Keysight E4980B/E4980BL Series Precision LCR Meters: High-Accuracy Impedance Measurement Solutions

In the fields of modern electronic design, component testing and quality control, accurate measurement of parameters of passive components such as inductors, capacitors, and resistors is critically important. The E4980B and E4980BL series precision LCR meters launched by Keysight Technologies, with their high accuracy, wide frequency range and stable and reliable performance, have become the preferred measurement tool for many engineers and R&D personnel. This article systematically introduces this series of products from the aspects of series models, core specifications, application scenarios, etc., and provides you with a reference for model selection.

1. Series and Models: Meet Different Frequency and Accuracy Requirements

This series includes two main models: E4980B and E4980BL, which are designed for measurement requirements in different frequency ranges respectively.

E4980B: The frequency coverage is 20 Hz to 2 MHz, suitable for impedance measurement in a wider frequency band, especially for high-frequency component testing.

E4980BL: Optimized for low-to-medium frequency applications, with three sub-models available:

E4980BL-102: 20 Hz to 1 MHz

E4980BL-052: 20 Hz to 500 kHz

E4980BL-032: 20 Hz to 300 kHz

Users can select the corresponding model according to the actual test frequency requirements to avoid the problems of function redundancy or insufficient frequency range.

2. Core Specifications and Functions: Professional-Grade Measurement Performance

1. Comprehensive Measurement Parameters

Supports a variety of equivalent circuit models and parameter combinations, including:

Capacitance: Cp-D, Cp-Q, Cp-G, Cp-Rp, Cs-D, Cs-Q, Cs-Rs

Inductance: Lp-D, Lp-Q, Lp-G, Lp-Rp, Lp-Rdc, Ls-D, Ls-Q, Ls-Rs, Ls-Rdc

Impedance and Phase: Z-θd, Z-θr, R-X, Y-θd, Y-θr, G-B

DC Parameters: Vdc-ldc (Option 001 required)

2. High Accuracy and Stability

The basic accuracy can reach up to 0.05% (in MED/LONG mode, 0.3–1 Vrms, 100 Hz–1 MHz)

Supports open circuit, short circuit, and load compensation, effectively reducing errors introduced by test fixtures

Optimized temperature coefficient, Kt = 1 within the range of 18–28°C, ensuring measurement consistency in both laboratory and production line environments

3. Flexible Signal and Trigger Control

Test Signal Voltage: 0–20 Vrms (with Option 001 installed)

Test Signal Current: 0–100 mArms (with Option 001 installed)

Trigger Modes: Internal, Manual, External, GPIB

It supports list sweep function, up to 201 points, suitable for multi-condition automated testing.

4. Rich Interfaces and Scalability

Standard configuration includes GPIB, USB, LAN (LXI Class C compatible).

Optional Handler Interface (201), Scanner Interface (301).

It supports data buffering, save/recall settings to improve test efficiency.

III. Featured Model: E4980A offers better overall performance

Among the series, E4980B is the preferred choice for most users due to its wider frequency range and complete measurement functions. Its advantages are reflected in:

Wider frequency coverage: the upper limit of 2 MHz meets the testing requirements of most high-frequency inductors and capacitors.

Supports optional 001 power supply and DC bias enhancement: the test voltage can be increased to 20 Vrms, and the DC bias voltage reaches ±40 V, which is suitable for testing components with bias.

Strong compatibility: It is consistent with the E4980BL series in terms of interface, compensation function and operation logic, which is convenient for system integration and upgrade.

IV. Application Scenarios: Full-process support from R&D to production

1. Component R&D and verification

Suitable for characteristic analysis of passive components such as inductors, capacitors, and resistors, especially in scenarios with high frequency and high precision requirements, such as RF components, high-frequency filters, resonant circuits, etc.

2. Production line quality control

With the Handler or Scanner interface, automated testing and sorting can be realized, improving test efficiency and consistency. Its Comparator function supports BIN sorting for easy component classification.

3. Material research and educational experiments

High-precision LCR meter is the key equipment in the measurement of material parameters such as permittivity and permeability. It can also be used in the education field for circuit theory and impedance measurement teaching.

4. Maintenance and failure analysis

In circuit board troubleshooting, it can accurately measure whether the component parameters deviate from the nominal value, assisting in locating problematic components.

V. Comparative Analysis: Why choose Keysight LCR meter?

Compared with similar LCR meters, the E4980B/E4980BL series outperforms others in the following aspects:

Balance of accuracy and frequency: It maintains high accuracy within the 2 MHz range, suitable for broadband measurement.

Flexible signal control: It supports constant voltage/constant current mode, adapting to DUTs with different impedance ranges.

High system integration: It supports LXI and SCPI commands, which is easy to integrate into automated test systems.

Strong scalability: Advanced functions such as high voltage, high current, and multi-channel sweep can be realized through optional configurations.

VI. Summary

Keysight E4980B/E4980BL series LCR meters provide a reliable solution for electronic component testing with the characteristics of high accuracy, wide frequency range and flexible configuration. This series of products is competent for both parameter verification in the R&D stage and quality control in production environments. Especially the E4980B model has more advantages in frequency range and function expansion, which is suitable for most comprehensive laboratories and production lines.

If you need more detailed technical consultation or customized measurement solutions, you are welcome to contact us at any time.

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