In circuit ESR tester - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / projects

author: shamooooot
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 24, 2020, 07:11:19 am
content: I am trying to build my own ESR tester that allows in circuit caps testing.I have made a lot of researches and I ended up with this design "https://www.pi4raz.nl/index.php/razzies/" which was based on the following discussion "https://forum.arduino.cc/index.php?topic=80357.0".Just wondering if anyone tried it and if I should go for it or not. Or if anyone have a better design for the job would be much appreciated.In circuit testing is essential..

author: ogden
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 24, 2020, 07:16:34 am
content: Check this one:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/projects/5-transistor-esr-meter-design/

author: kripton2035
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 24, 2020, 07:25:33 am
content: and this one if you want a better ( eventually digital) display :https://www.eevblog.com/forum/projects/esr-meter-adapter-design-and-construction/and a complete high voltage protection.

author: shamooooot
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 25, 2020, 08:25:54 am
content: Thank you guys ..I just realized the link wasn't showing what I needed, I attached the proposed design.I really need your opinion guys:Is it a good idea to join the LCR and the ESR in the same meter?What is the drawbacks of this design?Is this design capable of in-circuit testing?

author: ogden
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 25, 2020, 09:26:03 am
content: Drawback of LCR+ESR circuit you show is complexity compared to Jay Diddy's ESR meters. Also I am not sure about LCR meter part, it's accuracy. I would suggest to build ESR meter adapter and buy low cost, yet usefulsimple LCR transistor checker.

author: kripton2035
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 25, 2020, 11:23:25 am
content: an LCR meter is a precision instument, but is very fragile too. the ESR meter is only to measure esr of capacitors, and they can be charged up to 400V sometimes... it can kill the meter, and you as a colateral damage ... better have one esr meter to quickly test in circuit capacitors eventually charged, and the link I gave earlier is really good and simple to build. then a second precision instrument (like a deree DE5000) that will test LCR and also ESR but for out of circuit, discharged capacitors (although it can also measure in circuit but you won't get the precision)

author: shamooooot
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 25, 2020, 06:03:12 pm
content: Thank you again, I think I will go for it.Can you share the design and the code for your digital meter?, I would like to have a standalone meter without relying on the multimeter for measurement.

author: kripton2035
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 25, 2020, 06:44:37 pm
content: it is on the link I gave earlier, on page 10.I only add an opamp to compensate for the probe resistance, but you always have to make the zero, I don't recommend it.just use any digital display 0-2V you can find on ebay, any will work fine, out of the box it will display 1/10 of the real esr.I modified the resistors inside the display to have the real esr displayed.

author: Johncanfield
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 25, 2020, 11:51:33 pm
content: Me thinks Mr. Shamoooooooot is looking for some free engineering.