LCR Elite1
User Manual

LCR Elite1 User Manual - ver 1.1

Notices
The information contained in this document is provided “as is”, and is subject to change, without notice, in
future editions.
This document contains proprietary information that is protected by copyright. All rights are reserved. Nopart of this document may be photocopied, reproduced, or translated to another language without the prioragreement and written consent from LCR Research Ltd.
© LCR Research Ltd. 2015

Warranty
LCR Research warrants this product to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period ofone (1) year from the shipment date. LCR Research warrants the following items for ninety (90) days fromthe date of shipment: rechargeable batteries, gold plated tips and documentation. During the warranty
period, LCR Research will, at its option, either repair or replace products that prove to be defective. For
warranty service or repair, this product must be returned to a service facility designated by LCR Research.
The buyer shall prepay shipping charges to LCR Research, and LCR Research shall pay shipping charges toreturn the product to the buyer. However, the Buyer shall pay all shipping charges, duties, and taxes for
products returned to LCR Research from another country. Repaired or replaced products are warranted forthe balance of the original warranty period.

Limitation of WarrantyThis warranty does not cover normal wear and tear and scratches on surface or screen. This warranty does
not cover physical damage to the screen, switch and/or button; electrical damage of the product due to highvoltage or improper battery type. This warranty does not cover to any product from which the serial number
has been removed or that has been damaged or rendered defective resulting from improper or inadequate
maintenance by the Buyer, software, interfacing or parts not supplied by LCR Research, unauthorized
modification or misuse, operation outside the usage parameters stated in the user documentation, or
improper site preparation or maintenance.
LCR Research specifically disclaims no other warranty is expressed or implied, including the implied
warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. LCR Research shall not be liable for errors
or for incidental or consequential damages in connection with the furnishing, use, or performance of thisdocument or of any information contained herein.

Exclusive Remedies
The remedies provided herein are the Buyer’s sole and exclusive remedies. LCR Research shall not be liable
for any direct, indirect, special, incidental, or consequential damages, whether based on contract, tort, or
any other legal theory. Such excluded damages shall include, but are not limited to: costs of removal andinstallation, losses sustained as the result of injury to any person, or damage to property.

LCR Elite1 User Manual - ver 1.1

Safety Notices
CAUTION
Caution must be observed to avoid minor injury to yourself or damage to the product or other property.

WARNING
Warnings must be followed carefully to avoid personal injury, death or damage to the product or other property.

Safety Considerations
Read the information below before using this metre. This metre is intended for use by qualified personnel who
recognize shock hazards and are familiar with the safety precautions required to avoid possible injury. The
following general safety precautions must be observed during all phases of operation, service, and repair of thismetre. Failure to comply with these precautions or with specific warnings elsewhere in this manual violates safety
standards for design, manufacture, and intended use of the metre. LCR Research assumes no liability for thecustomer’s failure to comply with these requirements.

CAUTION••••

Disconnect circuit power and discharge all high-voltage capacitors before testing.
When measuring in-circuit components, first de-energize the circuits before connecting them to the test tips.
The battery must be charged by a computer USB port or a USB power adapter that provides output voltage
DC 5V ± 5%.
This metre is for indoor use at altitudes of up to 2000 metres.

WARNING
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

•

Use this metre only as specified in this manual; otherwise, the protection provided by the metre may be impaired.
Do not use the metre if it is damaged. Before you use the metre, inspect the case. Look for cracks or missing plastic.
Inspect the test tip sleeves for damaged insulation or exposed metal. Check the test tips for continuity. Replacedamaged test tip sleeves before you use the metre.
Do not touch exposed metal in measurement. Keep your fingers on insulated test tip sleeves.
Do not use the metre if it operates abnormally.
Do not operate the metre around explosive gas, vapor, or in wet environments.
Never use the metre in wet conditions or when there is water on the surface. If the metre is wet, ensure that themetre is dried only by trained personnel.
When servicing the metre, use only the specified replacement parts.
Do not attempt to replace the internal lithium-ion polymer battery yourself. You may damage the battery and/or board, which could cause overheating and injury. The battery should be replaced only by a LCR Research
Authorized Service Provider, and must be recycled or disposed of separately from household waste. Do notincinerate the battery.
Do not use damaged cables or chargers, or charge when moisture is present. It can cause fire, electric shock, injury,
or damage to the product or other property.

LCR Elite1 User Manual - ver 1.1

Contents
1. Overview
Product Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Features and Functions .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Turn On the Metre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Power Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Charging the Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Battery Level Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Display Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
General Display Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Measurement Units . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Cleaning the Metre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

2. Making Measurements
Selecting the Measurement Modes .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Selecting the Testing Frequency .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Selecting the Series/Parallel Circuit Mode .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Shortcut to the Default Mode .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

3. Characteristics and Specifications
Product Characteristics .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Electrical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Testing Signal Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Typical Offsets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Measurement Ranges and Optimal Testing Frequency .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Accuracy Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

LCR Elite1 User Manual - ver 1.1

1. Overview
This chapter provides the basic operation procedures and describes names and functions on the screen display.

Product Introduction
LCR Elite1 (“the metre”) is a portable impedance measuring device for incoming inspection of components, quality
control, and laboratory use.
It is capable of measuring resistance, capacitance or inductance with 3 test frequencies (100Hz, 1kHz and 10kHz). It
has a basic accuracy better than 0.5% for resistance and 1% for capacitance and inductance measurements.
The metre has a pair of gold plated tips that can pick the SMD components with size down to 0201. The parasitic
parameters of its probes are small and very predictable thanks to its unique mechanical design. It significantly
reduces the probability of measurement errors related to setup (such as wires, probes, tips).

Features and Functions
Navigation button
OLED display
Tweezers type test probes

Replaceable gold plated tips

Micro-B USB

Figure 1-1: LCR Elite1 overview

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Turn On the Metre
To power on the metre, press the navigation button once. The metre
powers up with the most recently selected measurement function.

Power OffThe metre powers off automatically if neither a measurement is performed
nor the navigation button is clicked for approximately 60 seconds. To
manually power off metre - press and hold button until “TURNING OFF”
message appears on screen (Figure 1-2).

Figure 1-2: Power off message

Note
If test frequency is manually set to 10 kHz, automatic power off may take longer to occur or not occur at all. This isdue to the metre being more sensitive at 10 kHz. It may see parasitic values and keep measuring even when thetips are open.

Charging the Battery
The metre is powered by an internal, lithium-ion polymer rechargeable
battery. It can be charged by connecting to a computer USB port using
a standard micro-B USB cable or, by using an USB power adapter. The
USB power adapter should have output voltage 5V +/- 5% with output
current 100 mA or greater. The USB cable and power adapter are available
separately. (Figure 1-3)

Figure 1-3: Charge using power
adapter or computer

Battery Level Indicator
The battery icon in the bottom-right corner shows the battery levelor charging status.
When the battery icon becomes hollow, it indicates that the battery
remaining capacity is low and it should be recharged. The warning
appears when the battery capacity is about 95% depleted. The unit is still
operational for a while; however the battery should be recharged as soon
as possible. (Figure 1-4)

Full capacity

Empty battery

CAUTION

Figure 1-4: Battery charge icons

Rechargeable batteries have a limited number of charge cycles and may
eventually need to be replaced. The metre battery isn’t user replaceable;
it can be replaced only by a LCR Research Authorized Service Provider.
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LCR Elite1 User Manual - ver 1.1

The Navigation Button
The navigation button is used to select different functions by single
clicking, double clicking or triple clicking the navigation button.
Please read the Selecting the Measurement Modes chapter on page 6 fordetailed instructions.
Single click to select measurements.
Double click to select testing frequencies.
Triple click to select series/parallel circuit modes.
The navigation button can be used for shortcut operation as well. When
it is pressed down for approximately 2 seconds, the metre goes to thedefault mode no matter which mode it is currently in. For detailed
information, please go to page 8: Shortcut to the Default Mode.

Display Screen
This section describes the names and functions of parts on the metre screen.

General Display Indicators
The general display indicators of the metre are described in the tablebelow. Each display indicator is described in Table 1-1. Select the respective“Learn more” pages in Table 1-1 for more information on each indicator.

Test frequency

Secondary display

Test frequency mode

Circuit mode

Test mode
Primary display

Auto circuit mode selection
Battery indicator

Figure 1-5: Measurement display

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Measurement Units
The available signs and notations for each measurement function in themetre are described in Table 1-1.
Table 1-1 General Display Indicators
Indicator
Description
A
Auto mode indicator
R
Resistance measurement indicator
L
Inductance measurement indicator
C
Capacitance measurement indicator
Rs
Series equivalent resistance
Rp
Parallel equivalent resistanceAF
Auto testing frequency selection
MF
Manual test frequency selection
100 HzTesting frequency at 100 Hz
1 kHz
Testing frequency at 1 kHz
10 kHzTesting frequency at 10 kHz
ACAuto circuit mode selection
Parallel circuit mode indicator
Series circuit mode indicator
Battery level indicator

Learn more on:Page 6
Page 6
Page 6
Page 6

Page 7
Page 7
Page 7
Page 7
Page 7
Page 8Page 8Page 8Page 2The units listed below are applicable to the primary display measurementsof the metre.
Table 1-2 Measurement Units Display
LegendDescription
Mmega 1E+06 (1000000)
K
m
u
n
p
uH, mH, H
pF, nF, uF, mF
mΩ, Ω, kΩ, MΩ
Hz, kHz4

kilo 1E+03 (1000)
milli 1E–03 (0.001)
micro 1E–06 (0.000001)
nano 1E–09 (0.000000001)
pico 1E–12 (0.000000000001)
Henry, units for inductance measurement
Farad, units for capacitance measurement
Ohm, units for resistance and impedance measurement
Hertz, units for frequency measurement

LCR Elite1 User Manual - ver 1.1

Cleaning the MetreWARNINGTo avoid electrical shock or damage to the metre, always keep the insides of the casing dry.
Dirt or moisture on the tips can affect measurement accuracy. Follow the steps below to clean the tips and case.
1. Shake out any dirt that may be on the tips.
2. Wipe the tips with a clean swab dipped in alcohol.
3. Wipe the case with a damp cloth and mild detergent.
Note
Do not use abrasives or solvents when clean the metre.

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2. Making Measurements
Selecting the Measurement Modes
Single click the “navigation” button to select the measurement mode.
Four measurement modes can be selected as displayed in the flow
chart below.
Table 2-1 Measurement Mode Selection
LegendFunction
Description
A
Auto mode
Automatically identify thecomponent type in the primary
R
L
C

Resistance mode
Inductance mode
Capacitance mode

display (L, C, or R)
Measure resistance
Measure inductance
Measure capacitance

Figure 2-1 shows how the measurement functions are switched when thenavigation button is single clicked.

Figure 2-1: Measurement mode
selection

WARNINGTo avoid electrical hazards and possible damage to the metre or to theequipment under test, always discharge the capacitor to be tested before
measuring. For in circuit measurement, always disconnect circuit powerand discharge all high-voltage capacitors before testing.

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Note
In auto mode, the metre identifies L, C, and R measurements automatically according to the angle of impedance
detected in the DUT. See Table 2-2 for the phase angle rules.
Table 2-2 Auto Mode Phase Angle Rules
Phase angle
Primary display
Secondary display|Q| < 0.15
RQ >= +0.15

L

Q < -0.15

C

Rs or Rp
(depends on user settings)
Rs or Rp
(depends on user settings)

Note
When auto mode is selected by single clicking the navigation button, the testing frequency and series/parallel
circuit mode stay unchanged. To change them separately, please refer page 7: Selecting the Testing Frequency
and page 8: Selecting the Series/Parallel Circuit Mode.
A shortcut is available to quickly switch to the default mode (auto mode with auto testing frequency and auto
circuit mode), please refer page 8: Shortcut to the Default Mode.

Selecting the Testing Frequency
Double click the “navigation” button to select the testing frequency. Four
testing frequencies can be selected as displayed in the flow chart below.
Table 2-3 Testing Frequency Selection
LegendDescription
AF
Auto testing frequency
100 Hz
1 kHz
10 kHz100 Hz testing frequency
1 kHz testing frequency
10 kHz testing frequency
Figure 2-2: Selecting testing frequency

Figure 2-2 shows how the test frequencies are switched when the navigation
button is double clicked.
Note
The metre is capable of using auto frequency to measure capacitance approximately greater than 3 pF andinductance approximately greater than 10 uH. To measure capacitance or inductance out of this range, please selectthe proper testing frequency manually according to Table 3-4: Measurement Ranges and Optimal Testing Frequency
on page 10.

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Selecting the Series/Parallel Circuit Mode
Triple click the “navigation” button to select the circuit mode for thesecondary display. Three circuit modes can be selected as displayed in theflow chart to the right.
Table 2-4 Circuit Mode Selection
LegendDescription
AC
Auto circuit mode
Parallel circuit mode
Series circuit mode
If the auto circuit mode is selected, series or parallel circuit mode will be
automatically identified. See Table 2-5 for the series/parallel rules used.

Figure 2-3: Selecting circuit mode

Table 2-5 Auto Mode Series/Parallel Rules for
Capacitance Measurements
Capacitance range
C < 400 pF
Parallel circuit diagram (Rp)
C >= 400 pF

Serial circuit diagram (Rs)

Shortcut to the Default Mode
The metre provides shortcut to let the user go to default mode quickly. Aslong as the navigation button is pressed down for approximately 2 seconds,
it goes to the default mode no matter which mode it is currently in.
In the default mode, the metre automatically selects:•••

An appropriate measurement in the primary display (L, C, or R)
and secondary display (Rs or Rp).
An appropriate testing frequency.
An appropriate circuit mode (series or parallel).

Follow the following steps to reset to the default mode:
1. Press down the navigation button.
2. In approximately 2 seconds, the RESETTING TO DEFAULT prompts will beshown on the display as Figure 2-4 shows.
3. Release the navigation button to bring the metre to default mode.

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Figure 2-4: Resetting to default

LCR Elite1 User Manual - ver 1.1

3. Characteristics and Specifications
Product Characteristics
Table 3-1 Product Characteristics
Dimensions (L x W x H)
151 x 19 x 14.5mm
Weight30 grams
Display
0.91-inch, 128x32 OLED display
Battery
3.7V 150 mAH internal lithium-ion polymer battery
Battery life
1 day in typical measurement (1)Charging source
USB port
USB power adapter (output voltage DC 5V ± 5%)
Charging time
2.5 hours typical
Measurement rate
1 time/second typical
Operating environment
Operating temperature from -10°C to 50°C, 0% to 80% RH
Full accuracy up to 80% RH for temperature 23°C ± 3°C
Altitude up to 2000 m
Storage compliance
Safety and EMC compliance-20°C to 60°C, 0% to 80% RH
IEC61000-4-2 - ESD (4 kV Contact, 8 kV Air)EN 61000-4-3 - Radiated Immunity
IEC61000-4-8 - Magnetic Field Immunity
FCC15/EN 55011/ICES-003 - Class A, Radiated Emisisons

Calibration cycle

FCC15 Class A Conducted Emissions
1 YearNote(1) Battery life varies by use, configuration, and many other factors. Actual results may vary.

Electrical Specifications
Testing Signal Specifications
Table 3-2 Testing Signal Specifications
Testing frequency
100Hz, 1kHz, 10kHz
Testing signal level
0.45Vrms
Source impedance100Ω ± 1%

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Typical Offsets
Table 3-3 Typical Offsets
Resistance offset (1)Capacitance offset (2)25 mΩ
0.25 pF for 0201 size
0.21 pF for 0402 size
0.18 pF for 0603 size
0.16 pF for 0805 size

Inductance offset(3)

0.15 pF for 1206 size
150nH

Notes
(1) There is some small resistance offset due to the resistance of the tips, and the contact resistance between
the tips and the component being measured. Typical offset value is approximately 25 mΩ and may increase
if the gold on the tips wears out. It is recommended that the user performs offset measurements before
making precision measurements, and use such offset value to calculate the actual resistance.
(2) There is some small capacitance offset due to the capacitance between tips. The offset depends on the
distance between the tips (i.e. measured component size). It is recommended that the user performs offset
measurements before making precision measurements, and use such offset value to calculate the actual
capacitance.
(3) There is some small inductance offset due to the inductance on tips. Typical offset value is approximately
150nH. It is recommended that the user performs offset measurements before making precision
measurements, and use such offset value to calculate the actual inductance.

Measurement Ranges and Optimal Testing Frequency
Table 3-4 Measurement Ranges and Optimal Testing Frequency
Parameter
Measurement range
Optimal testing frequency
Resistance
25 mΩ to 10 MΩ
1 kHz
Capacitance
0.3 pF to 30 nF
10 kHzInductance10

30 nF to 20 uF

1 kHz

20 uF to 500 uF
1.0 uH to 10 mH

100 Hz
10 kHz

10 mH to 500 mH

1 kHz

500 mH to 1 H

100 HzLCR Elite1 User Manual - ver 1.1

Accuracy Specifications (1)Table 3-5 Capacitance Accuracy Specifications
Resistance
25 mΩ - 1 MΩ
0.5 % + 20 mΩ
1 MΩ - 2 MΩ
2.0 %2 MΩ - 10 MΩ
5.0 %Inductance
1.0 uH - 1 H
1.0 % + 0.1 uH(2)Capacitance
0.3 pF - 500 uF

1.0 % + 0.2 pF

Table 3-6 Resistance Resolution
Range
Resolution
100 mΩ
0.01 mΩ1Ω
0.1 mΩ
10 Ω
1 mΩ
100 Ω
10 mΩ
1 kΩ
100 mΩ
10 kΩ
1Ω
100 kΩ
10 Ω
1 MΩ

100 Ω

10 MΩ

1 kΩ

Table 3-7 Capacitance Resolution
Range
Resolution
10 pF
0.001 pF
100 pF0.01 pF
1 nF
0.1 pF
10 nF
1 pF
100 nF
10 pF
1 uF
100 pF
10 uF
100 uF
500 uF

1 nF
10 nF
100 nF

Table 3-8 Inductance Resolution
Range
Resolution
1 uH
0.1 nH
10 uH
1 nH
100 uH
10 nH
1 mH
100 nH
10 mH
1 uH
100 mH
10 uH
1H
100 uH

Note(1) Accuracy is specified at optimum test frequency after subtract the offset resistance, inductance or capacitance.
(2) The accuracy for the ceramic capacitor will be influenced depending on the dielectric constant (K) of thematerial used to make the ceramic capacitor.

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