Author Topic: LCR meter vs oscilliscope and function generator  (Read 7385 times)

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Offline ftransformTopic starter

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LCR meter vs oscilliscope and function generator
« on: December 23, 2012, 03:22:21 pm »
So I have an oscilloscope and a function generator. I'm thinking about a LCR meter but first I would like to know how accurate is a function generator/oscilloscope for measuring LCR?

Lets say a technique like this is used:
http://www.edn.com/design/test-and-measurement/4363759/Circuit-measures-capacitance-or-inductance

Has anyone done both and compared?
A LCR meter is convenient but its rather specialized and expensive.

And how about finding Q?

Since LCR meters only go up to say... 100khz typically (for the bloody pricey ones), is a function generator capable of doing 10mhz much better? or is the difficulty of taking measurements high?

rigol 1052e vs extech LCR meter
« Last Edit: December 23, 2012, 03:49:09 pm by ftransform »
 

Offline mazurov

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Re: LCR meter vs oscilliscope and function generator
« Reply #1 on: December 23, 2012, 11:50:24 pm »
Q is 2*pi*f*L/R, after you know the inductance, resistance and frequency of interest "finding Q" doesn't require any instruments.

As far as measuring inductors, the necessary instrument depends on accuracy you require and application. An LC circuit driven from function generator will give good approximation . Small-signal low frequency meters are cheap, large-signal are expensive but can be built  -> https://www.eevblog.com/forum/projects/inductor-tester/.
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Offline saturation

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Re: LCR meter vs oscilliscope and function generator
« Reply #2 on: December 24, 2012, 02:45:16 pm »
I do it all the time, check archives for discussion.  You can approximate the function of an impedance analyzer with just the basics, that's >$30,000+ device for 'free'.

https://www.eevblog.com/forum/beginners/commercial-capacitor-tester-gizmo-or-my-scope-and-signal-gen-combined/msg87586/#msg87586

The only reason to buy an LCR meter is setting up the gear is laborious and time consuming and your need is to do spot checks say, on grab bags or parts salvage.   For very fine measurements in impedance analyzers, the rigging matters [ fixtures, etc., clamps and cables] you'll find they often cost more than most handheld LCR meters.
Best Wishes,

 Saturation
 

Offline ftransformTopic starter

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Re: LCR meter vs oscilliscope and function generator
« Reply #3 on: December 24, 2012, 10:13:25 pm »
ho ho ho merry chirstmas

here is the ieee pdf on doing this operation yourself with some helpful tips :-+
 

Offline Conrad Hoffman

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Re: LCR meter vs oscilliscope and function generator
« Reply #4 on: December 25, 2012, 04:44:51 pm »
You can do almost anything you'd want to do by resonating with another reactance or measuring impedance manually. Accuracy won't be as good as using bridge techniques, but still plenty good enough for most purposes. You can also build a very functional bridge with just a few components and calculate by hand. You might find my impedance conversion utility handy as it does a lot of what very expensive bridges do when they format their output- http://conradhoffman.com/chsw.htm. You'll also find the circuit for a very functional capacitance bridge for large electrolytics on the same page. More useful stuff here- http://conradhoffman.com/electronics01.htm
 


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