87xB Manual
87xB Manual
87xB Manual
Safety Summary
The following safety precautions apply to both
operating and maintenance personnel and
must be observed during all phases of
operation, service, and repair of this
instrument.
Safety Guidelines
To ensure that you use this device safely,
follow the safety guidelines listed below:
Safety Symbols
This symbol is a warning and
indicates that the user should refer to
the operating instructions located in
the manual.
DC Current
Indicates inside pin is positive (+),
outside is negative (-)
Compliance Statements
Disposal of Old Electrical & Electronic Equipment
(Applicable in the European
Union and other European countries with separate
collection systems)
Environmental Conditions
0 C to 40 C
Operating Environment
Storage Humidity
Storage Environment
Pollution degree
0 80% R.H.
-20 C to +50 C
Pollution degree 2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Safety Summary ........................................................ 1
Safety Guidelines ...................................................... 2
Compliance Statements ........................................... 4
INTRODUCTION ....................................................... 10
PACKAGE CONTENTS ........................................... 11
FRONT PANEL OVERVIEW .................................... 12
Front Panel Display Descriptions .................................. 13
Front Panel Buttons ...................................................... 15
POWERING INSTRUMENT...................................... 20
Installing Battery ........................................................... 20
Connecting External Power Source .............................. 22
Low Battery Indication .................................................. 24
Backlit Display (model 879B only) ................................ 25
INTRODUCTION
B&K Precisions 878B and 879B 40,000-count L/C/R
hand-held meter is designed ideally for measuring
inductance, capacitance and resistance components.
Simple to operate, the instrument not only takes
absolute parallel mode measurements, but also series
mode measurement. The meter provides direct and
accurate measurements with selectable testing
frequencies.
Front panel push buttons maximize the convenience
of function and feature selection such as data hold,
maximum, minimum and average record mode,
relative mode, tolerance sorting mode, frequency and
L/C/R selection.
The test data can be transferred to PC through a Mini
USB connection, great for applications that require
data logging
A tilt stand provides position flexibility for viewing and
operating the meter. The over-molding rubber case
protects the meter for better durability. Additionally,
top rubber visor molding above the screen is designed
to prevent scratches on the display when meter is
positioned upside down.
10
PACKAGE CONTENTS
Each 878B and 879B LCR meters are shipped with
the following contents.
878B or 879B LCR meter
Instruction Manual
Mini USB Interface Cable
Red & Black Banana to Alligator Test Leads
9V Battery
*AC Adapter (model 879B only)
*This can be purchased as an optional accessory for
model 878B.
Please locate them from the original packaging to
ensure nothing is missing. If in the case that an item
is missing, please contact B&K Precision immediately.
11
L C R M e te r
879B
LCR Z
REL ESR
M A X A V G M IN
Q
TOL AUTO DH D
1% 5% 10% 20%
deg
%
kH z
PAL
SER
@ OFF
n H
pn F
Mk
RMT
POW ER
USB
D /Q /
/E S R
FREQ
L /C /R /Z
P
S
TOL
HO LD
REC
8
U T IL
9
REL
CAL
10
13
11
12
12
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
LCD Display
Power ON/OFF Button
USB Communication / *Back light button
Secondary Display mode (for dissipation
factor(D), quality factor (Q), *phase angle (),
*equivalent series resistance (ESR)
measurement) selection button
Primary Display mode (for inductance,
capacitance, resistance, and *impedance
measurements) / Parallel or Series
measurement method selection button
Tolerance mode / Utility down arrow selection
button
Hold Display mode / Record mode selection
button
Utility menu button
Test Frequency / Utility up arrow selection
button
Relative mode / Calibration mode selection
button
12V DC adapter input (use with an external
power adapter (rated 12VDC, 150mA, 4mm
power plug))
Note: Use with included power adapter only.
Use with improper power adapters may
damage instrument.
13
14
16
5 6 7
10 11
12
13
L C R Z REL ESR
29
28
deg
%
M A X A V G M IN
Q
TOL AUTO DH D
1% 5% 10% 20%
@ OFF
27
kH z
14
15
PAL
SER
n H
pn F
16
Mk
RMT
26
25 24
23 22
21
17
18
20
19
Secondary display
Beeper tone indicator for tolerance
mode
deg *Phase angle degree indicator
*ESR(ohm) units indicator
% - Tolerance percentage indicator
kHz Frequency units indicator
PAL Parallel mode indicator
SER Series mode indicator
Inductance units (Henry) indicator
18.
Capacitance units (Farad) indicator
19. Mk Resistance units (Ohm) indicator
20. RMT Remote mode indicator
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
Primary display
D Dissipation factor indicator
DH Data hold indicator
AUTO Auto-ranging indicator
TOL Tolerance mode indicator
Low battery indicator
@OFF Auto power-off indicator
1%5%10%20% - Tolerance sorting
percentage indicator
18
19
POWERING INSTRUMENT
Before beginning to operate the instrument, a power
source is necessary for it to turn on. There are two
methods to power the instrument: Battery and
external source.
Installing Battery
The 878B and 879B LCR meters can use a battery to
provide power to the instrument so that it can be
portable.
The meters use a standard 9V size battery (or
NEDA 1604, JIS006P, IEC6F22 carbon-zinc or
alkaline battery).
To install the battery:
1. Place the meter upside down. Open up the
back-flip stand, and locate the screw that
tightens the battery compartment cover as
indicated in Figure 3. Use a screwdriver to
unscrew and remove the cover.
20
21
22
12VDC Input
AC Adapter
button for 2
26
OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS
Data Hold
The data hold function allows the user to freeze the display
when pressed, holding the measured value until data hold is
turned off.
Static Recording
This mode is used for recording maximum, minimum, and
average values. It is often useful for testing the range of
values in which a component is expected to fall within upon
measurement.
27
Minimum
Recording Mode
This is the default mode when first enabling static
recording. In this mode, the screen will display MAX
AVG MIN indicator. At this point, the meter will start
making recordings based on measured values from
28
Maximum Mode
In this mode, the MAX indicator will be shown on display.
This indicates that the value in the primary display
represents the recorded maximum value.
Minimum Mode
In this mode, the MIN indicator will be shown on display.
This indicates that the value in the primary display
represents the recorded minimum value.
Average Mode
In this mode, the AVG indicator will be shown on display.
This indicates that the value in the primary display
represents the recorded average value. This average value
is obtained by taking the maximum and minimum recorded
values and taking the average of the two values.
29
30
Test Frequency
The 879B and 878B LCR meters use an AC signal to test
and measure components at the input sockets or terminals.
With this measurement method, a test frequency must be
selected. The test frequency can affect the accuracy of the
results depending on what frequency is selected and what
type and value of a component is being measured or tested.
31
32
REMOTE COMMUNICATION
Connecting Instrument to PC
Follow the below procedures for connection setup.
1. Download the USB drivers from
www.bkprecision.com .
2. With the included mini USB cable, connect the
mini USB end to the LCR meter and the other
end to an available USB port on the PC (see
Figure 14).
3. When Windows recognize the USB
connection, do not follow the default Windows
driver installation wizard. Simply run the
setup file from the downloaded USB drivers
and follow the prompt to install drivers.
4. When completed, the computer will recognize
the instrument as a USB (virtual COM) device,
33
34
USB Operation
There are two modes that describe the operation of
the meter when it is setup for remote communication.
They are remote mode and auto fetching mode.
Remote Mode
Upon connecting to the instrument, sending any
commands listed in the Command Protocols section
will automatically set the LCR meter into remote
mode. In remote mode, the LCD display will show the
RMT indicator. When this is shown, all front panel
35
(or
36
Command Protocols
Overview of Command Type and Format
All commands are entered in either the upper case or
the lower case. There are two types of the meter
programming commands: IEEE 488 common
37
Data Type
<NR1>
<NR2>
<NR3>
<Boolean>
Explanation
An integer
This numeric
representation has
an explicit radix
point
This representation
has an explicit
radix point and an
exponent
A parameter for
Boolean setting.
Always return 0
or 1 for Boolean
40
Example
+800,-200,100,-50
+1.56,-0.001,10.5
+2.345678E+04
-1.345678E-01
ON or OFF
query command
A string is used as
command
parameters with
short literal form
<Literal>
HOLD
SCPI Commands
This section described all the SCPI commands
supported by the meter. The meter can accept both
upper case and lower case commands.
Table 5 - SCPI Symbol Conventions
Text Symbol
[]
|
<>
()
?
:
Meaning
Option; can be omitted
Exclusive OR
Defined element
Comment
Question mark
Separated two command
keywords
41
*IDN?
Description: Queries the instrument ID.
Response: <instrument model>, <firmware
version>, <serial number>
*LLO
Local Lockout. This means that all front panel
buttons, including the "USB" key is not available.
*GTL
Go to local. Puts the meter into the local state,
FUNCtion subsystem
FUNCtion:impa < L | C | R | Z >
(Z for model 879B only)
Description: Select primary parameter
Example:
FUNCtion:impa L
Selects L as primary parameter
FUNCtion:impa?
Description: Query primary parameter
Response: Return L, C, R, Z (879B
only),NULL
FUNCtion:impb < D | Q | THETA | ESR >
(THETA and ESR for model879B only)
Description: Select secondly parameter
Example: FUNCtion:impb D
Select D as secondly parameter
FUNCtion:impb?
Description: Query secondly parameter
Response: Return D, Q, THETA (879B only),
ESR (879B only), NULL
43
44
CALCulate:RELative:VALUe?
Description: Query the relative value
Response: Return <NR3> or ----- format string
CALCulate:TOLerance:STATe < ON | OFF >
Description: Enable or disable tolerance function
Example: CALCulate:TOLerance:STATe ON
CALCulate:TOLerance:STATe?
Description: Query the tolerance state
Response: Return ON or OFF
CALCulate:TOLerance:NOMinal?
Description: Query the nominal value of
tolerance
Response: Return <NR3> or ----- format string
CALCulate:TOLerance:VALUe?
Description: Query the percent value of
tolerance
Response: Return <NR3> or ----- format string
CALCulate:TOLerance:RANGe < 1 | 5 | 10 |
20 >
Description: Set tolerance range
Parameters: 20 (879B only)
Example: CALCulate:TOLerance:RANGe 1
Set 1% tolerance range
45
CALCulate:TOLerance:RANGe?
Description: Query the tolerance range
Response: Return BIN1, BIN2, BIN3,
BIN4 or ---- format string
CALCulate:RECording:STATe < ON | OFF >
Description: Enable or disable recording
function
Example: CALCulate:RECording:STATe
ON
CALCulate:RECording:STATe?
Description: Query the recording state
Response: Return ON or OFF
CALCulate:RECording:MAXimum?
Description: Query the maximum value of
recording function
Response: Return <NR3, NR3> or ----- format
string
CALCulate:RECording:MINimum?
Description: Query the minimum value of
recording function
Response: Return <NR3, NR3> or ----- format
string
46
CALCulate:RECording:AVERage?
Description: Query the average value of
recording function
Response: Return <NR3, NR3> or ----- format
string
CALCulate:RECording:PRESent?
Description: Query the present value of
recording function
Response: Return <NR3, NR3> or ----- format
string
FETCh Subsystem
FETCh?
Description: Returns the primary, secondary
display value and tolerance
compared result of devices output
buffer.
Response: Return <NR3, NR3, NR1> format
string
Example: FETCh?
47
Command
FREQuency
FREQuency?
FUNCtion
:impa
Parameter
<Literal>
:impa?
:impb
<Literal>
:impb?
:EQUivalent
:EQUivalent?
CALCulate
:RELative
:STATe
:STATe?
:VALUe?
:TOLerance
:STATe
<Literal>
<Boolean>
Enable/disable relative
function
Query relative state
Query relative value
<Boolean>
Enable/disable tolerance
function
Query tolerance state
Query nominal value of
tolerance
Query percent of tolerance
Set tolerance range
Query tolerance range
:STATe?
:NOMinal?
:VALUe?
:RANG
:RANGe?
:RECording
Explanation
<Value>
<Value>
48
:STATe
<Boolean>
:STATe?
:MAXimum?
:MINimum?
:AVERage?
:PRESent?
FETCh?
Enable/disable recording
function
Query recording state
Query max. value of
recording
Query min. value of recording
Query average value of
recording
Query present value of
recording
Return data any time last
reading is valid
Error Codes
In certain situations, errors may occur, and an error
code will be displayed on the meter. Below defines
the error description based on the error code.
E10: Unknown command
E11: Parameter Error
E12: Syntax Error
49
Selecting Frequency
To select or change the test frequency, push the
button once. With each press, the test
frequency will be indicated on the secondary display
of the meter. This will remain displayed until a
different function for the secondary display is selected.
The selectable test frequencies for 879B meter are:
100 Hz, 120 Hz, 1 kHz, and 10 kHz.
The selectable test frequencies for 878B meter are:
120 Hz and 1 kHz.
Relative Mode
Relative mode is used when the user wants to zero
the meter based on a reference value or wants to
obtain a reading that is relative to a reference value.
For example, if test leads are used in the
measurement, the user may want to set a reference
with the test leads inserted into the input terminals so
that any measurements taken will not take into
account the test leads.
50
51
Tolerance
The tolerance mode feature is specifically used for
component sorting purposes. Users who need to test
and sort through a large number of components will
find this function quite helpful.
Tolerance Range
The tolerance function is configured primarily by range
in percentage, meaning a percentage is used to
define whether a measured value is within tolerance
or out of tolerance.
(for model 879B) Selectable tolerance range is: 1%,
5%, 10%, and 20%.
(for model 878B) Selectable tolerance range is: 1%,
5%, and 10%.
52
Setup Tolerance
1. Select the primary measurement mode based
on the type of components to be measured.
This is done by pressing the
(or
for model 878B) button to configure the
desired measurement mode.
Note: Be sure to select the correct
measurement mode, as tolerance mode
cannot be activated unless the correct mode
is selected. For example, if the component is
a capacitor, be sure to select C for
capacitance. If not, tolerance mode will not
be activated following the proceeding steps
below.
2. Insert the component to be used as the
standard reference value. Another words,
insert a known good component that will be
used for testing against all other components.
(See Figure 6 for illustration)
Note: The tolerance mode cannot be
activated unless the meter senses a
component is connected to either the input
sockets or terminals.
53
54
Utility Menu
The LCR meter has a built-in utility menu that allows
you to configure some user preferences and settings.
The buttons used to set and control the menu are
colored in yellow. They are
, and
SETTINGS /
PARAMETERS
ON / OFF
5 / 15 / 30 / 60 / OFF
PrE / Set
yES / NO
MENU OPTIONS
bEEP
AoFF
PuP
dEF
57
AoFF
PuP
dEF
SECONDARY
DISPLAY
5
15
30
60
OFF
REPRESENTATION
5 minutes
15 minutes
30 minutes
60 minutes
No timer. Manual
power off only
Default Setting: 15
60
61
Settings
Primary Function
Secondary Function
Measurement Method
Test Frequency
Beep
Auto Power-off
Power-up State
Reset Default Settings
Default Configuration
C (Capacitance)
None
SER (Series)
1 kHz
On
15 (15 minutes)
PrE
No
, and
66
67
REMOTE COMMUNICATION
Connecting Instrument to PC
Follow the below procedures for connection setup.
5. Download the USB drivers from
www.bkprecision.com .
6. With the included mini USB cable, connect the
mini USB end to the LCR meter and the other
end to an available USB port on the PC (see
Figure 14).
7. When Windows recognize the USB
connection, do not follow the default Windows
driver installation wizard. Simply run the
setup file from the downloaded USB drivers
and follow the prompt to install drivers.
8. When completed, the computer will recognize
the instrument as a USB (virtual COM) device,
68
69
USB Operation
There are two modes that describe the operation of
the meter when it is setup for remote communication.
They are remote mode and auto fetching mode.
Remote Mode
Upon connecting to the instrument, sending any
commands listed in the Command Protocols section
will automatically set the LCR meter into remote
mode. In remote mode, the LCD display will show the
RMT indicator. When this is shown, all front panel
70
(or
71
Command Protocols
Overview of Command Type and Format
All commands are entered in either the upper case or
the lower case. There are two types of the meter
programming commands: IEEE 488 common
72
Data Type
<NR1>
<NR2>
<NR3>
<Boolean>
Explanation
An integer
This numeric
representation has
an explicit radix
point
This representation
has an explicit
radix point and an
exponent
A parameter for
Boolean setting.
Always return 0
or 1 for Boolean
75
Example
+800,-200,100,-50
+1.56,-0.001,10.5
+2.345678E+04
-1.345678E-01
ON or OFF
query command
A string is used as
command
parameters with
short literal form
<Literal>
HOLD
SCPI Commands
This section described all the SCPI commands
supported by the meter. The meter can accept both
upper case and lower case commands.
Table 5 - SCPI Symbol Conventions
Text Symbol
[]
|
<>
()
?
:
Meaning
Option; can be omitted
Exclusive OR
Defined element
Comment
Question mark
Separated two command
keywords
76
*IDN?
Description: Queries the instrument ID.
Response: <instrument model>, <firmware
version>, <serial number>
*LLO
Local Lockout. This means that all front panel
buttons, including the "USB" key is not available.
*GTL
Go to local. Puts the meter into the local state,
FUNCtion subsystem
FUNCtion:impa < L | C | R | Z >
(Z for model 879B only)
Description: Select primary parameter
Example:
FUNCtion:impa L
Selects L as primary parameter
FUNCtion:impa?
Description: Query primary parameter
Response: Return L, C, R, Z (879B
only),NULL
FUNCtion:impb < D | Q | THETA | ESR >
(THETA and ESR for model879B only)
Description: Select secondly parameter
Example: FUNCtion:impb D
Select D as secondly parameter
FUNCtion:impb?
Description: Query secondly parameter
Response: Return D, Q, THETA (879B only),
ESR (879B only), NULL
78
79
CALCulate:RELative:VALUe?
Description: Query the relative value
Response: Return <NR3> or ----- format string
CALCulate:TOLerance:STATe < ON | OFF >
Description: Enable or disable tolerance function
Example: CALCulate:TOLerance:STATe ON
CALCulate:TOLerance:STATe?
Description: Query the tolerance state
Response: Return ON or OFF
CALCulate:TOLerance:NOMinal?
Description: Query the nominal value of
tolerance
Response: Return <NR3> or ----- format string
CALCulate:TOLerance:VALUe?
Description: Query the percent value of
tolerance
Response: Return <NR3> or ----- format string
CALCulate:TOLerance:RANGe < 1 | 5 | 10 |
20 >
Description: Set tolerance range
Parameters: 20 (879B only)
Example: CALCulate:TOLerance:RANGe 1
Set 1% tolerance range
80
CALCulate:TOLerance:RANGe?
Description: Query the tolerance range
Response: Return BIN1, BIN2, BIN3,
BIN4 or ---- format string
CALCulate:RECording:STATe < ON | OFF >
Description: Enable or disable recording
function
Example: CALCulate:RECording:STATe
ON
CALCulate:RECording:STATe?
Description: Query the recording state
Response: Return ON or OFF
CALCulate:RECording:MAXimum?
Description: Query the maximum value of
recording function
Response: Return <NR3, NR3> or ----- format
string
CALCulate:RECording:MINimum?
Description: Query the minimum value of
recording function
Response: Return <NR3, NR3> or ----- format
string
81
CALCulate:RECording:AVERage?
Description: Query the average value of
recording function
Response: Return <NR3, NR3> or ----- format
string
CALCulate:RECording:PRESent?
Description: Query the present value of
recording function
Response: Return <NR3, NR3> or ----- format
string
FETCh Subsystem
FETCh?
Description: Returns the primary, secondary
display value and tolerance
compared result of devices output
buffer.
Response: Return <NR3, NR3, NR1> format
string
Example: FETCh?
82
Command
FREQuency
FREQuency?
FUNCtion
:impa
Parameter
<Literal>
:impa?
:impb
<Literal>
:impb?
:EQUivalent
:EQUivalent?
CALCulate
:RELative
:STATe
:STATe?
:VALUe?
:TOLerance
:STATe
<Literal>
<Boolean>
Enable/disable relative
function
Query relative state
Query relative value
<Boolean>
Enable/disable tolerance
function
Query tolerance state
Query nominal value of
tolerance
Query percent of tolerance
Set tolerance range
Query tolerance range
:STATe?
:NOMinal?
:VALUe?
:RANG
:RANGe?
:RECording
Explanation
<Value>
<Value>
83
:STATe
<Boolean>
:STATe?
:MAXimum?
:MINimum?
:AVERage?
:PRESent?
FETCh?
Enable/disable recording
function
Query recording state
Query max. value of
recording
Query min. value of recording
Query average value of
recording
Query present value of
recording
Return data any time last
reading is valid
Error Codes
In certain situations, errors may occur, and an error
code will be displayed on the meter. Below defines
the error description based on the error code.
E10: Unknown command
E11: Parameter Error
E12: Syntax Error
84
Default Settings
For Capacitance and Resistance measurements, the
default measurement mode is parallel.
For Inductance measurements, the default
measurement mode is series.
Selecting Measurement Mode
The measurement mode of the meter is displayed by
the indicators SER or PAR on the LCD screen.
SER means meter is in series measurement mode.
PAR means meter is in parallel measurement mode.
To toggle between the two modes, press and hold
down
(or
for model 878B) button for 2
seconds. The indicators on the display should toggle
between SER and PAR.
Calibration
Calibration is available on all modes. It is
recommended that to achieve optimal readings,
85
86
Short Calibration
Short calibration can be done when meter first enters
into calibration mode. If the input sockets or terminals
have nothing connected, the display will be like Figure
7. For short calibration, simply put a shorting bar or a
short piece of conductive metal (i.e. paper clip) across
the + and - input sockets or terminals. Within 2
seconds, the meter will display the same screen as
Figure 8, which prompts for a short. Also, REL
indicator will be blinking on the display. This is to
prompt the user that the meter is waiting for an action.
At this point, short calibration will be done when the
button is pressed once. Within a few seconds,
the meter will return to normal display and meter will
87
Quick Procedure
Below is an example of steps to follow to do both
open and short calibration.
1. Select the primary function mode for
measurement (i.e. L/C/R/Z).
2. Select the test frequency for measurement.
3. Select the measurement mode (i.e. Series or
Parallel)
4. Once all settings are configured, hold down
button for 2 seconds to enter into
calibration mode.
5. First, do open calibration. Follow instructions
under Open Calibration section.
88
USB
The USB button
(or
for model 878B) are
used for remote communication. See
90
92
93
Note:
To achieve optimum precision for all L, C, and R
measurements at either the highest or lowest
ranges, calibrate the meter before testing. See
Calibration section for details.
Inductance Measurement
1. Press down
on the meter.
2. Press
(or
for model 878B) button
until L is displayed on the screen to select
inductance measurement.
3. Insert an inductor into either the input sockets or
connect alligator leads into the banana jack input
terminals and connect the clips to the component
leads as illustrated in Figure 10.
4. Press
button until the
frequency is displayed on screen.
desired
test
5. Press
(or
for model 878B) button
to select between D factor, Q factor, angle, or
94
95
Capacitance Measurement
WARNING Fully discharge capacitor BEFORE
inserting it into the instrument. Failure to do this may
result in damage to the meter and may cause
electrical hazards.
1. Press down
on the meter.
2. Press
(or
for model 878B) button
until C is on the screen to select capacitance
measurement.
3. CAUTION: BEFORE inserting a capacitor or
capacitive component into the input sockets
or terminals, be sure to fully discharge the
component. Some larger capacitive
components may take longer to discharge. In
these cases, please allot enough time for a full
discharge. If proper discharging of the
component is not done correctly, it will
damage the input terminals of the meter.
4. Insert the DISCHARGED capacitor or capacitive
component into the input sockets or connect
alligator leads into the banana jack input terminals
and connect the clips to the component leads as
illustrated in Figure 11.
96
5. Press
button until the
frequency is displayed on screen.
desired
test
6. Press
(or
for model 878B) button
to select between D factor, Q factor, angle, or
ESR measurement for secondary display. ( and
ESR function for model 879B only).
7. Read the display readings for capacitance
measured values and selected measured values
on secondary display.
97
Resistance Measurement
1. Press down
on the meter.
2. Press
(or
for model 878B) button
until R is on the screen to select resistance
measurement.
3. Insert resistor or resistive component into the
input sockets or connect alligator leads into the
banana jack input terminals and connect the clips
to the component leads as illustrated in Figure 12.
4. Press
button until the
frequency is displayed on screen.
desired
test
98
2. Press
button until Z is on the screen to
select impedance measurement.
99
desired
L C R M e te r
SMD
879B
Z
AUTO
D
kH z
PAL
@ OFF
POW ER
USB
D /Q /
/E S R
FREQ
L /C /R /Z
P
S
TOL
HOLD
REC
U T IL
REL
CAL
100
test
REMOTE COMMUNICATION
The meter has the capability to communicate with a
PC over the mini USB interface. Upon installation of a
USB driver, the PC can control the instrument over
virtual COM (RS-232). The mini USB communication
interface of the meter is designed in full duplex and
has a 64-byte input and output buffer, making it
reliable and efficient for data transmission.
Connecting Instrument to PC
Follow the below procedures for connection setup.
9. Download the USB drivers from
www.bkprecision.com .
10. With the included mini USB cable, connect the
mini USB end to the LCR meter and the other
end to an available USB port on the PC (see
Figure 14).
11. When Windows recognize the USB
connection, do not follow the default Windows
driver installation wizard. Simply run the
setup file from the downloaded USB drivers
and follow the prompt to install drivers.
12. When completed, the computer will recognize
the instrument as a USB (virtual COM) device,
meaning it will be detected as a serial COM
101
102
USB Operation
There are two modes that describe the operation of
the meter when it is setup for remote communication.
They are remote mode and auto fetching mode.
Remote Mode
Upon connecting to the instrument, sending any
commands listed in the Command Protocols section
will automatically set the LCR meter into remote
mode. In remote mode, the LCD display will show the
RMT indicator. When this is shown, all front panel
103
(or
104
Command Protocols
Overview of Command Type and Format
All commands are entered in either the upper case or
the lower case. There are two types of the meter
programming commands: IEEE 488 common
105
Data Type
<NR1>
<NR2>
<NR3>
<Boolean>
Explanation
An integer
This numeric
representation has
an explicit radix
point
This representation
has an explicit
radix point and an
exponent
A parameter for
Boolean setting.
Always return 0
or 1 for Boolean
108
Example
+800,-200,100,-50
+1.56,-0.001,10.5
+2.345678E+04
-1.345678E-01
ON or OFF
query command
A string is used as
command
parameters with
short literal form
<Literal>
HOLD
SCPI Commands
This section described all the SCPI commands
supported by the meter. The meter can accept both
upper case and lower case commands.
Table 5 - SCPI Symbol Conventions
Text Symbol
[]
|
<>
()
?
:
Meaning
Option; can be omitted
Exclusive OR
Defined element
Comment
Question mark
Separated two command
keywords
109
*IDN?
Description: Queries the instrument ID.
Response: <instrument model>, <firmware
version>, <serial number>
*LLO
Local Lockout. This means that all front panel
buttons, including the "USB" key is not available.
*GTL
Go to local. Puts the meter into the local state,
FUNCtion subsystem
FUNCtion:impa < L | C | R | Z >
(Z for model 879B only)
Description: Select primary parameter
Example:
FUNCtion:impa L
Selects L as primary parameter
FUNCtion:impa?
Description: Query primary parameter
Response: Return L, C, R, Z (879B
only),NULL
FUNCtion:impb < D | Q | THETA | ESR >
(THETA and ESR for model879B only)
Description: Select secondly parameter
Example: FUNCtion:impb D
Select D as secondly parameter
FUNCtion:impb?
Description: Query secondly parameter
Response: Return D, Q, THETA (879B only),
ESR (879B only), NULL
111
112
CALCulate:RELative:VALUe?
Description: Query the relative value
Response: Return <NR3> or ----- format string
CALCulate:TOLerance:STATe < ON | OFF >
Description: Enable or disable tolerance function
Example: CALCulate:TOLerance:STATe ON
CALCulate:TOLerance:STATe?
Description: Query the tolerance state
Response: Return ON or OFF
CALCulate:TOLerance:NOMinal?
Description: Query the nominal value of
tolerance
Response: Return <NR3> or ----- format string
CALCulate:TOLerance:VALUe?
Description: Query the percent value of
tolerance
Response: Return <NR3> or ----- format string
CALCulate:TOLerance:RANGe < 1 | 5 | 10 |
20 >
Description: Set tolerance range
Parameters: 20 (879B only)
Example: CALCulate:TOLerance:RANGe 1
Set 1% tolerance range
113
CALCulate:TOLerance:RANGe?
Description: Query the tolerance range
Response: Return BIN1, BIN2, BIN3,
BIN4 or ---- format string
CALCulate:RECording:STATe < ON | OFF >
Description: Enable or disable recording
function
Example: CALCulate:RECording:STATe
ON
CALCulate:RECording:STATe?
Description: Query the recording state
Response: Return ON or OFF
CALCulate:RECording:MAXimum?
Description: Query the maximum value of
recording function
Response: Return <NR3, NR3> or ----- format
string
CALCulate:RECording:MINimum?
Description: Query the minimum value of
recording function
Response: Return <NR3, NR3> or ----- format
string
114
CALCulate:RECording:AVERage?
Description: Query the average value of
recording function
Response: Return <NR3, NR3> or ----- format
string
CALCulate:RECording:PRESent?
Description: Query the present value of
recording function
Response: Return <NR3, NR3> or ----- format
string
FETCh Subsystem
FETCh?
Description: Returns the primary, secondary
display value and tolerance
compared result of devices output
buffer.
Response: Return <NR3, NR3, NR1> format
string
Example: FETCh?
115
Command
FREQuency
FREQuency?
FUNCtion
:impa
Parameter
<Literal>
:impa?
:impb
<Literal>
:impb?
:EQUivalent
:EQUivalent?
CALCulate
:RELative
:STATe
:STATe?
:VALUe?
:TOLerance
:STATe
<Literal>
<Boolean>
Enable/disable relative
function
Query relative state
Query relative value
<Boolean>
Enable/disable tolerance
function
Query tolerance state
Query nominal value of
tolerance
Query percent of tolerance
Set tolerance range
Query tolerance range
:STATe?
:NOMinal?
:VALUe?
:RANG
:RANGe?
:RECording
Explanation
<Value>
<Value>
116
:STATe
<Boolean>
:STATe?
:MAXimum?
:MINimum?
:AVERage?
:PRESent?
FETCh?
Enable/disable recording
function
Query recording state
Query max. value of
recording
Query min. value of recording
Query average value of
recording
Query present value of
recording
Return data any time last
reading is valid
Error Codes
In certain situations, errors may occur, and an error
code will be displayed on the meter. Below defines
the error description based on the error code.
E10: Unknown command
E11: Parameter Error
E12: Syntax Error
117
SUPPLEMENTAL
INFORMATION
This section provides supplemental information for
user consideration when operating the LCR meters.
Some recommendations and explanations are
provided to help aid in the use of some functions and
features, in which can help the user gain optimal and
accurate measurement results.
Accuracy Discrepancies
In some special cases, inaccuracies may occur in the
measurement of capacitive, inductive, and resistive
components.
121
Capacitance
When measuring capacitors, it is always most
desirable if the dissipation factor is low. Electrolytic
capacitors inherently have a higher dissipation factor
due to their normally high internal leakage
characteristics. In some cases, if the D (dissipation
factor) is excessive, measurement accuracy may
degrade and even read out of specification.
Inductance
Some inductors are intended to operate at a certain
DC bias to achieve a certain inductance value.
However, the 878B and 879B LCR meters cannot
produce such biasing scheme and external biasing
should not be attempted because external power
would be applied to the instrument and cause serious
damage to the meter. Therefore, in some cases,
measured inductance reading may not agree with
manufacturers specification. It is important to check if
specification pertains to DC biasing or not.
Resistance
When measuring resistance of devices, it is important
to know that there are two types or ways of
measurement. One type is DC resistance
measurement. Another type is AC resistance
measurement. The 879B and 878B uses AC
resistance measurement method and does not
122
Guard Terminal
One of the input sockets and terminals is labeled as
GUARD. This terminal does not have to be used in
all instances for the meter to make measurements.
But in some instances, it is very useful. Guard
terminal generally serves two purposes.
If user is using test leads, the guard terminal can be
used to connect to the shielding of the test leads.
Doing so can be useful when making large resistive
component measurements. For example, when
measuring a 10 M resistor with test leads, at the
high range the reading may seem to be unstable as a
few digits may continuously be changing. Having the
shield of the test leads connected to the guard
terminal will help stabilize the reading in some
instances.
123
124
SPECIFICATIONS
Below are some remarks in regards to all
specifications pertaining to both 878B and 879B LCR
meters.
*Specifications are subject to change without notice.
Notes:
1. Measurement performed at the test socket.
2. Measurements performed after correct open
and short calibration.
3. DUT and test leads must be properly shielded
to guard if necessary.
4. Based after 30 minutes of warm up time and
operated at 23 C + 5 C, <75% R.H.
5. Q value is the reciprocal of DF.
6. Accuracies based within 10% to 100% of full
scale of range; values outside of range should
be used as reference only.
7. Based on battery powered operation.
8. --- means parallel or series measurement
mode.
125
General Specifications
Items
Measurement
Parameters
Test Frequency
Accuracy is 0.02%
of actual frequency
Tolerance Mode
Backlit Display
Test Signal Level
Measuring
Circuit Mode
Basic accuracy
Ranging Mode
Measuring
Terminals
Measurement Rate
Response Time
Auto Power-Off
Operation
Temperature
Storage
Temperature
Low Battery
Indication
Battery Life
879B
L/C/R/Z/D/Q//ESR
878B
L/C/R/D/Q
126
off
28 mA (under full power battery) for
operation/ 2 A after Power-off.
1) DC 9V Battery
2)Ext. AC Adapter: DC
12 Vmin 15 Vmax.
(Load 50 mA Min.)
7.5 x 3.5 x 1.6
(190 90 41 mm)
0.7 lbs. (330 grams)
Power
Consumption
Power
Requirements
Dimensions
(L/W/H)
Weight
Accuracy Specifications
Inductance
Frequency = 100 Hz*/120 Hz
Range
Max
Display
1000 H
1000.0 H
400 H
399.99 H
40 H
39.999 H
4000 mH
3999.9 mH
400 mH
399.99 mH
40 mH
39.999 mH
4 mH
3.9999 mH
Lx
Accuracy
1.5% + 3
digits
0.7% + 2
digits
0.7% + 2
digits
0.5% + 1
digits
0.6% + 2
digits
0.9% + 2
digits
2.8% + 3
digits
127
DF(Dx
<0.5)
1.5% +
50 digits
0.7% +
50 digits
0.7% +
50 digits
0.5% +
50 digits
0.6% +
50 digits
0.9% +
50 digits
2.8% +
50 digits
Measurement
Mode
Parallel
Parallel
--Series
Series
Series
Series
Frequency = 1 kHz
Range
Max
Display
100 H
100.00 H
40 H
39.999 H
4000 mH
3999.9 mH
400 mH
399.99 mH
40 mH
39.999 mH
4000 H
3999.9 H
400 H
399.9 H
Lx
Accuracy
DF(Dx
<0.5)
1.5% + 3
digits
0.7% + 2
digits
0.7% + 2
digits
0.5% + 1
digits
0.6% + 2
digits
0.9% + 2
digits
2.8% + 3
digits
1.5% +
50 digits
0.7% +
50 digits
0.7% +
50 digits
0.5% +
50 digits
0.6% +
50 digits
0.9% +
50 digits
2.8% +
50 digits
Lx
Accuracy
DF(Dx
<0.5)
1.5% + 3
digits
0.7% + 2
digits
0.5% + 1
digits
0.6% + 2
digits
1.5% +
50 digits
0.7% +
50 digits
0.5% +
50 digits
0.6% +
50 digits
Measurement
Mode
Parallel
Parallel
--Series
Series
Series
Series
Frequency = 10 kHz*
Range
Max
Display
1000 mH
1000.0 mH
400 mH
399.99 mH
40 mH
39.999 mH
4000 H
3999.9 H
128
Measurement
Mode
Parallel
--Series
Series
400 H
399.99 H
40 H
39.99 H
0.9% + 2
digits
2.8% + 3
digits
0.9% +
50 digits
2.8% +
50 digits
Series
Series
Capacitance
Frequency = 100 Hz*/120 Hz
Range
Max
Display
20 mF
20.000 mF
4000 F
3999.9 F
400 F
399.99 F
40 F
39.999 nF
4000 nF
3999.9 nF
400 nF
399.99 nF
40 nF
39.999 nF
4 nF
3.9999 nF
Cx
Accuracy
DF(Dx
<0.5)
8% + 3
digits
2% + 2
digits
0.7% + 2
digits
0.5% + 1
digits
0.5% + 1
digits
0.5% + 2
digits
0.7% + 1
digits
2.5% + 2
digits
8% + 50
digits
2% + 50
digits
0.7% +
50 digits
0.5% +
50 digits
0.5% +
50 digits
0.5% +
50 digits
0.7% +
50 digits
2.5% +
50 digits
129
Measurement
Mode
Series
Series
Series
Series
----Parallel
Parallel
Frequency = 1 kHz
Range
Max
Display
1000 F
1000.0 F
400 F
399.99 F
40 F
39.999 F
4000 nF
3999.9 nF
400 nF
399.99 nF
40 nF
39.999 nF
4000 pF
3999.9 pF
400 pF
399.9 pF
Cx
Accuracy
DF(Dx
<0.5)
3.7% + 3
digits
2% + 2
digits
0.7% + 2
digits
0.5% + 1
digit
0.5% + 2
digits
0.5% + 2
digits
0.7% + 2
digits
2.5% + 2
digits
3.7% +
50 digits
2% + 50
digits
0.7% +
50 digits
0.5% +
50 digit
0.5% +
50 digits
0.5% +
50 digits
0.7% +
50 digits
2.5% +
50 digits
Cx
Accuracy
DF(Dx
<0.5)
3.9% + 5
digits
3.7% + 3
digits
0.7% + 2
digits
3.9% +
50 digits
3.7% +
50 digits
0.7% +
50 digits
Measurement
Mode
Series
Series
Series
Series
----Parallel
Parallel
Frequency = 10 kHz*
Range
Max
Display
100 F
100.00 F
40 F
39.999 F
4000 nF
3999.9 nF
130
Measurement
Mode
Series
Series
Series
400 nF
399.99 nF
40 nF
39.999 nF
4000 pF
3999.9 nF
400 pF
399.99 pF
40 pF
39.99 pF
0.5% + 2
digits
0.5% + 1
digit
0.5% + 2
digits
0.7% + 2
digits
2.5% + 2
digits
0.5% +
50 digits
0.5% +
50 digit
0.5% +
50 digits
0.7% +
50 digits
2.5% +
50 digits
Series
----Parallel
Parallel
Resistance/Impedance*
Frequency = 100 Hz*/120 Hz/ 1 kHz/10 kHz*
Range
Max
Display
10 M
10.000 M
4000 k
3999.9 k
400 k
399.99 k
40 k
39.999 k
4000
3999.9
400
399.99
40
39.999
3.9999
R/Zx
*
Accuracy Accuracy
5.5% + 3
digits
2.5% + 2
digits
0.7% + 2
digits
0.5% + 2
digits
0.5% + 2
digits
0.5% + 2
digits
0.7% + 2
digits
2.0% + 2
digits
131
Measurement
Mode
3.2
Parallel
1.5
Parallel
0.4
Parallel
0.3
---
0.3
---
0.3
Series
0.4
Series
1.2
Series
ESR*
Frequency = 100 Hz*/120 Hz/ 1 kHz/10 kHz*
Range
Max
Display
1000
999.9
100
99.99
10
9.999
1
.9999
* = Model 879B only
ESR
Accuracy
0.5% + 2
digits
0.5% + 2
digits
0.7% + 2
digits
2.0% + 2
digits
132
Measurement
Mode
Series
Series
Series
Series
MAINTENANCE
WARNING: Do not perform any service by yourself.
Service should only be done by qualified personnel
and trained technicians.
Service
If the instrument fails to operate, check battery and
test leads. Replace them as necessary. If the
instrument still cannot work, verify with the operating
instructions to make sure correct procedures are
followed.
When servicing, use specified replacement parts only.
Note: The meter must be completely turned off while
replacing the battery. Refer to Installing Battery
section for details.
Cleaning
WARNING: To avoid electrical shock or damaging
the meter, prevent water from getting inside the case.
In the case that water gets inside, remove the battery
immediately and do not operate the instrument
133
134
SERVICE INFORMATION
Warranty Service: Please go the support and service section on our
website www.bkprecision.com to obtain a RMA #. Return the product in
the original packaging with proof of purchase to the address below.
Clearly state on the RMA the performance problem and return any leads,
probes, connectors and accessories that you are using with the device.
Non-Warranty Service: Please go the support and service section on our
website www.bkprecision.com to obtain a RMA #. Return the product in
the original packaging to the address below. Clearly state on the RMA the
performance problem and return any leads, probes, connectors and
accessories that you are using with the device. Customers not on an open
account must include payment in the form of a money order or credit card.
For the most current repair charges please refer to the service and support
section on our website.
Return all merchandise to B&K Precision Corp. with pre-paid
shipping. The flat-rate repair charge for Non-Warranty Service does
not include return shipping. Return shipping to locations in North
America is included for Warranty Service. For overnight shipments
and non-North American shipping fees please contact B&K
Precision Corp.
B&K Precision Corp.
22820 Savi Ranch Parkway
Yorba Linda, CA 92887
www.bkprecision.com
714-921-9095
Include with the returned instrument your complete return
shipping address, contact name, phone number and
description of problem.
135
LIMITED WARRANTY
B&K Precision Corp. warrants to the original purchaser that its
products and the component parts thereof, will be free from defects
in workmanship and materials for a period of three years from date
of purchase.
B&K Precision Corp. will, without charge, repair or replace, at its
option, defective product or component parts. Returned product
must be accompanied by proof of the purchase date in the form of a
sales receipt.
136
Printed in China
v020415