24
AUTOMATIC GOOD/BAD CAPACITOR TESTING
Table 6 - The LC103 will provide an automatic GOOD/BAD test of the capacitor parameters shown here.
The LC103 ReZolver can automatically display a
“GOOD/BAD” indication for capacitor parameter tests.
The automatic tests are much faster than manual
parameter tests, since you do not have to look up the
result in a chart, or interpolate between listed values. The
LC103 compares the measured values of dielectric
absorption, leakage, and ESR to tables and formulas
stored in its microprocessor memory. The tables and
formulas in the ReZolver memory are the same as those
in figures 1 and 2, and are based on EIA standards and
manufacturers data. Not every parameter for some
capacitor types are specified by EIA standards or
manufacturer's data. The LC103 will not produce a
“GOOD/ BAD” display for capacitor parameters not
covered by industry accepted standards. The capacitor
types and parameters which will produce a
“GOOD/BAD” indication are listed in Table 7.
These values are worst-case conditions as defined by the
EIA. Some circuits may malfunction due to a capacitor’s
increasing ESR even if it falls within these limits. If the
capacitor is questionable, compare it to a known-good
capacitor of the same type, value, and voltage rating.
To perform an automatic GOOD/BAD test, enter the
capacitor type, capacitance value, and voltage rating of
the capacitor to be tested. The LC103 determines the
GOOD/BAD limits. If you desire to grade capacitors
according to value, you must also enter the desired “+%”
and “-”%value tolerances. The value tolerances,
however, do not need to be entered for automatic
GOOD/BAD tests of leakage, ESR, or dielectric
absorption.
To perform an out-of-circuit, automatic GOOD/BAD
capacitor test:
1.
Connect the out-of-circuit test leads.
2.
Zero the test leads.
3.
Connect the capacitor to the test leads.
4.
Enter the component type, value, tolerance, and
voltage rating of the capacitor to be tested.
5.
Press and hold the desired capacitor OUT-OF-
CIRCUIT TEST button.
6.
Read the test result in the COMPONENT TEST
RESULTS display along with the GOOD/BAD
indication.
7.
The display must show a “GOOD” reading for all of
the tests listed in table 6 under the type of capacitor
being tested.
NOTE: The values listed in the tables and LC103
memory for GOOD/BAD indicated are values as defined
by the EIA. Some circuits may malfunction with
degraded value, leakage, ESR or dielectric absorption
valves that are within the EIA established limits. If a
capacitor is questionable, compare it to a known good
capacitor at the same type, value, and voltage rating.
Table 7 - These parameters must be entered into the ReZolver for complete GOOD/BAD test of a capacitor.
CAPACITOR TYPE
TESTS TO PERFORM
Value
Aluminum Lytic
Double Layer Lytic
Tantalum
Ceramic
All other caps
(paper, film, mylar, etc.)
Leakage
D/A
ESR
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
TEST
Cap
Type
Cap
Value
Cap. Value
Cap. Leakage
Cap. ESR
Cap. D/A
+%
-%
Cap
Voltage
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
