LCR Meters

An LCR meter is a specialised piece of electronic test equipment used to measure the Inductance (L), Capacitance (C), and Resistance (R) of a component. Unlike a standard multimeter, which uses DC to measure resistance, an LCR meter uses an AC signal to measure the “impedance” of a component, providing much more accurate results for reactive parts like coils and capacitors.

Why Choose an LCR Meter?

Frequency Specific Measurements: Most components behave differently at different frequencies. LCR meters allow you to select specific test frequencies (e.g., 100Hz, 1kHz, or even up to several MHz) to see how a part performs in its intended circuit.
Secondary Parameters: Beyond just L, C, and R, these meters can measure vital secondary characteristics like Dissipation Factor (D), Quality Factor (Q), and Equivalent Series Resistance (ESR), which are critical for judging component health.
High Precision and Accuracy: Professional LCR meters (like those from Microtest) often feature a basic accuracy of ±0.05%, making them far more reliable than the basic "component testers" found in general multimeters.
Adjustable Test Levels: You can vary the AC drive level (voltage or current) applied to the component, which is essential when testing sensitive parts or non-linear materials that change properties based on the signal strength.

Core Applications

Quality Control in Manufacturing: Rapidly verifying that batches of incoming components meet their specified tolerances before they are used on an assembly line.
ESR Testing for Electrolytic Capacitors: Identifying aging or failing capacitors in power supplies by measuring their internal resistance (ESR), which often increases long before the total capacitance fails.
Inductor and Transformer Characterisation: Measuring the inductance and "Q factor" of coils to ensure they provide the correct filtering or energy storage in RF and power circuits.
Circuit Troubleshooting: Using the Kelvin (4-wire) measurement probes typical of bench LCR meters to measure extremely low resistances or small capacitances without the interference of the test leads themselves.

CategoryImageBasic AccuracyTest FrequencyAC Drive LevelDC Drive LevelTest Time (The Fastest)Output ImpedancePrice From
Microtest 6360 Series LCR MetersMicrotest 6367 LCR Meter Front± 0.05%1mHz-1MHz10mV - 2Vrms10mV - 2V< 8mS100Ω£1,164.00
Microtest 6621 Series LCR MetersMicrotest Front 6621 TelonicUK± 0.05%10Hz-30MHz10mV - 2Vrms(100Ω), 10mV - 1Vrms(25Ω)1V (fixed)< 3mS25Ω/100Ω (switchable)£2,502.00
Microtest 6630 Series LCR MetersMicrotest 6630 LCR Meter Front± 0.05%10Hz-50MHz10mV - 2Vrms(100Ω), 10mV - 1Vrms(25Ω)1V (fixed)< 3mS25Ω/100Ω (switchable)£4,008.00