ESR70 User Guide November 2021 – Rev 14 Want to use it now? We understand that you want to use your ESR70 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 do at least take a look at the very important notices on page 4! Contents Page...
November 2021 – Rev 14 Introduction The Peak Atlas ESR70 is an advanced instrument designed specifically for the analysis of capacitor equivalent series resistance (in or out of circuit). Where possible, capacitance is also displayed. Summary Features: ESR range of 0 to 40 with resolution as low as 0.01.
ESR70 User Guide November 2021 – Rev 14 Important Notices Please observe the following guidelines: This instrument must NEVER be connected to powered equipment/components. It is the user’s responsibility to ensure that any dangerously charged capacitors are safely discharged before connection to the unit.
ESR70 User Guide November 2021 – Rev 14 Notes on ESR ESR (Equivalent Series Resistance), as its acronym implies, is the value of resistance that is effectively in series with an ideal capacitor. No capacitor is ideal of course, the detailed equivalent circuit of a typical capacitor is very complex.
ESR70 User Guide November 2021 – Rev 14 Analysing Capacitors The ESR70 is designed to analyse capacitor ESR in or out of circuit. The two test probes can be connected to the component any way around. Remember though that in-circuit testing can result in less accurate readings. Important: To minimise risk of damage to the unit, make sure that the ESR70 has completed any previous analysis before attaching the test probes to the capacitor.
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ESR70 User Guide November 2021 – Rev 14 Analysing Capacitors continued… The ESR analysis typically takes around 2 seconds to complete, followed by up to around 3 seconds for the capacitance measurement (depending on the characteristics of the capacitor). As soon as a valid ESR reading has Measuring C...
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ESR70 User Guide November 2021 – Rev 14 Analysing Capacitors continued… If ESR exceeds the maximum that can be measured, the display may show: Cap = 476.6 F In-Circuit/Leaky ESR = >40.0 ESR = >40.0 The ESR measurement range is automatically determined during the analysis. Typically, the resolution for ESR measurement is as shown in the table below: Automatically Nominal measured...
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ESR70 User Guide November 2021 – Rev 14 Typical Values of ESR continued… It is not possible to provide a definitive rule for values of ESR that are acceptable for all situations. However, a table of typical ESR figures for a range of capacitance and voltage ratings is shown on the previous page.
ESR70 User Guide November 2021 – Rev 14 Sounds and Audible Alerts The ESR70 can produce audible tones to assist the user. The various tones are summarised below: Condition / Operation Sound Type Start Analysis Short Blip End Analysis Short Blip Measured ESR >...
ESR70 User Guide November 2021 – Rev 14 Probe Compensation To ensure good repeatable readings, particularly for low values of ESR, it may be necessary to perform a simple Probe Compensation procedure. Press and hold down the on-test Sound and probe button for about 4 seconds until the options...
ESR70 User Guide November 2021 – Rev 14 Care of your ESR70 The ESR70 should provide many years of service if used in accordance with this user guide. Care should be taken not to expose your unit to excessive heat, shock or moisture. Additionally, the battery should be replaced at least every 12 months to reduce the risk of leak damage.
ESR70 User Guide November 2021 – Rev 14 Appendix A - Troubleshooting Problem Cause / Possible Solution ESR value when probes are shorted is not close Perform a probe compensation. to 0Ω This message is displayed if the ESR70 has detected that the attached capacitor may be exhibiting “Soakage”...
ESR70 User Guide November 2021 – Rev 14 Appendix B - Technical Specifications All values are at 20C unless otherwise specified. Parameter Note Peak test current into S/C ±20mA ±23mA Peak test voltage, full scale ESR ±40mV ±46mV Peak test voltage across O/C ±5.5V Capacitance measurement range 0.3μF...
ESR70 User Guide November 2021 – Rev 14 Appendix C – Statutory Information Peak Satisfaction Warranty If for any reason you are not completely satisfied with the ESR70, 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.
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