Keysight E4980 Series Precision LCR Meters: A Classic Inherited, Performance Surpassed

In the field of electronic component characterization and impedance measurement, the Keysight Technologies E4980 series has long been regarded as the industry benchmark. From general-purpose R&D to demanding production testing, the E4980 series has earned widespread user trust thanks to its outstanding accuracy, test speed, and versatility. As technology requirements continue to evolve, the new-generation E4980B and its derivative model E4980BL are now fully on the market, serving as the ideal successors to the classic E4980A and the earlier Agilent 4284A.

1. Series Model Positioning: From Full-Bandwidth Flagship to Economical Streamlined Version

The E4980 series now forms a clear product matrix with the E4980B as the flagship core and the E4980BL as the low-frequency streamlined version:

• E4980B — The Full-Bandwidth Performance Benchmark
                  As the official successor to the E4980A, the E4980B offers a wide test frequency range of 20 Hz to 2 MHz, provides 4-digit resolution across any range, and maintains a basic accuracy of 0.05%. Notably, the E4980B is fully identical to the E4980A in terms of hardware core, test accuracy, measurement speed, and key functions; existing test fixtures and host computer programs can be used directly, and firmware remains highly compatible. This means users can seamlessly transition to the new-generation platform at a lower upgrade cost.

• E4980BL — A Cost-Effective Low-Frequency Choice
                  For application scenarios that do not require the full 2 MHz bandwidth, the E4980BL offers a more cost-advantaged solution. It covers 20 Hz to 1 MHz and provides three frequency options (300 kHz, 500 kHz, and 1 MHz, with model suffixes -032, -052, and -102). Its basic accuracy of 0.05% is fully consistent with the E4980B, making it the ideal tool for materials testing, low-frequency response analysis, and routine passive component inspection.

2. Core Technical Parameters and Testing Capabilities

The E4980B and E4980BL set new standards in key test performance:

• Basic accuracy: Across the full 20 Hz to 2 MHz frequency range, the basic accuracy reaches 0.05%, maintaining excellent measurement repeatability and consistency under both low-impedance (e.g., large capacitors, low-resistance inductors) and high-impedance (e.g., small capacitors, high-resistance resistors) conditions.

• Measurement speed: In SHORT measurement time mode, the E4980B can complete a full parameter measurement within 5.6 ms, making it ideal for high-volume production-line testing and automated sorting applications.

• Test signal: The standard programmable level range is 100 μV to 2 Vrms and 1 μA to 20 mArms. With Option 001 (Power and DC Bias Enhancement), AC test signals up to 20 Vrms are supported, along with a built-in variable DC bias source of ±40 Vdc, meeting the testing needs of complex scenarios such as MLCC capacitor bias characteristics and inductor saturation characteristics.

DC Bias and Expansion Options:

• Option 001: Provides DC bias up to ±40 Vdc (max 100 mA full current), supporting C-V characteristic sweeps of capacitors; also supports AC test signals up to 20 Vrms.

• Option 200: Adds DC resistance measurement functionality, suitable for testing inductor coil DCR, transformer winding resistance, or contact resistance.

• Option 201: Handler interface (9-BIN sorting, optically isolated open-collector outputs), integrating automated production-line sorting systems.

• Option 301: Multi-channel scanner interface, supporting OPEN/SHORT/LOAD correction data for up to 128 channels, improving multi-device test efficiency when paired with automatic scanning test systems.

• List Sweep: Supports up to 201 user-defined test points, with freely configurable frequency, level, or bias voltage, automatically completing multi-point parameter sweep tests.

• Interfaces: Standard LAN, USB, and GPIB, compliant with the LXI Class C standard, making it easy to integrate into automated test systems.

3. A Rich Ecosystem of Test Accessories and Fixtures

The E4980 series has a complete test fixture ecosystem to accommodate different types of devices under test (DUTs):

• 16047E: A test fixture designed specifically for axial/radial leaded components, supporting frequencies up to 120 MHz, equipped with a Guard Terminal to eliminate the effects of stray capacitance.

• 16034G: A test fixture designed specifically for SMD chip components, supporting tiny components as small as 0.6 mm × 0.3 mm.

• 16048A/E: Four-terminal pair (4TP) configuration, 1 m / 4 m BNC test cables, used to extend the instrument's measurement port and support connection to user-made fixtures. Cable length compensation is recommended before testing.

• 16048D: A 2 m BNC test cable, also supporting the four-terminal pair configuration, suitable for split-type test tooling environments.

• 16334A: A general-purpose test fixture for high and low impedance measurements.

4. E4980A → E4980B: Upgrade Guide and Trade-In Considerations

The E4980B is a complete upgrade of the E4980A and is currently Keysight's heavily promoted mainstream model. Below are the key points to clarify when making the switch:

• Proven compatibility: The E4980B is fully identical to the E4980A in hardware core, accuracy specifications, measurement speed, and functions; existing host computer test programs, communication commands (SCPI), and fixtures can all be used directly without additional adaptation.

• Shared functions and ecosystem: The E4980B can connect to more than 20 standard test fixtures (16047E, 16034G, 16334A, etc.), and supports Option 201 (Handler) and Option 301 (Scanner), allowing integration into automated production-line sorting or multi-channel scanning tests without additional development.

• Option purchase recommendations: For routine RF/wireless charging component testing, Option 001 (±40V DC Bias + 20 Vrms output) and Rdc measurement are recommended. For production-line or automated testing scenarios, it is advisable to additionally install Option 201 or Option 301, flexibly combined according to actual channel counts and sorting requirements. For further customized selection, configuration guides can be consulted through official Keysight channels.

• Lifecycle and supply assurance: As the E4980A gradually enters its end-of-life and discontinuation cycle, the E4980B—offering the same level of accuracy—can provide longer factory calibration and repair support periods. It is recommended to complete the model transition during this replacement window.

• Reference price: The comprehensive distributor platform price for the E4980B (20 Hz ~ 2 MHz) is approximately ¥222,320.00; the actual transaction price is subject to confirmation with Keysight or authorized resellers.

5. Summary and Recommendations

In summary, the E4980B is not a simple routine generational update; rather, it builds on the classic core of the E4980A while incorporating modern connectivity and automation capabilities, making it a general-purpose LCR test platform that combines precision, flexibility, and long-term investment value. It carries on the consistent high accuracy and stability of the E4980 series while offering a richer set of interface options to meet the needs of modern test systems. For R&D and production teams currently seeking replacement solutions for classic models (such as the E4980A or Agilent 4284A), as well as those looking to establish standardized impedance measurement systems, the E4980B is undoubtedly the most rational choice today.

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