LCR-Reader – Page 2 – Smart Tweezers LCR-Reader

NASA TechBriefs Publishes LCR-Reader-MPA Whitepaper

Siborg published a white paper on TechBriefs about their newest device, the LCR-Reader-MPA. The paper gives insight to the devices’ capabilities and features.

The paper reviews how the device uses different measurement methods in order to produce high accuracy measurements, and the properties of operations. These operations include how the device is able to determine the type of component and test parameters to use. The paper also provides a short summary of the features and functions and an explanation how to use the Offset Removal feature.

The paper explains how LCR-Reader-MPA uses two methods of measuring capacitance using AC response method and DC charge/discharge methods. Using the AC response method allows the device to have a 0.1% basic accuracy for capacitances from 0.1 pf to 1 mF, the DC charge/discharge is more efficient in the range from 1 mF to 1 F.

The principle of operations is explained as “Voltage from the voltage source through a limiting 100 Ohm resistor is applied to the DUT connected at points A and B. The amplitude and frequency of the Test signal V are adjustable. The voltage drop on resistor Rj measured by DAj is proportional to the current flowing through the measured component. After digitizing the ADC signals the impedance is calculated according to the formula DUT impedance Z = Rj*Vau/Vaj.

For the Offset Elimination Technique is explained using the Capacitance Offset Calibration board; the dummy PCB uses holes to represent various sizes of components. Users place the tweezers’ tips in the corresponding hole to the component they are measuring and perform an open/closed calibration. The MPA will remove this value from the measured value, eliminating the value of any parasitics between the tweezers’ tips.

“Initial values of the impedance (offsets) obtained during calibration with Open and Short probes are stored in the non-volatile memory of the device and are considered in the calculation in the impedance of the measured component thus eliminating the offset due to the device internal parasitics.”

LCR-Reader-MPA Task Kit

Siborg has released a new task kit that includes an LCR-Reader-MPA, accessories and an NIST traceable calibration certificate.

The LCR-Reader-MPA Professional task kit includes an MPA, NIST traceable calibration certificate, spare bent tweezer probes, LCR-Reader Kelvin Probe Connector kit, Offset Calibration Board, charging cable and manuals. An NIST traceable calibration certificate is a must for professional users that require their test equipment is routinely calibrated to ensure accuracy.

The Kelvin Probe Connector kit is a extension kit for all LCR-Reader and Smart Tweezer meters that replaces one of the gold probes with a wire lead. The kit comes with 5 different attachments for a wide range of tasks. When connected, the Kelvin Probe Connector Kit turns the MPA into a probe station, allowing to measure waveforms on various nodes on a PCB. This kit is exceptionally helpful when used with the Oscilloscope mode on MPA.

The LCR-Reader-MPA Professional is available for the grey or black display models and is available in the LCR-Reader Store and on Siborg’s North American sales channels.

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).

LCR-Reader-MPA Makes Debut at Nepcon 2019

Siborg Systems Inc. took their newest addition, the LCR-Reader-MPA to Nepcon Korea (may 15 to 17 2019) for its debut on the technology market.

“This is our first presentation of the newly competed LCR-Reader-MPA,” says the director of Siborg, Michael Obrecht, “We have shown devices in the past to welcoming audiences. Our multimeters are well received by consumers for their ease-of-use and high accuracy. We are excited to see what people have to say about the LCR-Reader-MPA at Nepcon Korea.”

Electronics Manufacturing Korea (EMK) has become the globally renowned exhibition for domestic and foreign buyers an is Korea’s largest electronics manufacturing exhibition. Since 2017, EMK has been co-hosted with ‘Autotronics Manufacturing Korea (AMK)’ and provides various seminars and events for visitors and exhibitors. Siborg is certain that LCR-Reader-MPA will be well received at this showing among the many other industry leaders.

LCR-Reader-MPA is the ultimate all-in-one multi tester with 0.1% basic accuracy and wide range of features including 100 kHz test frequency, current testing, LED/diode tests and automatic LCR/ESR measurements.

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.

LCR-Reader Store – One Stop Shop for LCR/ESR Meters

The LCR-Reader Store from Siborg Systems Inc. offers a wide selection of handheld digital LCR/ESR meters, accessories and parts. The devices available are as follows:

LCR-Reader-MP: This is the newest model available from Siborg. The LCR-Reader-MP or Multipurpose has the highest basic accuracy of 0.1% and the widest selection of test features and functions over all LCR-Reader and Smart Tweezers devices. These features include:
- Automatic LCR, Equivalent Series Resistance and Diode/LED measurement
- Basic accuracy better than 0.1%
- AC/DC voltage measurement up to 15 V
- Oscilloscope Transient Voltage display for up to 100 kHz
- Measurement of supercaps up to 680 mF
- Measurement of Frequency, Pulse period, Duty Cycle up to 400 kHz
- Signal Generator: Sine, Rectangle, Triangle pulse shapes up to 100 kHz
- Diode and Continuity test}
- Two Test Signal levels, Automatic Test Signal Reduction to 0.1 V for in-circuit measurement
- Easy Short/Open Calibration, Offset Removal
- Handling of components as small as 0201 size (about 0.3 mm)
- Display of active and reactive impedance components
- Adjustable test signal frequencies of 50, 100, 120 Hz, 1, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 75 and 100 kHz
- Jog-wheel navigation
- 2 oz. weight, ergonomic design
- Backlit LCD display
- NIST traceable calibration certificate

LCR-Reader: The LCR-Reader is Siborg’s best selling device, which features a 0.5% basic accuracy with minimal features. This device was created as a lower cost alternative to other tweezer-based devices. LCR-Reader is able to automatically determine the type of component and select the best test range for that component. The one-button navigation allows users to select the test mode they desire. Features include:
- 0.5% Basic Accuracy
- Fully automatic L, C, R and ESR measurements
- Manual mode selection
- Instantly displayed results
- 1 oz. weight
- One-button navigation
- NIST Traceable Calibration Certificate
- OLED display
  - LCR-Reader Pro and LCR-Reader Pro Plus: These are LCR-Reader Task Kits that include an LCR-Reader device with calibration certificate and accessories (battery, Kelvin Probe Connector Kit, spare tips, charger. Note: accessories depending on task kit selected).

Smart Tweezers and Smart Tweezers with Bluetooth: Smart Tweezers are the original tweezer-based LCR meter with a 0.2% basic accuracy and multiple test features, including;
- 0.2% basic accuracy
- Manual and Automatic L, C, R, ESR, and Z test mode
- Component sorting with 1%, 5%, 10% and 20% variable tolerances
- Adjustable test signal levels
- Diode/Continuity/Short testing
- Parasitic offset subtraction
- 1 oz. weight
- NIST Traceable Calibration Certificate
- 4-way joystick navigation
- OLED display
  - Smart Tweezers with Bluetooth is able to connect to PC (ie: NI Labview, Tera Term, etc), Android and iOS to send and receive measurement data over a real-time connection. When connected, users are sent a comma separated string of values representing the outcomes, including the type of component, main and secondary values, and test parameters used. The ability to record all measurement data is invaluable for incoming quality control. The newest update to the device allows users to send information to the Smart Tweezers device and the ability to set parameters that components must meet. This is done by the user creating a profile in the receiving software. When testing, the component must meet this criteria before being granted a pass or fail by the software.
  - Note: the Bluetooth receiver stick is required to connect with PC and LabView
LCR-Reader/Smart Tweezers Kelvin Probe Connector: The LCR-Reader Kelvin Probe Connector is a shielded two-wire device that can be used as a full probe station. When connected, the LCR-Reader or Smart Tweezers can measure components that are larger than the tweezers’ gap. It is easy to connect to the device, simply remove one of the gold-plated tweezer tips and replace with the flat connector. All extension accessories screw into the other end. The two-wire connection eliminates additional offsets.
Note: can be used with LCR-Reader, LCR-Reader-MP, Smart Tweezers and LCR-Reader Colibri.
Siborg also offers Task Kits that combine a device with accessories; when purchased, the task kits give a greater discount than buying a device and each accessory separately.

See everything Siborg has to offer at 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

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

Siborg’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 offset value. This value can then be subtracted from the value of the component being measured.

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.