement process, computates the measurement value and transfers
the result to the display.
In the RCL AUTO mode the dominant component, either R, Cor Lof the component under test
is automatically selected for display. RCL AUTO is also the default mode of the instrument after power-
on.
For an inductance e.g. with quality factor 500 >Q>1the instruments indicates the measurement
value of the series inductance and as equivalent-circuit symbol the series connection of aresistance
and an inductance.
In addition to the RCL AUTO mode with display of the dominating component 8further parameters
can be selected by 2pushbuttons providing astepping function, whereby the appropriate parameter
is marked by aLED:
Quality factor Q, dissipation factor D,
parallel resistance Rp^ series resistance Rs,
impedance Z, ...
!parallel capacitance Cp or parallel inductance Lp,
series capacitance Cs or series inductance Ls,
series capacitance, internally biased Cs (2 VBIAS)*
The instrument is especially suited for use in iaboratories, for quality control, service workshops and
for education purposes.-? -
-
1.2. t"CHARACTERISTICS ^7"'^ 'T.'
1.2 .1. Safety characteriiistic*£ *y^''
'• ^"
This apparatus has been designed and tested in accordance with Safety Class Irequirements of 1EC
Publication 348, Safety Requirements for Electronic Measuring Apparatus, and has been supplied in
asafe condition* This manual contains some information and warnings which must be followed by the
user to ensure safe operation and to retain the apparatus in asafe condition.
1.2.2. Performance characteristics, specifications
Properties expressed in numerical values with stated tolerance are guaranteed by the manufacturer.
Specified non-toierance numerical values indicate those that could be nominally expected from the
mean of arange of identical instruments.
This specification is valid after the instrument has warmed up for 5minutes (reference temperature
23°c)^x. :t; '-'•
If not stated otherwise, relative or absolute tolerances relate to the set value.

E1-2
designation specification
9parameters RCL AUTO
Q
D
Rp
Rs
Z
Cp or Lp
Cs or Ls
Cs (2 VBIAS)
3pushbuttons for parameter 1reset button
selection 2step buttons
display
measuring value 4digits
11dimension indications 12, k!2, M12
pF, nF, f.tF ,mF
kH
7equivalent-circuit symbols
~-V T—
H
Q-500
D=0,002
Fig. 1
additional information
for RCL AUTO the dominant component
R, Cor Lis automatically determined,
see Fig. 1
internal bias voltage for capacitors
RCL AUTO
for selection of required parameter:
stepping from parameter to parameter;
continuous stepping when button is
kept pushed
Liquid-crystal display (LCD)
7-segment, 18 mm high
parameter
RCL AUTQ
Rp, Rs, Z, G
condition
D>500
RCL AUTO, Z, D, \Q>5QQ
Cp, Cs, Cs(2 VBIAS) j
RCL AUTO, \Q>500
Ls, Lp, Z, Df
RCL AUTO,
Cp, Rp, Q, D, Z
Cs, Rs, Cs (2 VBIAS) 500 >Q>0,002
0,002 <D< 500
RCL AUTO,
Ls, Rs, Q, D, Z
Lp, Rp
Equivalent-circuit symbol and dominating
parameter in the sectors of the phasor plane
(RCL AUTO)

E1-3
designation specification additional information
measuring ranges
—resistance 0.000 n~200 M£2 Rp, Rs, Z
—capacitance 0.0 pF -100 mF Cp, Cs
—inductance 0.0 iiH -32 kH Lp, Ls
-quality factor 0.002 —500 Q
-dissipation factor 0.002 -500 D
max. resolution
-resistance 1m£2
—capacitance 0.1 pF
-inductance 0.1 pH
—quality factor 0.001
—dissipation factor 0.001
measuring accuracy:
basic error ±0.25 %±1 digit iof display reading,
additional error jsee Fig. 2, 3, 4
measuring range for basic error see Fig. 2
-resistance 0.4 £2 ... 4D>10
-capacitance 40 pF ... 400 pF Q>10
-inductance 60 pH ... 600 HQ> 10
-quality factor 0.3 ... 3,0
-dissipation factor 0.3 ... 3,0
Fig. 2Measurement error

E14
designation specification additional information
DtRrrv»asur*m«fit 1
QtC,l*m«asur«mtnU
Fig. 3Error limits versus Qand D
Qor D
Fig. 4Error limits for Qand D
overrange indication flashing of the four digits'
center segments
®R>200 MO
C> 100 mF
L> 32 kH
Q>500
D>500
®for Q, D>500 flashing for
parameter selection deviating from
displayed equivalent-circuit symbol
•for Cs (2 VBias), if Q<0.1 or if
inductance is identified
connection of component
-for meas. voltage (HI)
-for meas. current (LO)
-for measuring earth
two 4mm sockets
two 4mm sockets
one 4mm socket
SENSE and DRIVE (-BIAS) connection
SENSE and DRIVE (+BIAS) connection
GUARD
max. ext. voltage ±5 Vdc between GUARD and all other socket,
between HI and LO
measuring voltage, rrns 2V±0.2 Vvoltage source with 2Vopen-circuit
voltage and 400 £2 int. resistance
measuring frequency
-tolerance
1kHz
±0.025 %.
measurement update rate approx. 2meas;/s
compensation of zero-
capacitance
—max. comp, capacitance
Co TRIM
5pF
by screwdriver, on front panel

Power supply ac mains
reference value 220 V
nominal values 110 V/128 V/220 V/238 V, selectable by solder links
nominal operating range ±10 %of selected nominal value
operating limits ±10 %of selected nominal value
nominal frequency range 50-100 Hz
limit range of operation 47,5 -105 Hz
power consumption 13 W
Environmental capabilities
The following environmental data are valid only if the instrument is checked in accordance with the
official checking procedure. Details on these procedures and failure criteria are supplied on request by
the PHILIPS organization in your country or by Philips International B.V., Industrial &Electro-acoustic
Systems Division, Eindhoven, The Netherlands.
Ambient temperature:
reference value +23 °C ±1 K
nominal working range +5°C ... +40 °C
limit range of operation +5°C ... +40 °C
limits for storage and transport -40 °C ... +70 °C
Relative humidity:
reference range 45 ... 75 %
nominal working range 20 ... 80 %
limit range of operation 10... 85%
limits for storage and transport 0... 85%
Air pressure:-
reference value 1000 ±15 hPa
nominal working range 798... 1064 hPa
Airspeed:'
reference value- 0... 0.2 m/s
nominal working range 0... 0.5 m/s
Heat radiation: direct sunlight radiation not allowed
Vibration:
limits for storage and transport max. 0.35 mm amplitude (10 to 60 Hz)
max. 5g(60 to 150 Hz)
radio interference voltage level of interference <K
operating position normally upright on feet or with handle fold down
warm-up time 5min
Cabinet
protection type {see DIN 40 050) IP 20
protection class {see IEC 348) class 1, protective conductor
line connection
overall dimensions:
mains cable, fixed to the instrument
height 140 mm
width 310 mm
depth 310 mm
weight 4.8 kg (11 lb)

E1-6
1.3.
1.3.1.
1.3.2.
•>
ACCESSORIES
Standard accessories
operating manual
fuse and voltage labels
2-terminal test fixture
Optional accessories
service manual
4-wire test cable
RCL adapter
with 2single test posts
and 1double test post
SMD test fixture
9499 520 08201
5322 265 24026, Fig. 33
By means of the 2-terminal test fixture common compo-
nents are connected
9499 525 00911
PM 9541 ,Fig. 34
PM 9542, Fig. 35
PM 9542 SMD, Fig. 36
optional accessory for PM 9542
For precise results low-ohmic impedances <100 £2 should be measured applying 4-wire system. For
this the 4-wire test cable with Kelvin clamps PM 9541 and the RCL adapter PM 9542 are available.
PM 9541 is also ideal for in-circuit testing of components.
PM 9542 is designed to provide rapid low impedance connection to the instrument, whatever the shape
and dimension of the component under test.
Please remove the two single test posts, if you use the double test post for CUT connection or remove
the double test post if you use the two single test posts.
Wrong insertion of the plug into the RCL meter is prevented by unsymmetrical arrangement of the
pins.
About compensation of the zero capacitance chapter 3.4.3. gives some information.
When measuring low-ohmic components with PM 9541, the short-circuit inductance of max. 0.3 juH of
the cable must be taken into account.
PM 9542 SMD is designed for measurement of SMD components (Surface Mounted Devices). The SMD
test fixture is used together with the RCL adapter PM 9542.
For understanding the measurement circuit when applying the accessories, see figs. 32 -36.
Performance characteristics
p"*- ,
AiPM 9541 PM 9542 PM 9542 SMD j
1) CUT connection 2 Kelvin clips Kelvin contacts within the
test posts
Kelvin contacts ^
J•short-circuit inductance 0,1 MH, max. 0.3 /tH <0.1 /2H <0.1 /iH
.Ii
:1i
:\1
f1
: .(
measuring accuracy
with PM 6303
dimensions of
components under test
-length
—width
—height
mechanical specifications
as for PM 6303,
but additional error for
very low-ohmic CUTs
caused by the internal
short-circuit inductanco
as for PM 6303 as for PM 6303
but additional error for
CUTs with very low
capacitance,
see chap. 3.4.5. and Fig. 36a
min. 2mm/max. 10 mm
min. 1mm
min. 0.5 mm
i—cable length 0.6 m0.6 m
f—dimensions 50 mm x145 mm x95 mm 45 mm x55 mm x30 mm
i
J—weight 0.2 kg 0.6 kg 0.03 kg
|
1
•1A;spare parts: none double test post: none
5322 264 30185;
2single test posts (red and black);
5322 264 30184

1.4. OPERATING PRINCIPLE
1.4.1. Description of the block diagram,Fig. 30
The 16 MHz crystal clock generates the basic frequency for all signals, so the count pulses for the
analog to digital converter ADC.
The frequency divider generates the 8MHz clock pulse for the microprocessor and the 1kHz test fre-
quency in 3reference phases, namely 0°, 90° and 180°.
In the Phase selector the CPU selects the appropriate reference phase 0°, 90° or 180° for the phase
sensitive rectifier and the ADC.
The band-pass filter 1converts the TTL signal into a1kHz sine wave signal.
The test voltage amplifier amplifies .the 1kHz sine wave signal to a2Veff open circuit voltage at the
component under test (CUT) connection. In the 'Cs biased' mode 2Vdc are added to the 1kHz signal.
The isolating buffer senses the voltage at the CUT
.
The inverting amplifier feeds acompensating current via capacitor C(90° phase shift) into the current
to voltage converter input for equalizing the stray capacitances. The amplitude of the compensating
current is set by Co TRIM.
The current to voltage converter converts the current through the CUT into aproportional voltage.
The conversion factor can be switched by afactor of 10.
For current or voltage measurement the input of the subsequent differential amplifier is switched
over by the voltaqe/current (V/l) selector controlled by the CPU.
In the programmable amplifier gain factors x0.1, xl or xIO are selected by the CPU depending on the
impedance of the CUT. For the reference measurement the input is short-circuited.
The 1kHz band-pass filter 2suppresses hum interference and reduces the harmonic components of the
1kHz measurement signal..
The level detector compares the output voltage of band filter 2with apreset reference value. If this
value is exceeded, the CPU switches the programmable amplifier to alower gain factor.
The phase sensitive rectifier generates dc voltages which are proportional to that component of the
measuring voltage being in-phase with the reference voltage.
The analog to digital converter ADC converts the output signal of the rectifier into abinary number
which can be processed by the CPU. .&•
The central processing unit CPU with the inherent microprocessor controls and monitores the measu-
rement process, computates and stores the measurement values and transfers the result to the display.
The LCD control transforms the serial data transmitted by the CPU into parallel data and controls
the liquid -crystal display which operates in duplex mode.
In the LED control the parameter key actuations are verified and processed. The selected parameter
is indicated by aLED. Simultaneously the information is BCD-coded and sent to the CPU, whereby
the most significant bit directly switches on the 2Vdc voltage, when the parameter Cs (2 VBias) is set.
The power supply generates the required stabilized dc voltages +15 V, -15 Vand +5 Vfor the circuitries.

E1-8
1.4.2. Measuring principle
The measurement principle is based on the so-called current and voltage measurement technique: the
component voltage and after that the component current are measured. The measured values are con-
verted to binary numbers. From these numbers the CPU computes the CUT parameter of interest.
According to the front panel parameter selection, either the dominating component -resistance, capa-
citance or inductance— or one of the other selectable parameters is displayed.
Each measurement cycle lasts approx. 0.5 s. It comprises 5 single measurements, the results of which
are stored in the microprocessor data memory, asubsequent arithmetic evaluation and afinal transfer
of the result to the display. The 5single measurements are as follows:
1. Reference measurement:
At the beginning of each measurement cycle areference measurement is performed, whereby the input
of the programmable amplifier is short-circuited. The counter contents of the A/D conversion at the
end of this measurement serves as reference for the subsequent 4measurements.
2. 0° voltage measurement
The voltage at the CUT is measured.
The switching phase of the phase sensitive rectifier is 0°,
3. 90° voltage measurement:
The voltage at the CUT is measured.
The switching phase of the phase sensitive rectifier is 90°.
4. 0° current measurement*
-The inputs of the differential amplifier are switched over to the output of the current to voltage conver-
ter.
The current through the CUT is measured.
The switching phase of the phase sensitive rectifier is 0°.
5. 90° current measurement:
The current through the CUT is measured.
The switching phase of the phase sensitive rectifier is 90°.
At the end of the 5single measurements the 5corresponding binary numbers of the A/D conversions
and the assigned gain factors are stored in the microprocessor data memory. From this the micropro-
cessor first calculates the equivalent series resistance Rs, the equivalent series reactance Xs and the
quality factor Q=Xs/Rs of the CUT. In the RCL AUTO mode the microprocessor determines the
dominant component, either Rs resp. Rp, Cp or Ls, calculates its value, dimension and equivalent-
circuit symbol by arithmetic routines and transfers the result to the display. If one of the 8other para-
meters is selected by the step keys this parameter is calculated and displayed. After that the micropro-
cessor starts the next measurement cycle with the single measurement routines.

E2-1
2. INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
2.1. INITIAL INSPECTION
Check the contents of the shipment for completeness and note whether any damage has occurred during
transport. If the contents are incomplete, or there is damage, aclaim should be filed with the carrier
immediately, and the Philips Sales or Service organisation should be notified in order to facilitate the
repair or replacement of the instrument.
2.2. SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Upon delivery from the factory the instrument complies with the required safety regulations, see para.
1.2.1. To maintain this condition and to ensure safe operation, the instructions below must carefully
be followed.
2.2.1. Maintenance and repair
Failure and excessive stress:
If the instrument is suspected of being unsafe, take it out of operation permanently.
This is the case when the instrument
—shows physical damage
—does not function anymore
—is stressed beyond the tolerable limits (e.g. during storage and transportation)
Dismantling the instrument: When removing covers or other parts by means of tools, live parts or ter-
minals could be exposed. Before opening the instrument, disconnect it from all power sources.
If the open live instrument needs calibration, maintenance or repair, it must be performed only by
trained personnel being aware of the risks. After disconnection from all power sources, the capacitors
in the instrument may, remain charged for some seconds.
2.2.2. Earthing (grounding)
Before any other connection is made the instrument shall be connected to aprotective earth conductor
via the three-core mains cable. The mains plug shall be inserted only into asocket outlet provided with
aprotective earth contact. The protective action shall not be negated by the use of an extension cord
without protective conductor.
The GUARD connection must not be used to connect aprotective conductor.
WARNING: Any- interruption of the protective conductor inside or outside the instrument, or dis-
connection of the protective earth terminal, is likely to make the instrument dangerous.
Intentional interruption is prohibited
.
2.2.3.
GUARD connection;
The circuit earth potential is applied to the GUARD connection and is connected to the cabinet by
means of aparallel-connected capacitor and resistor. By this means hum loops are avoided and aclear
HF earthing is obtained. •
If the circuit earth potential in ameasurement set-up is different from the protective earth potential,
it must be noticed, that the GUARD connection can be touched and that it must not be live, see the
safety regulations on the subject (VDE 0411).

E2-2
2.2.4.
Mains voltage setting and fuses
Before inserting the mains plug into the mains socket, make sure that the instrument is set to the local
mains voltage.
The instrument shall be set to the local mains voltage only by aqualified person who is aware of the
hazard involved.
WARNING: If the mains plug has to be adapted to the local situation, such adaption should be done
by aqualified person only.
Make sure that only fuses of the required current rating, and of the specified type, are used for rene-
wal. The use of repaired fuses, and/or the short-circuiting of fuse holders, are prohibited.
The fuse shall be renewed only by aqualified person who is aware of the hazard involved.
WARNING: The instrument shall be disconnected from all voltage sources when afuse is to be rene-
wed, or when theinstrument is to be adapted to adifferent mains voltage.
2.3. MAINS VOLTAGE SETTING AND FUSES
The safety instructions in chapter 2.2.4. must be followed.
On delivery from the factory the instrument is set to 220 V(PM 6303) resp. 110 V(PM 6303 M).
If the instrument is to be used on adifferent supply voltage proceed as follows:
-Unplug the mains connector
—Fold up the handle to the top.
For this push the buttons of the handle.
—Loosen the central screw at the rear
-Dismantle the cabinet
~Change the solder links
according to the connection diagram on the
bottom side of the instrument
•*—
«
«—«238 v
««—
«
«•220 y
*—•*—*« 6«*528 V#
«..
'125 mflT
>250 *rt AT
if necessary, exchange the fuse and voltage label.
~Close the instrument.
.
2.4. OPERATING POSITION OF THE INSTRUMENT
The instrument may be used in the positions indicated in clause 1.2.4. With the handle folded down, the
instrument may be used in asloping position; for this push the buttons of the handle. The characteristics
mentioned in Section 1.2.are guaranteed for the specified positions..
Ensure that the ventilation holes in the cover are free of obstruction.
Do not position the instrument on any surface which produces or radiates heat, or in direct sunlight.
2.5. DISMANTLING THE INSTRUMENT
—Unplug the mains connector
-Fold up the handle to the top. For this push the buttons of the handle
-Loosen the central screw at the rear
-Dismantle the cabinet
2.6. RADIO INTERFERENCE SUPPRESSION
Radio interference of the instrument is suppressed and checked carefully. In connection with deficient
suppressed base units and further units radio interference can be generated, which have to be suppressed
by means of additional activities.

OPERATION AND APPLICATION
GENERAL INFORMATION
This section outlines the procedures and precautions necessary for operation. It identifies and briefly
describes the functions of the front panel controls and indicators, and explains the practical aspects of
operation to enable an operator to evaluate quickly the instrument's main functions.
SWITCHING ON THE INSTRUMENT
After the instrument has been connected to the mains voltage in accordance with clauses 2.2.4 and 2.3,
it can be switched on by depressing the mains switch POWER. The white spot inside the POWER switch
mechanically indicates that the instrument is switched on.
Having switched on the instrument, it is immediately ready for use. With normal installation in accor-
dance with Section 2.4 and after awarming-up time of 5 minutes, the characteristics specified in Section
1.2 are valid.
After switching power off, atime interval! of at least 5sshould pass by -allowing the capacitors of the
power supply to discharge- before the device is switched on again. This procedure is necessary to set the
internal logic circuitry to its correct initial condition.
WARNING: Before switching on, ensure that the instrument has been installed in accordance with the
instructions mentioned in Section 2.
SELFTEST ROUTINE
Immediately after power being switched on aseiftest routine is performed, whereby several functions
are tested. For check of the display all segments of the decimal and dimension indications, decimal
points and equivalent-circuit symbols are shown for 3seconds.
After this apossible error will be indicated by the display readings EQ ... E3. The equivalent-circuit sym-
bols are not shown. The error codes are pointing towards the following failures.
EO
El
E2
E3
RAM test, microprocessor s
measuring ranges
ahalog/digital converter
reference measurement
Further error indications are explained in chapter 3.4.6.
When the seiftest routine is terminated the instrument is set to the initial state performing the default
mode RCL AUTO. With the zero -capacitance Co TRIM being properly compensated and no component
connected the initial state is indicated by the following display reading:
®RCL AUTO

OPERATION AND APPLICATION
Controls and Sockets (Fig. 31)
Legend Function
POWER mains switch:
oON white dot for ON position
•OFF
0RCL AUTO <ID RCL AUTO mode: default mode of the instrument after POWER ON
Reset button for RCL AUTO mode, if adifferent parameter was selected.
Numerical value and dimension of the dominating component of the compo-
net under test is displayed. The appropriate equivalent-circuit symbol is
indicated (for details see chapter 3.4.4.)
Display range:
—resistance 0.000 H—
—capacitance 0.0 pF —
—inductance 0.0 juH —
200 Mfl
100 mF
32 kH
equivalent-circuit symbol:
—i "T- D> 500
,1 1«Wh|
'Jj Q>500
__rm_ Q>500
—Lj-j
—rmJ Qresp. D<500
&Qresp. D<500
aczd
vcm
0RCLAUTO
0Q
0D
0Rp
0Rs
02
0Cp or Lp
0Cs or Ls
0Cs (2 VBIAS)
Step buttons for parameter selection.
Continuous stepping in the marked direction, when pushbutton is kept pushed.
Selected parameter is indicated by aLED.
Parameters:
dominating component (see above)
quality factor (tan <p.CL ~1/D)
dissipation factor (tan 5; D*1/Q)
parallel resistance
series resistance
impedance (image impedance)
parallel capacitance/inductance
series capacitance/inductance
series capacitance with 2Vinternal bias voltage, e.g. for electrolytic capa-
citors

E3-3
Legend
GU/iRD SENSE (-BIOS +1SENSE
I"BIAS +)
SENSE I-BIAS +)SENSE
GUARD
Co TRIM
mm•**&' am
Function
Connections at the frontplate (1 row of 5sockets)
Connection for component measurement applying 2-wire system
Connection for component measurement applying 4-wire system (recom
mended for low impedance, <100 O)
measuring earth, screen
(do not shorten to other connectors at the frontplate)
screw driver adjustment for compensation of the zero-capacitance (max.
5pF). For adjustment see chapter 3.4.3.
Display of the measurement result
max. 4digits for the numerical value
dimension display:
O, kO, MO
pF, nF,MF,rnF;AtH,mH, H, kH
no display of dimension for Qand D
equivalent-circuit symbols:
7different display combinations
Overrange indication:
flashing of the four digits centre segments, when the following limit values
are passed:
-resistance
-capacitance
-inductance
-quality factor
-dissipation factor
>200 MO
>100 mF
>32 kH
>500
>500
®for Q, D>500 flashing for parameter selection deviating from displayed
equivalent-circuit symbol
®for Cs (2 VBias), if Q< 0.1 or if inductance is identified

E3-4
3.4,2.
Component Connection, see Fig. 32-36
By means of the supplied 2-terminai test fixture common components are connected.
For precise results low-ohmic impedances should be measured applying 4-wire system. For this a4-wire
test cable with Kelvin clamps (PM 9541) and the RCL adapter (PM 9542) are optional available as well
as the test fixture PM 9542 SMD for measurements of SMD components (Surface Mounted Devices).
Furthermore it is possible to connect components to the 4 mm input sockets of the RCL meter via
single line cables. When measuring high-ohmic CUTs the zero-capacitance must be considered.
If screened cables (single screened wires) are used to reduce additional zero-capacitance the screens
must be connected to the GUARD.
ATTENTION: Capacitors with high residual charge (> 5 V) must be discharged before connecting to
the measuring input.
3.4.3. Compensation of the Zero-Capacitance
When measuring high-ohmic components the indicated zero-capacitance must be taken into account
or compensated by Co TRIM:
-Apply appropriate test fixture or test adapter without CUT to the instrument.
—Select "Cp or Lp" by the step buttons Vor A.
—Adjust trimmer Co TRIM by screwdriver for 0.0 pF display.
On adjustments <0.0 pF overrange is indicated. If Co TRIM is turned more clockwise an inductance
(kH) may be displayed.
3.4.4. RCL AUTO, parameter menu
RCL AUTO is the default mode of the instrument after POWER ON. If necessary, perform compen-
sation of the zero-capacitance by Co TRIM according to chapter 3.4.3.
In this RCL AUTO mode the numerical value and dimension of the dominating component of the CUT
are displayed. In addition the appropriate equivalent-circuit symbol is indicated. Q=D=1 is the deci-
sion threshold of the RCL meter for defining the dominating component, see Fig. 5. It must be noticed
that Qand Dare related to the instruments' internal 1kHz test frequency.
G-500
D-0002

3-5
In most cases the user will be interested in the dominating component of the CUT, displayed in the
RCL AUTO mode, if any other parameter shall be displayed the user may select it from the front
panel menu by activating the stepping key Vor A.
The RCL meter primarily determines the series reactance and resistance of the CUT. From these two
quantities the selected CUT parameter is calculated. The algorithm used by the instrument including
series/parallel and parallel/series transformation formulas and phasor diagrams of the various CUT
types are presented in Appendix 1.
3.4.5. Special user instructions
As pointed out in the preceding chapter in RCL AUTO mode the instrument identifies the dominant
component of the CUT and display it. It must be considered that the decision, if the reactive or the
ohmic component is dominating, generally depends on the frequency. In PM 6303 an 1kHz test fre-
quency is applied. This must be taken into account especially if low-ohmic inductors and capacitors
or high-ohmic resistors are measured:
Lossy inductors: When testing small lossy inductances often the series loss resistance is identified as
dominant component and displayed, because at 1kHz the series reactance will be very low. Hence,
for Ls or Lp display this parameter must be selected from the front-panel menu.
Lossy capacitors with high capacitance, e.g. electrolytic capacitors:
When testing capacitors the user normally will be interested in the value of the capacitance. As the
reactance of large capacitors is very low, the series resistance can be dominant resulting in Q<1and
indication of Rp. Hence, for Cs or Cp display these parameters must be selected..
Small capacitances measured with the SMD test fixture PM 9542 SMD:
When testing very small capacitances up to some pF with PM 9542 SMD, the alteration of the zero -
capacitance depending on the contact opening must be taken into account, see Fig. 36a. For accurate
measurements in that range the adjustment of the zero -capacitance should be done at contact opening
corresponding to the length of the component to be measured; for all normal measurements the adjust-
ment should be done at max. contact opening.
High-ohmic resistors: When testing resistors in the higher Mf2 range the reactance of the parasitic parallel
capacitance may be lower than the resistance, resulting in aCp display. For indication of Rs or Rp
these parameters must be selected.
Additional user instructions:
In the Cs (2 VBIAS) mode capacitors can be tested with 2Vdc bias voltage.
For large capacitors some time is needed for stable display due to the charging process (approx.
0.5 s/mF).
For the parameter Cs (2 VBIAS) overrange is indicated for Q<0.1 or if an inductance is identified.
The resonant frequency of alarger inductance paralleled by aparasitic capacitance can be below the
test frequency. Then, of course, the CUT represents acapacitance at 1kHz which is displayed.
When testing large inductors especially in the kH range relative small parasitic parallel capacitances will
effect the measurement result. Thus special attention shall be paid on careful Co compensation.
When testing inductors with ferromagnetic cores normally due to saturation effects the inductance
will decrease with higher current or voltage amplitudes. At PM 6303 these amplitudes are resulting
from the 2Vrms open-circuit voltage and the internal 400 fi resistance of the instrument and the
CUT impedance. For lower amplitudes an additional resistor 3* 71.5 Q. may be connected between
GUARD and the centre 4mm socket (marked with a-sign). For Rp =71.5 ft fig. 6shows the CUT
voltage and current versus impedance relationship. In the shown impedance range the measurement
error is increased to about 0.5 %maximum by the load resistor.

E3-6
in 2sion 20 so loon 200 soo ikn 2k 5k iokn
Zx
Fig. 6Measurement voltage and current at an inductive CUT (G> 10, without Rp, with Rp)
3.4.6. Error indication
Several functions and logical states of the instrument are continuously internally checked during normal
operation. Possible errors are indicated by EO ... E3 on the display. The meaning of the error codes are
given in the following table
Error code location of malfunction
EO RAM, microprocessor
El progr. amplifier, level detector
E2 counter of ADC, integrator control section
E3 reference measurement circuitry
A
if an error code is displayed the instrument should be switched off. If after switching on the error code
is indicated again please contact the Philips service organisation.
After switching power off atime interval of at least 5sshould pass by -allowing the capacitors of the
power supply to discharge- before the device is switched on again. This procedure is necessary to set the
internal logic circuitry to its correct initial condition.