Scientific SM6015A User manual

Hand Held LCR Meter
SM6015A
User Manual

Scientific
SM6015A 2/44
Copyright © Scientific All rights reserved.
This instrument contains proprietary information; no part of this manual may be
photocopied, reproduced or translated without prior written consent.
Information in this manual supersedes all corresponding previous released material.
Scientific continues to improve products and reserves rights to amend part of the
specifications, procedures, equipment at any time without notice.
Ver1.0 / 0916
SCIENTIFIC MES-TECHNIK PVT. LTD.,
B-14 Industrial Estate, Pologround,
INDORE. 452015 (INDIA)
Tel : [phone]/33
E-mail :[e-mail]
Fax : [phone]
Website : www.scientificindia.com

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Table of Contents
1. Introduction ...................................................................................................... 5
2. Technical Specifications ................................................................................. 6
3. Safety Instructions........................................................................................... 8
4. Front Panel Overview ..................................................................................... 9
4.1 Front Panel Display Descriptions.....................................................................9
4.2 Front Panel Buttons .......................................................................................10
4.3 Button Function Definition ...............................................................................10
4.4 LCD Display Overview ...................................................................................11
4.5 LCD Display Descriptions ...............................................................................11
4.6 Special Display Indicators ...............................................................................12
4.7 Test Port . .......................................................................................................13
5. Powering Instrument ...................................................................................... 14
5.1 Installing Battery .............................................................................................14
5.2 Connecting External Power Source.................................................................15
5.3 Low Battery Indication.....................................................................................16
5.4 Backlight Display.............................................................................................16
5.5 Charge Display ...............................................................................................16
6. Operation Instruction....................................................................................... 17
6.1 Data hold mode (HOLD) .................................................................................17
6.2 Data Record Mode (REC) ...............................................................................17
6.3 PRI Select Mode. ............................................................................................18
6.4 SEC Select Mode ...........................................................................................18
6.5 Test Frequency （ FREQ ） ..............................................................................18
6.6 Test Electric Level ..........................................................................................19
6.7 Tolerance Mode (TOL)....................................................................................19
6.8 Auto LCR Mode...............................................................................................19
6.9 Measurement Rate (RATE).............................................................................20
6.10 Series/parallel Equivalent Mode .....................................................................20
6.11 Utility Menu (UTIL) ..........................................................................................21
6.12 Clear Functions (CLEAR)................................................................................25
6.13 Remote Control （ RMT ） ................................................................................26
6.14 Fuse Detection ...............................................................................................26
7. Quick Start Guide............................................................................................. 28
7.1 CAUTION........................................................................................................28
7.2 Inductance Measurement................................................................................28

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7.3 Capacitance Measurement .............................................................................29
7.4 Resistance Measurement................................................................................30
7.5 Impedance Measurement................................................................................31
8. Remote Communication.................................................................................. 32
8.1 Connecting Instrument to PC ..........................................................................32
8.2 Virtual Serial Port Configuration ......................................................................32
8.3 RMT Operation ...............................................................................................33
8.4 Command Protocols........................................................................................33
9. Performance Check ......................................................................................... 40
10. Maintenance, Service & Warranty condition ................................................ 44

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1. Introduction
SM6015A is designed for measuring inductance, capacitance and resistance of
components. The instrument can be powered by a 9V battery or external power
adapter. This meter is not only applicable to the application occasion of bench meters
but also conveniently used in the flow and handheld measurement occasions.
SM6015A provides the primary parameter of up to 40,000 readings, secondary
parameter of 0.0001 reading resolution, maximum measuring frequency up to 10kHz,
constant internal resistance of 100Ωand testing level of 0.6Vrms. The auto range
can rapidly display the measuring results and automatically choose the desirable
testing parameters in accordance with components properties. Its measuring
accuracy is up to 0.25%.
Front panel push buttons maximize the convenience of function and feature selection
such frequency, rate and L/C/R/Z selection. Tolerance mode can sort components,
record mode aid to capture readings, convenient open/short clear function improve
the measuring accuracy, utility menu help you easily take the selections of the key
tone, auto power-off and storage..
SM6015A is equipped with the function of remote communication. The test data can
be transferred to PC through a Mini USB connection, great for applications that
require remote control and data acquisition.

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2. Technical Specifications
Below are the general specification and the accuracy specification of SM6015A.
General Specifications
Function
Measurement
Parameters
Primary: L/C/R/Z
Secondary: D/Q/θ/ESR
Equivalent Mode Series, Parallel
Auto LCR Function Manual, Auto
Ranging Mode Auto
Test Terminals 3-terminal, 5-terminal
Measurement Speed
LCRZ 4 meas/sec,1.5meas/sec
Correction Short, open
Tolerance Mode 1% ， 5% ， 10% ， 20%
Input Protection Fuse 0.1A / 63V
Interface Mini-USB (virtual serial port)
Test Signal
Signal Frequency(0.02%
accuracy) 100Hz,*120Hz,1kHz,10kHz
Test Signal Level
(10% accuracy)
0.6Vrms
Output Impedance 100Ω
Display
Display LCD primary-secondary dual display
Backlight
Battery supply: when backlight is on,
luminance is reduced by half 15s later and
automatically turned off 30s later.
Powered by adapter: backlight off
until manually turned off
Count
Max. Counts of Primary Parameter:
40,000; D / Q / θMin. resolution of
secondary parameter: 0.0001.
Basic Accuracy 0.1%
（ see performance check accuracy
specifications for details ）
Primary Range and
Resolution
See Performance check accuracy
Specifications

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Secondary
Parameter Range for Display Resolution
ESR 0.0000Ω– 999.9Ω0.0001Ω
D 0.0000 – 9.999 0.0001
Q 0.0000 – 9.999 0.0001
θ-179.9°-- 179.9° 0.01°
Power Supply
Battery Model 9V Alkaline battery
AC Adapter Input
： 220V(1±10%) ， 50Hz(1±5%)
Output ： 12V-15V DC
Operating Current (with
backlight off)
Max.:35mA
Typical:25mA (@1kHz, 0.6Vrms,100Ωload)
Battery Life
16 Hours (typical) based on backlight off and
new alkaline
6 Hours (typical) based on backlight off and new
fully charged Ni
-
MH battery
Charge Time and Current Max.: 160min
Max. Current: 100mA
Auto Power Off (valid for
battery powered ）
5min/15min/30min/60min/OFF available ;
factory default :5min
General
Operation Condition
Temperature : 0 ℃ -- 40 ℃
Relative Humidity : ≤90% R.H.
Weight 350g
Dimensions (H x W x D) 190mm x 90mm x 41mm
Safety and EMC
compliance
IEC 61010-1:2001
IEC 61326-2-1:2005
Accessories
Standard
4 terminal crocodile Kelvin test leads
(SMA26027AS), Banana to crocodile clip
(SMA26004F), shorting plate (SMA26010B),AC
adapter(SMA26028), USB cable, CD
containing user manual
Optional
SMD 4-terminal Kelvin test tweezers with plastic
body (SMA26029C)
SMD 4-terminal Kelvin test tweezers with
m
etallic body (SMA26009C)
*NOTE: 120Hz is the fixed frequency. The actual frequency is 120.048Hz.
Subject to change

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3. Safety Instructions
The following safety precautions are applicable to both operating and maintenance
personnel and must be observed during all phases of operation, service, and repair
of this instrument.
DO NOT OPERATE IN A FLAMMABLE OR EXPLOSIVE ATMOSPHERE
Do not operate the instrument in the presence of high dust, direct sunlight, high
humidity, strong electromagnetic radiation, etc.
NON-PROFESSIONALS SHUOLD NOT OPEN THE REAR COVER
Maintaining, substituting parts or adjusting the instrument should be made by
professional maintenance personnel. Please contact relevant distributor or our after-
sale service department.
DO NOT REMOVE OR MODIFY THE INSTRUMENT
Some replacements and unauthorized modifications might cause irreversible damage
to the instrument.
SAFETY WARNING
Strictly follow the relevant safety statements in this manual involving safety,
personnel injury, damage to the instrument, operation and environmental conditions
causing poor test.
Safety Guidelines
To ensure safe use of this instrument, follow the safety guidelines listed below:
• This meter is for indoor use, altitude up to 2,000 m. For short-time outdoor
use, precautions should be taken to avoid direct sunlight, water and moisture,
electromagnetic radiation, dust and explosion.
• The warnings and safety precautions should be read and well understood
before the instrument is used.
• Use the meter only as specified in this manual.
• Confirm that the circuits have been powered off and all capacitors in the
circuits been discharged before measuring in-circuit components.
• Discharge all charging elements, such as capacitors, before testing.
• The power for the meter is supplied with a single standard 8.4 V battery. But
also it is possible to operate from mains using a power adapter of
12VDC/150mA. If a power adapter is selected, please be sure to meet the
safety requirements of a relevant IEC standard.
• The battery using in SM6015A is rechargeable. Do not charge non-
rechargeable batteries.
Safety Symbols
This symbol is a warning and indicates that the user should refer to the
operating instructions located in the manual.
D C power
Indicates inside pin is positive (+), outside is negative (-) .

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4. Front Panel Overview
Figure 1 - Front Panel Display
4.1 Front Panel Display Descriptions
1. LCD display
2. USB communication / *Back light button
3. Power ON/OFF button
4. Frequency and record mode selection
5. Secondary display mode (D/Q/ /ESR, etc.)
6. Primary display mode (L/C/R/Z etc.)/ auto LCR selection
7. Rate/equivalent mode selection
8. Hold mode/ utility menu
9. Tolerance mode/ utility arrow key
10. Open/short clear/ utility arrow key
11. 5-terminal test sockets (direct measurement on lead components or
use of test fixture)
12. 3-terminal test jacks (for use of Banana plugs —Crocodile clip Test
Leads)
13. Standard mini USB port (for remote control)
14. 12VDC external power input (use with an external power adapter)
NOTE: Use 12VDC, 150mA, 4mm adapter
DO NOT charge the non-rechargeable battery!
WARNING: Before connecting an external power adapter, be sure that the
polarity matches the (+) and (-) labels as indicated inside the battery
compartment. If it is not installed correctly and connected to an external
power adapter, it might cause severe damage to the instrument.

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4.2 Front Panel Buttons
With the exception of the power button, all front panel buttons have specific
colored labels on them. They are all marked in black, blue or orange color.
Each color has a specific representation, as described below:
Black : the primary function, meaning that function will be set or configured
upon pressing it.
Orange : the secondary function, it means that the function will be set or
configured if that button is pressed and hold down for 2 seconds.
Blue : the utility function, the function will be set or configured if the UTIL
button is pressed and hold down for a long time. See “Utility Menu” section for
details.
NOTE: In the button operational instruction, we will use the button name to
express the button operation without differentiating the type of button; Pay
attention to the difference between “long press” and “press”.
Figure-2 SM6015A Button Display
4.3 Button Function Definition
1 ． Power ON/OFF Button
2 ． Frequency/Record Mode Button
3 ． Remote Control/Backlight Button
4 ． Readings Hold/Utility Menu Button
5 ． Tolerance mode/ Menu Selection Button
6 ． Clear/ Menu Selection Button
7 ． Rate/Equivalent Mode Button
8 ． LCR Primary Parameters/Auto LCR
9 ． Secondary Parameters Selection Button

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4.4 LCD Display Overview
Figure 3 LCD Indicator Display
4.5 LCD Display Description
1. LDCRZ – Primary parameters display
2. MAX – Maximum reading indicator in the record mode
3. AVG – Average reading indicator in the record mode
4. MIN – Minimum reading indicator in the record mode
5. AUTO – Automatic LCR indicator
6. θ– Phase angle indicator for secondary display
7. D – Dissipation indicator
8. Q – Quality factor indicator
9. – Secondary parameter display
10. – Beeper tone indicator for tolerance mode
11. deg – Phase angle (θ) units indicator
12. Ω– ESR(ohm) units indicator
13. % - Percentage indicator (in tolerance mode)
14. kHz – Frequency units indicator

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15. PAL – Parallel mode indicator
16. SER – Series mode indicator
17. mµH – Inductance units (L) indicator
18. pmµF –Capacitance units (C) indicator
19. MkΩ– Resistance(R) /impedance units indicator
20. RMT – Remote mode indicator
21. – Primary parameter display
22. ESR – Series mode indicator for secondary parameters
23. DH – Data hold indicator
24. SLOW – measuring rate indicator
25. 2105% - Limits indicator in tolerance mode
26. FAST- Fast measuring rate indicator
27. – Low battery indicator
28. @OFF –Auto power-off indicator
29. TOL –Tolerance mode indicator
4.6 Special Display Indicators
Indicates short clear if you press the CLEAR button
Indicates open clear if you press the CLEAR button
Error indication
Indicates correction (open/short clear) mode
Indicates damaged or open fuse
AD converter error （ UNK ）
AD converter error (END)

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4.7 Test Port
SM6015A are creatively designed to combine 3-terminal port and 5-terminal port,
which makes the convenient test and highly accurate test realized in the instrument.
With the adoption of standard banana slots, the instrument can use inexpensive
banana plug-crocodile clip as the test lead, which make the test quite convenient.
However this configuration has low testing accuracy.
For the improvement of accuracy when using external testing leads, SM6015A are
designed with 5- terminal testing slots and exclusive test fixture to ensure complete
external 4-terminal test and measuring accuracy.
NOTE: SMA26009C and SMA26029C 4-terminal test fixtures are optional for
SM6015A. Please refer to relevant instrument accessories.
Below are SMA26027AS, SMA26009C and SMA26029C 4-terminal test accessories:
Figure 5 : 4-terminal Test Accessories

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5. Powering Instrument
There are two methods to power the instrument: Battery and external power adapter.
When the two power modes are available, the external source is prior to the battery.
The two power modes can be automatically shifted without interruption.
5.1 Installing Battery
SM6015A can adopt battery for power supply so that you can take measurements
whenever and wherever without much preparation.
9V alkaline batteries used in SMA6015A are non-rechargeable. Reference
standard type is IEC6LR61.
To Install the Battery:
1 ． Open up the back-flip stand, and locate the screw that tightens the battery
compartment cover as indicated in Figure 6. Use a screwdriver to unscrew and
remove the cover.
2 ． Insert proper battery into compartment. Note the positive (+) and negative (-)
terminals as indicated inside the battery compartment
(See Figure 7). Be sure to insert the battery with matching polarity.
3 ． Place the battery compartment cover piece by sliding it into the top slid first.
Place screw at the bottom of the cover piece and tighten down with a screw
driver.
4 ． Push and hold down the power ON/OFF button for 2 seconds to turn on the
instrument.
Figure 6- Back Cover

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Figure 7- Battery Compartment
5.2 Connecting External Power Source
SM6015A is equipped with standard external power adapters, which can use external
source.
WARNING: Use the included or specified adapter only. Confirm power
parameters be ones that adapters require before use.
To connect the adapter, do the following:
1. If a battery is installed, please check the battery compartment again that the
polarity of the battery matches the polarity as indicated by the labels inside
the compartment.
WARNING: DO NOT connect an external power adapter when a non-
rechargeable battery is inserted in an instrument.
2. Confirm that an appropriate power supply connects to the adapter.
3. Connect the AC adapter connector into the right side jack of 12VDC.
4. Connect the AC Adapter socket into an electrical outlet.
5. Press and hold down the power button for about 2s to turn on the meter.
Figure 8-Connecting AC Adapter to Meter

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5.3 Low Battery Indication
At the use of battery for power supply, if the display starts flashing the indicator,
it means that the battery voltage is below normal working voltage (below 6.8V). It is
highly recommended that the battery be replaced as soon as possible before
continuing operation. See “Installing Battery” for instructions.
5.4 Backlight Display
In the case of lacking light, turn on the back light to help read the data.
To turn on the back light, you should press the button ☼for 2 seconds.
To turn off the back light, you should press the ☼button for 2 seconds.
When Using Battery Power
When the meter is powered by using battery, the brightness of the back light will
automatically decrease to conserve battery power. When the back light have
lightened for about 15 seconds, the brightness will continuously decrease; and when
the back light have lightened for approximate 30 seconds, the back light will
automatically turn off.
When Using External Power
When the meter is powered using an external AC adapter, once the back light is
turned on, it will stay at its maximum brightness continuously and will not
automatically turn off. Unplugging the external power to use battery power, the back
light will decrease its brightness and automatically turn off.
5.5 Charge Display
The power circuit of SM6015A is non-rechargeable. When the external power
adapter is plugged in, the power mode will be automatically switched and the battery
power circuit will be cut off.
： It indicates low power of a battery

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6. Operation Instruction
6.1 Data hold mode (HOLD)
The data hold function allows the user to freeze the display data. The data displayed
on LCD will not be updated upon the phase of test until data hold is turned off.
Turn On Data Hold
To use data hold, press the HOLD button. The “DH” indicator will display on the
screen when data hold is active. At this moment, primary and secondary displayed
on LCD are the testing results before the press of HOLD button.
Turn Off Data Hold
To disable the data hold, press the HOLD button again. The “DH” indicator will
disappear on the screen, and meter will remain in normal operation mode.
6.2 Data Record Mode (REC)
If the data stability of tested components is poor and the data fluctuates in a range,
data record mode can aid the reading of data.
This mode is used for dynamically recording maximum, minimum, and average
values in a range.
Enable Static Recording
Press and hold down the REC button for a long time to enter the data recording
mode. The display should indicate “MAX AVG MIN” simultaneously, which indicates
the meter is in static recording mode.
Using Static Recording
There are four different modes that can be selected in static recording. Per press of
the REC button (in recording mode, FREQ will disable), the modes will change and
repeat in the following order:
Recording mode Maximum Mode Minimum Mode Average
Mode
Recording State
This is the default mode when enabling static recording. In this mode, LCD will
display “MAX AVG MIN” indicator. In a relatively stable range of test data, a beep
tone will sound once a recording has been stored.
NOTE: When the data fluctuation range is upwards of 1%, data record will
dynamically be refreshed.
Maximum Display
Press REC button until the “ MAX ” indicator is shown on display. This indicates that
the value in the primary display represents the recorded maximum value.

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Minimum Display
Press REC button until the “ MIN ” indicator is shown on display. This indicates that
the value in the primary display represents the recorded minimum value.
Average Display
Press REC button until the “AVG ” indicator is shown on display. This indicates that
the value in the primary display represents the recorded average value.
Disable Static Recording
To exit this mode, press and hold the REC button for a long time. The “MAX”, “MIN”,
or “AVG” indicator will disappear on LCD.
NOTE: Changing the type of test parameters will automatically turn off static
recording.
6.3 PRI Select Mode
To select measurement mode, you should select primary parameter first.
Each press of the L/C/R/Z button, the parameter will change and repeat as the
following modes: L (inductance), C (capacitance), R (resistance) and Z (impedance)
NOTE: After changing primary mode, secondary display indicates the present
frequency. If it is required to display corresponding secondary parameters, press the
secondary button.
6.4 SEC Select Mode
If necessary, press the D/Q/ θ/ESR button to select secondary parameters.
Each press of the D/Q/ θ/ESR button, the following modes will be displayed on the
screen:
D (Dissipation factor), Q (Quality factor), θ(Phase angle), and ESR (Equivalent
series resistance).
6.5 Test Frequency（FREQ）
SM6015A handheld LCR meter applies AC signal to DUT for measurement.
Frequency is among the main parameters of AC signal. By the presence of
component’s non-ideality and distributed parameters, the effect of distributed
parameters of test port and test lead, the test frequency used on the same
component might cause different test result. Therefore, a proper frequency should be
selected before test.
Selecting Frequency
To change the test frequency, push the FREQ button. If the secondary display does
not indicate the frequency, it will display the actual operating frequency when you
press FREQ. If the secondary display indicates frequency, at each press of the
FREQ button, the meter will change among the following selectable frequencies:
SM6015A ： 100Hz/120Hz/1kHz/10kHz

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6.6 Test Electric Level
SM6015A handheld LCR Meter uses AC signal applied to the item measured (DUT)
to test. The level is the amplitude of the AC signal and it is 0.6V.
6.7 Tolerance Mode (TOL)
The tolerance mode is specifically used for component sorting purposes. In tolerance
mode, secondary display indicates the range of percentage.
Tolerance mode, nominal value and sorting limit just come into play on primary
parameters. The selectable
range for sorting is as follows: 1% ， 5% ， 10% ， 20%. In tolerance mode, the data
indicated in the primary display will be recorded as nominal value.
Displayed value in percentage: =100*(Mx-Nom)/Nom%
Where, Mx: the primary parameter display; Nom: the nominal value recorded.
The percentage value is used for sorting.
Use Tolerance Mode
To use the tolerance mode as the process shown below:
1. Select the desired primary measurement mode by pressing L/C/R/Z button.
2. Configure the proper test frequency and series/parallel equivalent mode.
3. Perform the operation of CLEAR appropriately if necessary.
4. Test standard implements or components with accurate and reliable measured
value.
5. Once the desired measured reading is displayed, press the TOL button once to
store the reading as the nominal value. At this point, the “TOL” will be displayed
on the screen, indicating that the tolerance mode is activated. A percentage
mode will be shown in the secondary mode to indicate the percentage range.
NOTE: Before the press of TOL button, the primary parameter indicated on LCD
in any mode can be taken as the nominal value, including data hold, MAX, MIN,
AVG data recording, etc.
6. If sorting is not necessary, you can skip this step. If it is necessary, by pressing
the TOL button you can select the range of 1% ， 5% ， 10% or 20%, which will be
shown on LCD accordingly.
7. Changing test component, an audible tone will be heard. One single “beep” or
tone means the component is within tolerance. Three “beeps” or tone means the
component is out of tolerance.
WARNING: Be sure that the capacitor has been fully discharged before its test,
or the instrument might be damaged.
Disable Tolerance Mode
Long press of TOL button will disable tolerance mode.
NOTE: Changing the test frequency, primary function, or secondary function will
automatically disable tolerance mode.
6.8 Auto LCR Mode
Auto LCR function will automatically select the corresponding primary and secondary
parameters and suitable series/parallel equivalent mode of L, C, R. The selection is
done by judging the impedance property of component according to the test result. It
is quite convenient for the measurements of mixed and unknown components.

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Enable Auto LCR Mode
Long press of AUTO button will activate auto LCR mode. The “AUTO” indicator on
LCD indicates that auto LCR mode is activated.
In auto LCR mode, the match of secondary parameter with primary parameter is
shown as below:
Table1-Matching relations between primary and secondary
parameters in auto LCR mode
Primary Parameter
Secondary Parameter
Capaci
tance (C)
Dissipation (D)
Inductance (L)
Quality Factor (Q)
Resistance (R) Phase Angle (θ)
In auto LCR mode, series or parallel equivalent mode is selected in accordance with
the magnitude of impedance. Parallel mode is selected at high impedance and series
mode at low impedance.
Disable Auto LCR Mode
Long press the AUTO button again will disable auto LCR mode. In addition, this
mode will not continue through changing the primary and secondary modes,
series/parallel equivalent mode and frequency mode.
“AUTO” indicator on LCD will disappear when auto LCR mode is turned off.
6.9 Measurement Rate (RATE)
There are two selectable measurement rates in this instrument: fast and slow. The
rate of fast measurement is about 4~5times/sec and slow measurement is
approximate 1.5 times/sec. The stability of slow measurement is higher than fast
measurement.
The fast and slow rates can be directly switched by pressing RATE button. “FAST ”
indicator will be displayed on LCD at fast rate and “ SLOW ” indicator at slow rate.
6.10 Series/parallel Equivalent Mode
For the presence of non-ideality and distributed parameters of components, actual
components are frequently taken as combined network of ideal components. In
general, there are two simple equivalent models used in LCR meters, which are
series model and parallel model.
Figure 9-Series and Parallel Equivalent Models of
Inductors and Capacitors
Appropriate equivalent modes could help to gain better measurement results.