August 2015 – Rev 6 Atlas LCR User Guide Want to use it now? We understand that you want to use your Atlas LCR right now. The unit is ready to go and you should have little need to refer to this user guide, but please make sure that you read through pages 4-6! Contents Page...
August 2015 – Rev 6 Atlas LCR User Guide Introduction The Atlas LCR is an advanced instrument that greatly simplifies the testing of passive components. Traditional LCR bridges are inherently complex and very time consuming to use. The Atlas LCR does everything automatically, it tells you the component type in addition to component value data.
August 2015 – Rev 6 Atlas LCR User Guide Important Notices WARNING: This instrument must NEVER be connected to powered equipment/components or equipment/components with any stored energy (e.g. charged capacitors). Failure to comply with this warning may result in personal injury, damage to the equipment under test, damage to the Atlas LCR and invalidation of the manufacturer's warranty.
August 2015 – Rev 6 Atlas LCR User Guide Using your Atlas LCR Normal Use The Atlas LCR performs its component analysis before the results are displayed. Therefore, once the analysis has completed, the probes can be disconnected from the component. Analysis itself only takes a few seconds and you can choose to start the analysis after a 5 second delay or immediately.
August 2015 – Rev 6 Atlas LCR User Guide Probe Compensation If you change the probes on your Atlas LCR, it is good practice to run through the short compensation procedure. This ensures that the probes' own inductance, capacitance and resistance is automatically taken into account for subsequent measurements.
August 2015 – Rev 6 Atlas LCR User Guide Testing Inductors The Atlas LCR is designed to analyse most inductors, coils and chokes. Inductor test frequency: The test frequency that the Atlas LCR uses will be automatically selected from 1kHz, 15kHz or 200kHz. The following table shows the test frequencies used for various inductance ranges: Inductance Range Test Frequency Used...
August 2015 – Rev 6 Atlas LCR User Guide Testing Capacitors The Atlas LCR uses two different methods to analyse capacitors, AC impedance analysis for low value capacitors (less than about 1μF) and DC charge analysis for larger capacitors (about 1μF to 10,000μF). ...
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August 2015 – Rev 6 Atlas LCR User Guide Low Value Capacitors There is a vast range of low value capacitors available. Types include ceramic, polyester, polystyrene and mylar dielectric capacitors. Generally, low value capacitors tend to be unpolarised. Minimum capacitance resolution is about 0.2pF.
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August 2015 – Rev 6 Atlas LCR User Guide Large Capacitors Capacitors larger than about 1μF are treated differently, instead of being tested with an AC signal, they are tested with a DC signal. This is confirmed in the “Test frequency” screen. Please be patient when testing large value capacitors, it may take several seconds depending on the capacitance.
0.3Ω. Resistance is measured using a DC signal with a peak voltage of 1V (across an open circuit) and a peak current of about 3mA (through a short circuit). Resistor results: Following analysis, the resistance value is displayed.
Although the unit may continue to operate following a low battery warning, measurements may be adversely affected. New batteries can be purchased from many retailers and directly from Peak Electronic Design Ltd or an authorised agent. Battery types: Suitable battery types include 23A, V23A, GP23A, MN21 or a good quality 12V alkaline equivalent as used in many test instruments and automotive remote key fobs.
It is possible that a temporary condition caused the failure and restarting the unit may clear the problem. If the fault persists please contact Peak Electronic Design Ltd or an authorised agent with details of the error message for further advice.
Fitting is easy: the tweezers are terminated in the standard Atlas LCR probe connectors. Other Probe Accessories Many different probe types are available, specially made for your Atlas LCR. Contact Peak Electronic Design Ltd or an authorised agent for more details. Page 14...
August 2015 – Rev 6 Atlas LCR User Guide Appendix B - Component Identification It is important to appreciate that the Atlas LCR can only decide on the identity of the component under test using results of the electrical tests that it performs on the component.
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August 2015 – Rev 6 Atlas LCR User Guide Capacitor Detection The Atlas LCR will tell you that you have a capacitor if the following criteria are satisfied: 1. If the measured DC resistance is higher than 10MΩ, even if the measured capacitance is very low (such as open probes).
0.5pF accuracy Typically ±1.5% ±1.0pF 1,2,5 range 1µH Inductance resolution 0.4µH 0.8µH accuracy Typically ±1.5% ±1.6µH 1,2,4 Peak test voltage (across O/C) -1.05V +1.05V Peak test current (thru S/C) -5.0mA +5.0mA 1kHz -1.5% ±1% +1.5% Test frequency 14.925kHz -1.5% ±1% +1.5%...
August 2015 – Rev 6 Atlas LCR User Guide Appendix D – Troubleshooting Problem Possible Solution Capacitance measured when probes are open circuit is not Perform a probe compensation. close to zero (±1.0pF). Resistance and/or inductance measured when probes are Perform a probe compensation.
Appendix E – Warranty Information Peak Satisfaction Guarantee If for any reason you are not completely satisfied with the Peak Atlas LCR within 14 days of purchase you may return the unit to your distributor. You will receive a refund covering the full purchase price if the unit is returned in perfect condition.
More details can be obtained from your national WEEE recycling agency. If in doubt, you may send your Peak Product to us for safe and environmentally responsible disposal. At Peak Electronic Design Ltd we are committed to continual product development and improvement.
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