Agilent Technologies has introduced a high-performance precision LCR (inductance, capacitance, resistance) meter for component R&D and manufacturing engineers. The E4980A is said to offer the industry's highest accuracy and repeatability from 20 Hz to 2 MHz, fast measurement speed, and outstanding performance at both low and high impedances. The compact E4980A includes a modern PC interface and is five times faster than an earlier Agilent LCR, resulting in enhanced productivity and a lower cost of test.

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To accurately evaluate high-quality capacitors, inductors, transformers, semiconductors and electromechanical devices; manufacturers require an LCR meter that offers fast and highly accurate measurements. The E4980A exhibits a base accuracy of 0.05% and features outstanding performance at low and high impedances. This translates into improved test efficiency and measurement reliability.

The unit's high speed, 5.6 ms at 1 MHz, enhances test throughput and increases production yields, enabling manufacturers to make lower-cost devices. Also, the LCR's compatibility with LAN, USB and GPIB makes it easier to manage multiple instrument setups and shorten data collection time.

Additional features built into the E4980A include support for a 40 ampere dc bias current source for conducting highly accurate and efficient dc current-biased inductance measurements, a dc resistance/voltage/current measurement readout for performing simultaneous evaluations of dc characteristics, and a 10 Vdc source output port for evaluating three-terminal devices.

Pricing for the Agilent E4980A LCR meter starts at $13,000; it may be ordered in February.