LCR-Reader-MPA Well Received at Nepcon

Siborg debuted their LCR-Reader-MPA all-in-one multitester at Nepcon Korea in May. The audience showed great interest in the devices availabilities to test with efficiency and high 0.1% basic accuracy.

“This was the first presentation of the new LCR-Reader-MPA. EMK Nepcon has been proven to be a great place for us to debut devices in the past and this year was no different. We heard a lot of feedback from people, mostly interested in the wide range of applications and high accuracy of the MPA” says Michael Obrecht, the director of Siborg.

Electronics Manufacturing Korea (EMK) has become a globally renowned exhibition for domestic and foreign buyers and is Korea’s largest electronics manufacturing exhibition. Siborg has debuted both LCR-Reader and LCR-Reader-MP at Nepcon in 2014 and 2017 respectively.

LCR-Reader-MPA is a different from traditional multimeters that require set-up and have long wire leads. MPA’s compact design that combines a set of tweezers with a powerful multimeter. When in contact with a component, MPA will automatically determine the type of component and best test parameters to use for the highest accuracy measurements. All measurements are done with 0.1% basic accuracy and are instantly shown on the OLED display, including any secondary values (ESR, Q, D).

End of Year Sale

Siborg is hosting an end of year sale featuring LCR-Reader, LCR-Reader-MP, Smart Tweezers and other items from the LCR-Reader Store.

The sale stars December 17th, 2018 and will end on January 1st, 2019 and includes the LCR-Reader Store and Siborg’s Amazon sales channels in USA, Canada, France, Germany, Spain and Italy.

Siborg Meets New Manufacturers and Creates Sales Office in Southeast China

Siborg visited China in May to make local connections for manufacturing parts of their future LCR-Reader models. During the trip, Siborg established a new sales office that will cover all of China and Southeast Asia.

Michael Obrecht met with Andy Leman, an entrepreneur in Baoan, Shenzhen, and had a series of meetings and discussions. Together they also met with Shenzhen Polytechnic and Southern University of Science and Technology where Andy was appointed as Siborg’s representative in China. He will be the primary distributor of Siborg’s test equipment and educational software MicroTec Semiconductor Process and Device Simulation Software.

Michael met with Shenzhen HTX Precision Hardware Co. about manufacturing parts for a new model of LCR-Reader-MP. He also met with a few PCB companies, includng ChinaPCBOne.

ChinaPCBOne is a full cycle PCB manufacturer and assembly provider. Other companies included Shenzhen Eastwin Ltd., Wanfeng Circuit Co., and Shenzhen Sunsoar Circuit Co. Each of these companies showed great efficiency as proven with their 5-7 week lead time. Though the latter 3 subcontract their PCB manufacturing to other companies.

Siborg also visited with plastic mold manufacturers all of which provide a highly flexible arrangments for plastic part manufacturing for a new MP model. These companies included Alpine Mold, Dongguan Hensim Rubber & Plastic Technology Co. and Shenzhen Lafer Technology Co. Each company has their strengths, but Dongguan Hensim showed the most advanced manufacturing capabilities. The initial decision between companies will be decided on cost, which in the end, will benefit the customer.

For more information about the companies Siborg spoke with:

Shenzhen HTX Precision Hardware Co., LTD
Longgang District, Shenzhen, Guangdong,China
Lisa Zhu, International Sales Manager

Wanfeng Circuit(HK) CO.,LTD, POE Precision Electronics CO.,LTD
Futian District, Shenzhen, China
Rae, International Sales Director

Shenzhen Sunsoar Circuit Co.,Ltd, Sunsoar Precision Electronic(HK) Limited
Baoan District,Shenzhen,Guangdong,China.
Apple Gu, Sales Manager

Shenzhen Eastwin Ltd.
Longhua, Shenzhen, China
Zoe, Sales Manager

ChinaPCBone
Bao’an District, ShenZhen
Gary Xiao, CEO

Alpine Mold
Gongming Town, Shenzhen, China
Kerry Wei, Sales Manager

Shenzhen Lafer Technology CO.,LTD.
Baoan, ShenZhen, Guangdong, China
Kevin Jiang, Sales Manager

Dongguan Hensim Rubber & Plastic Technology Co., Ltd.
Dongguan, Guangdong, China
Alex Ouyang, Sales Manager

Andy Leman, Entrepreneur, Baoan, Shenzhen, China

Siborg Systems Inc. Inteview with Manufacturing Today

Manufacturing Today held and interview with Michael Obrecht, the director of Siborg Systems Inc. about the future of LCR-Reader and Siborg’s software division. The interview will be published in Volume 18, Issue 3.

Obrecht spoke of a new model of LCR-Reader that will launch in the summer of 2018. This new model is a refined version; “It will be a much more powerful multimeter, less bulky and more fine tuned. We have improved on the LCR-Reader’s appearance, performance and functionality.” The new model will have a higher price than the LCR-Reader-MP, but will have better functionality, including a three-volt LED test, one-volt signal component testing for ceramic capacitors. Obrecht also mentions that the new device will have a lower signal-to-noise ratio, this is helpful for improving accuracy while testing lower value capacitances and inductances.

Siborg is beginning to refocus on the software side of things, including fresh ideas for very fast software tools for thermal design and updating their semiconductor process simulator MicroTec. “We want to enhance the functionality of MicroTec including the thermal analysis built into the semiconductor device simulator. It’s sold to a lot of educational markets and to semiconductor manufacturers.”

Used in over 100 universities and 35 companies worldwide, MicroTec is a robust process simulator that is computationally extensive for simulations for power semiconductor devices with large dimensions or solar cells. It includes 3 main software tools: SiDif for 2-D simulation of implantation, diffusion and oxidation; SemSim for steady-state 2-D simulation and SibGraf for 1-D and 2-D graphics.  The product’s staying power is that it can perform with very little RAM and is more robust and faster than similar programs.

“One of the main features is that it can be quickly customized, this is great selling feature for smaller companies. Maybe our software can do 90% of what they want. Well, we can quickly do a modification to the software and that’s very important to them. Plus, we offer 24/7 support, which is much higher than competitors. We can serve pretty much anybody that does work on electronic circuit boards, it’s a very wide community.”

Siborg is currently offering a sale on all LCR-Reader, LCR-Reader-MP and Smart Tweezers devices in the LCR-Reader Store.

Siborg Hosting LCR-Reader-MP Sale to Celebrate 6 Months on the Market and New Distributors

To celebrate the LCR-Reader-MP’s 6 months on the market, Siborg is offering the device for a discounted price in the LCR-Reader Store starting March 1st until March 8th, 2018.

The device has also been made available by Siborg’s global distributors to be sold in their respective markets. These distributors include:

  • SIBBIS International (Maryland, USA)
  • Bokar International (Pennsylvania, USA)
  • Advance Tech Services (New Delhi, India; Bangalore, India; Pune, India)
  • Van Device, Co. Ltd. (Tokyo, Japan)
  • Newly Tsuchiyama Co. Ltd. (Kanagawa-Ken, Japan)
  • Weifang Herui Co, (Weifang, Shandong, China)
  • V-Proud Joint Stock Company (Hanoi, Vietnam)
  • Indochina Equipment and Accessories Joint Stock Company (Hanoi, Vietnam)
  • CVKT International (Nagoya Batam, Indonesia)
  • SPE Group (Novosibirsk, Russia)
  • Sanata-Tech (Saint Petersburg, Russia)
  • Tinotec Corporation (Taiwan, China)
  • PrinTec b.v. (Geldermalsen, Netherlands)
  • Lokmita (Kaunas, Lithuania)

LCR-Reader-MP is a complete PCB debugging tool with the highest basic accuracy on all of Siborg’s devices at 0.1%. The MP is able to determine the type  and best test parameters when grasping the component. It instantly measures with high accuracy and reveals results on the built in back-lit display. Each devices is accompanied by an NIST traceable calibration certificate.

Features include:

  • Automatic and manual LCR, ESR, LED/Diode measurements
  • 0.1% basic accuracy
  • Diode/LED and Continuity Testing
  • AC/DC voltage/current measurements
  • Oscilloscope Transient Voltage display up to 100 kHz
  • Frequency, Pulse Period, and Duty Cycle measurements
  • Oscilloscope Transient Voltage display up to 100 kHz
  • Active and reactive impedance component display
  • Two test signal levels, Automatic Test Signal Reduction to 0.1 V for in-circuit measurements
  • Measures components to a 0201 size (about 0.3 mm)
  • Under 2 oz. weight
  • Li-Ion battery and micro-USB charging
  • NIST traceable calibration certificate

The MP is exceptionally useful in conjuncture with the LCR-Reader/Smart Tweezers Kelvin Probe Connector and the oscilloscope mode. These allow the user to analyze various wave-forms at different points on a PCB.

The March Sale begins on March 1st, and ends on March 8th, 2018. Be sure to visit the LCR-Reader Store for your discounted price! The LCR-Reader Store also offers other PCB testing tools such as LCR-Reader, Smart Tweezers and Smart Tweezers with Bluetooth, LED Test Tweezers and the Kelvin Probe Connector set.

 

New LCR-Reader-MP Introductory Video

Siborg has released a new introduction video for LCR-Reader-MP. The video goes over the basic features and functions of the multipurpose device. It also shows how to set basic settings in the device. The video has been published on Youtube.

LCR-Reader-MP is a new model in the LCR-Reader family of handheld LCR- and ESR-meters. The device has a 0.1% basic accuracy and various test modes and features.

Features include:

  • Automatic and manual LCR, ESR, Diode/LED measurements
  • 0.1% basic accuracy
  • Diode/LED and Continuity testing
  • AC/DC voltage measurements
  • Frequency, Pulse Period and Duty Cycle measurements
  • Oscilloscope Transient Voltage display up to 100 kHz
  • Signal Generator with Sine, Triangle, and Rectangle pulse shapes
  • Two test signal levels; Automatic Test Signal Reduction to 0.1 V for in-circuit measurements
  • Measures components to a 0201 size (about 0.3 mm)
  • Displays active and reactive impedance component display
  • 2 oz. weight
  • Li-Ion battery with micro-USB charging

Recently, Siborg had sent the LCR-Reader-MP to Navair Technologies for calibration. After receiving the results, Siborg is able to issue a NIST traceable calibration certificate for the device. The LCR-Reader-MP has also received FCC certification.

The LCR-Reader-MP is now available for pre-order from Siborg in the online LCR-Reader Store.

LCR-Reader-MP Multipurpose LCR/ESR-meter
Multipurpose LCR, ESR and Diode/LED tester from Siborg Systems Inc.

Siborg Offering New Multi Purpose Device: LCR-Reader-MP

LCR-Reader-MP Multipurpose LCR/ESR-meter
Multipurpose LCR, ESR and Diode/LED tester from Siborg Systems Inc.

Beginning after September 1st, 2017, Siborg is offering a new multipurpose device, the LCR-Reader-MP. This device has a basic accuracy better than 0.1%, a 100 kHz test frequency and more features than Smart Tweezers ST-1.

The LCR-Reader-MP offers many features and measurement modes, including AC/DC voltage measurements, signal generation, oscilloscope mode, pulse counting, frequency measurements, LED and diode testing and more. One of the most important features of the device is the 100 kHz test frequency that allows for 1 nH resolution for inductance measurements and 0.01 pF for capacitance.

The new device is especially helpful when testing large capacitances up to 680 mF using the ‘Large Capacitance’ mode. This will allow electrolytic capacitors to be measured at 120 Hertz with the ESR being measured at 100 kHz according to the regular electrolytic capacitor test conditions. When using the ‘Large Capacitance’ mode, the device will automatically reduce the test frequency to 25 Hertz which allows for reasonable accuracy. The device also offers a wide range of test frequencies for the best results depending on the task; these include: 50, 100, 120 Hz, 1, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 75 and 100 kHz.

The LCR-Reader-MP features an oscilloscope mode for analyzing voltage wave forms with frequencies up to 100 kHz on an active circuit board. This mode is very useful when used in conjuncture with the LCR-Reader Kelvin Probe Connector. The Probe Connector extends the reach of the multimeter, allowing for components larger than the tweezers’ spread to be measured and allows to check wave forms at various nodes on the PCB.

The device does have some downsides: a rather high test signal source resistance of 1 kOhm and a maximum test signal of 0.65 Vrms which is not enough for reliable evaluation of some ceramic capacitors which can result in lower than actual capacitance values.

LCR-Reader-MP is slightly larger than LCR-Reader and Smart Tweezers; at 2 oz., it is twice as heavy and is almost double the width. Though larger, the MP device features a larger screen with better readability.

Features on LCR-Reader-MP:

  • Automatic L-C-R, ESR and Diode/LED measurements
  • Better than 0.1% basic accuracy
  • Signal Generator: Triangle, Rectangle and Sine pulse shapes up to 100 kHz
  • AC/DC voltage measurements up to 15 V
  • Current measurements
  • LED/Diode and Continuity measurements
  • Easy Short/Open calibration and offset removal
  • Oscilloscope Transient Voltage display up to 100 kHz
  • Measurement of Frequency, Pulse Period, Duty Cycle up to 400 kHz
  • Two Test Signal Levels: Automatic Test Signal Reduction to 0.1 V for in-circuit measurement
  • Handles components as small as 0201 sizes (0.3mm)
  • Displays active and reactive impedance components
  • Li-Ion battery with micro-USB charging port
  • 2 oz. (60 grams) weight

LCR-Reader-MP will be available after September 1st, 2017. Siborg is offering an introductory price of $388.99 USD and will be taking pre-orders. The devices will be shipped as they become available.

Smart Tweezers Offset Calibration Board Available in the LCR-Reader Store

Offset Calibration Board for Smart Tweezers LCR- and ESR-metersSiborg’s newest addition to the LCR-Reader Store is the Smart Tweezers Offset Calibration Board.

This PCB emulator allows Smart Tweezers and Colibri LCR-meter users to easily and accurately find the offset capacitance to a varied range of components (02014, 0402, etc.) with a simple measurement. The PCB uses holes at the width of components; when the tips of a device are inserted in the holes, the device will give the actual offSmart Tweezer probes and offset calibration boardset value. This value can then be subtracted from the value of the component being Smart Tweezers ST-5S and Offset Calibration Boardmeasured.

Previously, to find out the parasitic value, users had to approximate the width of the component with the tips. This method was unreliable for accuracy.

The Offset Calibration Board also makes setting the Smart Tweezers’ semi-automatic offset subtraction value easier.

The Smart Tweezers Offset Calibration Board is available in the LCR-Reader Store in all Smart Tweezers and LCR-Reader Pro and Plus task kits as well as alone.

Educational Sale for Students, Educators and Educational Institutes in the LCR-Reader Store Until the End of August

Siborg is offering a discount on all LCR-meters, test equipment and accessories in the LCR-Reader Store until August 31, 2017, for all students, teachers and educational institutes. The sales price will reflect the quantities of devices purchased.

The LCR-Reader and Smart Tweezers LCR-and ESR-meters, as well as the LCR-Reader Pro task kits and Smart Tweezers Bluetooth are also included in the sale.

The Smart Tweezers Bluetooth model recently got upgraded to include the ability to send data to the ST device as well as receive the measurement data. The Bluetooth connects to PC, smart phones or tablets and can be used with software such as National Instruments LabView and the Windows’ Smart Tweezers Bluetooth Utility. These programs allow users to save all measurement data into a .csv file or other preferred file type for later processing or to be put into a database. Custom profiles can be set that use previously measured results or manual settings; these profiles are a set of specific parameters that a component must meet. When the measurement is complete, the program will grant the component a pass or fail whether it meets the specifications.

Siborg is also offering their other accessories and SMD devices in the sale. These include:

  • SMD Multimeter Test Tweezers that allow for tweezer-probe precision with most multimeters that have 4 mm jacks.
  • LED Test Tweezers that use a 12 VDC output with variable current ratings for testing LEDs. This device can also test circuitry and components using the included multimeter connector cable, which allows the device to be used as tweezer probes.
  • LCR-Reader/Smart Tweezers Kelvin Probe Connector: a shielded two-wire connector that allows Smart Tweezers and LCR-Reader to become full probe stations. The device includes 5 attachments and allows the multimeter to measure components larger than the tweezers’ spread would normally allow. Siborg has recently added fine and extra-fine pin-probes that can be purchased separately.

From March 29th to August 31st, 2017, Siborg is offering the sale to educators, students and educational facilities in the LCR-Reader Store. Students are required to show valid I.D, while educators can have their devices shipped to an institute or send a P.O. The sales price is reflected in the quantity of devices bought, starting at 15% for a single device.

Updated Smart Tweezers with Bluetooth: Now Sends and Receives Information

The Smart Tweezers ST5S-BT has been updated to include the ability to send and receive information to and from the device. The previous model allowed device only to be sent from the Smart Tweezers device to the communication software; the update allows software to control the device by sending test settings.

Smart Tweezers with Bluetooth is based on the ST-5S model with the same features and basic accuracy of 0.2%,  while also offering the ability to remotely record measurement data. The device connects to PC, tablets and smart phones with iOS and Android platforms. To connect to PC, the Bluetooth USB receiver stick is required. The device is then able to communicate with software such as NI LabView, Windows’ Smart Tweezers Bluetooth Utility and dedicated apps.

When connected to apps, users can set custom profiles using previous measurements or from scratch. The profiles set parameters that components must measure between. When a measurement is completed, the program will either determine if the component meets these specifications and is marked as red or green. Profiles can include the type of component, measurement values or secondary values. Profiles are also able to set device test settings like frequencies or test modes; these settings are sent to the device.

Depending on the software used, the measurements can be saved to Excel compatible files or databases for other file types for later review or processing. The ability to remotely record measurement values in real-time is essential for jobs where quality control is required.

Smart Tweezers ST5S-BT2 receiver stick uses an FTDI bridge that creates a virtual RS232 serial port for connection.

The newest model of Smart Tweezers Bluetooth is available in the LCR-Reader Store.

Windows' Smart Tweezers Bluetooth Utility measuring using a custom profile.
Windows’ Smart Tweezers Bluetooth Utility measuring using a custom profile.