HP / Agilent 4263A LCR Meter

The HP/Agilent 4263A LCR Meter is a precision impedance measurement instrument for component characterization across manufacturing and laboratory environments. It delivers ±0.1% basic accuracy with selectable test frequencies from 100 Hz to 100 kHz and configurable signal levels from 20 mVrms to 1 Vrms. The 4263A measures inductance, capacitance, resistance, and derived impedance parameters - including optional DC resistance, turns ratio, and mutual inductance - with measurement ranges spanning 1 mΩ to 100 MΩ for impedance and 1 pF to 1 F for capacitance.

High-speed measurement modes deliver results in 25 ms (short), 65 ms (medium), or 500 ms (long), with averaging up to 256 cycles for noise reduction. Series and parallel measurement circuit configurations support both absolute and deviation-based analysis. The instrument integrates HP-IB control for automated test systems and handler interfaces with optically isolated logic signals for PASS/FAIL binning.

Internal and external DC bias options enable low-frequency characterization of polarized components. Front-end protection safeguards against charged capacitor discharge during DUT insertion.

Technical Specifications

• Accuracy: ±0.1% basic


• Test Frequencies: 100 Hz, 120 Hz, 1 kHz, 10 kHz, 100 kHz; optional 20 kHz


• Test Signal Levels: 20 mVrms to 1 Vrms (5 mVrms resolution)


• Impedance Range: 1 mΩ to 100 MΩ (|Z|, R, X); 10 nS to 1000 S (|Y|, G, B)


• Capacitance Range: 1 pF to 1 F


• Inductance Range: 10 nH to 100 kH


• Measurement Parameters: |Z|, |Y|, q, R, X, G, B, L, C, Q, D, ESR; optional DCR, N, M


• Measurement Time: 25 ms (short), 65 ms (medium), 500 ms (long)


• Averaging: 1 to 256 cycles


• Output Impedance: 100 Ω ±10%, 25 Ω ±10%


• Internal DC Bias: 1.5 V and 2 V (±5% + 2 mV accuracy)


• External DC Bias: 0 to +2.5 V or 0 to +3 V


• Display: 5-digit

Key Features

• 25 ms high-speed measurement for increased throughput


• Auto and manual ranging with series/parallel circuit modes


• Automatic contact check for handler integration


• Multiple trigger modes: internal, external, manual, HP-IB


• Delay programming: 0 to 9999 ms in 1 ms steps


• Test cable length compensation: 0 m, 1 m, 2 m, 4 m


• Internal capacitor discharge protection

Interfaces

• HP-IB (IEEE 488) for system control and data transfer


• Handler interface with optically isolated open collectors

Typical Applications

• Component acceptance testing in manufacturing


• Electrolytic capacitor and transformer characterization


• Quality assurance and incoming inspection


• Impedance and equivalent series resistance analysis