HP / Agilent 4261A LCR METER

The HP/Agilent 4261A is a digital LCR meter for precision measurement of inductance, capacitance, resistance, dissipation factor, and quality factor across a wide range of component types. The instrument automatically selects appropriate measurement ranges and equivalent circuit modes - series or parallel - making it suitable for characterizing electrolytic and ceramic capacitors, filter coils, pulse transformers, and component internal resistance without manual intervention.

Technical Specifications

• Measurement Parameters: L-D, C-D, R, L-D Q, C-D Q


• Test Frequencies: 120 Hz (or 100 Hz) and 1 kHz


• Capacitance Range: 10 pF to 10 mF


• Inductance Range: 10 µH to 1000 H


• Resistance Range: 10 mΩ to 10 MΩ


• Basic Accuracy: 0.2% of reading (23°C ±5°C; error doubles at 0° to 55°C)


• Display: Two 3½-digit LED displays


• Test Signal Level: 1.5 V, 2.2 V, 6 V (selectable internal); 1 V, 50 mV (Cp mode)


• Internal DC Bias: Available


• External DC Bias: 0 to +30 V


• Reading Rate: Internal trigger ~30 ms between cycles; external trigger on command; 120 (100) Hz: 670 ms per range step

Key Features

• Dual equivalent circuit modes - series and parallel - automatically selected based on component characteristics


• Selectable test signal levels accommodate different measurement requirements


• External bias voltage capability (0 to +30 V) for elevated-bias component testing


• Two independent LED displays for simultaneous parameter readout

Typical Applications

• Electrolytic and ceramic capacitor characterization


• Filter coil and transformer impedance measurement


• Dry cell internal resistance determination


• General-purpose LCR component testing across industrial and laboratory environments

Compatibility & Integration

• Optional BCD simultaneous output (Option 001) and remote control (Option 003) available


• Compatible test fixtures and leads: HP 16061A (5-terminal direct couple), HP 16062A (4-terminal low impedance), HP 16063A (3-terminal high impedance)