Column Control DTX

Migrating from a Keysight 4284A LCR Meter to a Keysight E4980A Precision LCR Meter

Technical Overviews

E4980A Precision LCR Meter Overview

The Keysight E4980A precision LCR meter (20 Hz to 2 MHz) provides the best combination of accuracy, speed, and versatility for a wide range of component measurements. Offering the fastest measurement speed in its class and outstanding performance at both low and high impedance ranges, the E4980A is the ultimate tool for general testing of leaded and surface-mount components and materials. 

Superior accuracy provides design and test confidence 

With basic impedance accuracy of 0.05%, minimized noise and extremely small residual impedance for both low and high impedance measurements, the E4980A LCR meter provides the measurement performance needed to meet the test requirements of the latest devices. Low measurement fluctuation results in extremely stable and accurate measurements for better design reliability and higher yields. 

  • Low impedance measurements: milliohm equivalent series resistance (ESR) 
  • High impedance measurement: femto-farad (fF) capacitance 

Fast measurement speed reduces your cost of test 

More than five times faster1 than the 4284A LCR meter with the same or lower noise level, the E4980A LCR offers fast measurement speed and outstanding performance over a wide impedance range. The maximum speed at required signal-to-noise levels can be achieved using three measurement modes (SHORT/MED/ LONG compensation) and an average number up to 999. 

  • 5.6 ms/point (SHORT), the best speed in its class 
  • 88 ms/point (MED) 
  • 220 ms/point (LONG) 

Versatile functions and features to meet all your impedance measurement needs 

The E4980A can be used with over 30 fixtures2 to meet all your evaluation needs from materials to SMD components. This light weight, compact instrument provides 16 impedance measurement parameters for your testing convenience. Other features include: 

Measurement versatility 

  • 20 Hz to 2 MHz test frequency with 4-digit resolution at any frequency 
  • 100 μV to 2 Vrms, 1 μA to 20 mArms variable test signal 
  • Auto-level control
  • 201 points of programmable list sweep 

Option E4980A-001 power and DC bias enhancement 

  • 0 to 20 Vrms/100 mArms test signal 
  • Built-in 40 V DC bias with 0.33 mV resolution 
  • DC resistance, DC current, and DC voltage measurement capability

Option E4980A-002 bias current interface and the 42841A bias current source 

DC current bias: 

  • 0.01 A to 20 A (with the 42841A and the 42842A)
  • 0.02 A to 40 A (with the 42841A x 2ea., the 42842B and the 42843A) 

Automated test system interface 

  • Option E4980A-201 handler interface 
  • Option E4980A-301 scanner interface

Advantages of the E4980A 

Accuracy: 

Excellent performance for low and high impedance measurements 

The E4980A LCR meter provides impedance measurements with excellent performance across all frequency ranges to meet the test requirements of the latest devices. Compared to the 4284A LCR meter, the E4980A provides a wider measurement range and increased data fluctuation to increase test quality and reduce cost of test. 

100 mohm measurement range for ultra-low impedance test 

Option E4980A-001 can provide a 100 mohm measurement range for ultra-low impedance measurements, while option 4284A-001 only provides a 1 ohm measurement range.

Wider measurement range, same accuracy 

E4980A extends the test frequency range up to 2 MHz and enhances the accuracy capability to meet the stringent requirements of today's devices. Figures 1 and 2 shows the calculated measurement range graph for both the 4284A and E4980A LCR meters based on their specifications. The measurement range of the E4980A is wider than 4284A with the same accuracy across frequency ranges making this instrument more suitable for both low and high impedance measurements.

Improved measurement stability 

Figure 3 shows the data fluctuation comparison of low and high impedance measurements based on the results of 100 continuous measurements. (DC bias: OFF, Cable length: 0 m, Temperature: 25 ºC) The graphs in Figure 3 show that the E4980A enhances both the measurement data fluctuation and the measurement time. 

Speed:

Faster measurement speeds 

The E4980A offers more than 5 times faster in SHORT mode, and approximately two times faster measurement speed in MED mode than the 4284A; this is the best speed in its class. Maximum speed and repeatability can be achieved using the three measurement modes (SHORT/MED/LONG) with the average function. The E4980A precision LCR meter's fast measurement speed, combined with high accuracy and measurement repeatability, provides accurate and high-throughput test capability for both low and high impedance measurements. Option E4980A-005: For users that do not require the ultimate measurement speed in a short length of time, an economical, entry model option is available. The entry model offers the same level of accuracy, only with 2 to 5 times less speed than the standard model.

Shorter cycle time 

Enhanced measurement and data transfer times result in shorter cycle time. Figure 8 compares the total measurement times of the E4980A, the E4980A-0051 and the 4284A LCRs. As you can see, the E4980A offers 2 to more than 5 times improvement in measurement speed.

Versatility: 

The E4980A provides powerful features to increase test reliability and efficiency. The instrument has a new user interface that is even easier to use and the measurement capability to suit your applications. 

User friendly interface offers more PC connectivity 

Flexible connectivity: Use USB (USB TMC), LAN and GPIB interfaces to control the E4980A LCR. You can even use a LAN cable with a computer and a Web browser. 

USB memory interface: A USB memory device can be used to save setup states, measurement log data and graphic image files (memory devices only). 

Advanced, easy-to-use interface 

  • New “skip” key enables access lower-level menus quickly and easily 
  • New larger windows for enhanced readability 
  • Quick recall to shorten recall time 
  • New [Preset] key enables fast, easy clearing and resetting of test setups.

Enhanced setup flexibility 

The E4980A provides more accurate evaluation under actual usage situations. This is due to: 

  • Enhanced frequency point resolution, 0.01 Hz (min.) and 4-digit resolution in every frequency range. 
  • 10 times enhanced resolution of test signal voltage and DC bias voltage (max.). 
  • Test signal: Min. 100 uV (1 mV for the 4284A) 
  • Bias voltage: Min. 330 uV (1 mV for the 4284A) 
  • Enhanced data display: 7 digit resolution for the E4980A (6 digit resolution for the 4284A), and a new DISP:ENAB OFF command to turn off the display completely saving display refresh time. 
  • Delay time: Min 100us (1 ms for the 4284A) for step delay. Min 100 us (N/A for the 4284A) for trigger delay. 

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