Atlas
LCR
User Guide
August 2015 – Rev 6
Page 9
Low Value Capacitors
There is a vast range of low value capacitors available. Types include ceramic,
polyester, polystyrene and mylar dielectric capacitors. Generally, low value
capacitors tend to be unpolarised. Minimum capacitance resolution is about
0.2pF.
Capacitor test frequency:
The Atlas LCR uses a high purity sine wave signal
of 1kHz, 15kHz or 200kHz to analyse these types of capacitors. The
frequency is automatically selected to give the best possible measurement
resolution.
The following table shows the test frequencies used for various capacitance
ranges:
Capacitance Range
Test Frequency Used
Between 0pF and 1nF
200kHz
Between 1nF and 15nF
15kHz
Between 15nF and 1μF
1kHz
Above 1μF
DC
The capacitance ranges for each test frequency shown in the table above is
approximate. Effects such as leakage, dielectric dissipation and ESR can
influence the frequency that the Atlas LCR selects for your particular
capacitor.
Capacitor results:
Following analysis of the capacitor, the capacitance value
is displayed first. Press the
scroll-off
button to display the frequency at
which the capacitance was measured.
