An LCR meter, also known as an impedance meter, is a device used to measure the electrical parameters of passive electronic components, such as inductors (L), capacitors (C), and resistors (R). It is specifically designed to measure the impedance, which is the combination of resistance, capacitance, and inductance, exhibited by these components.
LCR meters are widely used in various fields, including electronics, telecommunications, manufacturing, and research laboratories. They are essential tools for characterizing and testing components to ensure their proper functionality and performance. LCR meters typically provide precise measurements of parameters such as capacitance, inductance, resistance, impedance, quality factor (Q), dissipation factor (D), and phase angle.
These meters operate by applying an AC (alternating current) signal to the component under test and measuring the resulting voltage and current. By analyzing the relationship between the applied voltage, current, and phase angle, the LCR meter calculates the component's impedance and other related parameters.
LCR meters come in different forms, ranging from handheld portable devices to benchtop models with advanced features and higher accuracy. Some LCR meters also offer additional measurement modes, such as sweep frequency analysis, which allows users to analyze the component's behavior over a range of frequencies.