Smart Tweezers – Colibri ST-5S/ST5-S Professional LCR Meter / ESR Meter

 Colibri^TM ST-5S  Professional LCR/ESR Meter

PIC. 1 Colobri^TM ST-5S In Action

AMAZON.CO.UK Affiliate Link:  Smart Tweezers Colibri^TM ST-5S:

Colibri^TM ST-5S Features

   Smart Tweezers (ST) is an ultra-compact and comfortable impedance measuring tool. ST can measure resistance, capacitance or inductance over a range of more than 8 orders of magnitude. The device ST-5S has very good basic accuracy – better than 0.2% (resistance) and operates at four test frequencies.

   Smart Tweezers is controlled by a microcontroller that sets measurement conditions, processes data and operates the display and user interface. The device has a unique mechanical design that allows manipulation SMT components with size down to 0201.

   In actual use, Smart Tweezers provides more accurate results than most of the benchtop LCR meters due to small and very predictable parasitics of its probes. The probability of measurement errors associated with setup (wires, tips, probes and etc.) is minimal.

PIC. 1

Smart Tweezers Colobri^TM ST-5S – How it Works:

   ST-5S evaluates impedance of a component by measuring the voltage across the component and current through it. The complex ratio of voltage to current gives us the complex impedance. The Internal microcontroller calculates various parameters that are displayed i.e. R, C or L.

SCH. 1  Schematic Diagram

Theoretical Description

   Voltage across the component is generated by the test signal source Vs. Both the amplitude and frequency of Vs can be set. The voltage is applied to the device under test (DUT) through the source resistance Rs. Current flows to the virtual ground of the current amplifier AI, and through the current conversion resistor Ri ( see SCH. 1 ). The output of AI provides a signal proportional to the current, I*Ri.

   The voltage across the DUT is measured by a separate signal path (amplifier AU), thus providing a pseudo-4-wire Kelvin connection.

   Voltage and current signals are processed by the A/D converter. Obtained values are then corrected using calibration factors, converted to impedance and sent to the display.

   There are four selectable frequencies: 100Hz, 120Hz, 1.0kHz and, 10kHz. The output frequency is accurate to 50 ppm (0.005%). Frequencies are set in the menu or by moving the Navigation Control UP. There are three output voltage levels that can be selected: 0.5 Vrms and 1.0 Vrms. The accuracy of the output voltage levels is 2 %. The output voltage is applied to the device under test through the source impedance.

   The voltage across the device is always less than or equal to the output voltage. The source impedance value is 100Ω.  Certain devices require a specific test voltage, such as Z5U ceramic capacitors (test voltage = 0.5 Vrms for 25V parts and 1.0V for < 16V parts).

Note: Use the largest voltage possible for the best SNR and accuracy.

PIC. 2   Colibri ST-5S/ST5-S – Visual Description 

Device Additional Functions

• Smart Tweezers™ LCR meter allows you to test various component types, including secondary components of Dissipation Factor (D), Quality Factor (Q). 
This handheld also includes other functions that result in a more detailed component analysis. 
• Smart Tweezers™ LCR meter has built-in Equivalent Series Resistance (ESR) mode helps you better understand the inherent resistance – behavior typically found in capacitors across selected frequencies.
• In its DIODE mode Smart Tweezers™ tests diode polarity and indicates if it is short.
• Smart Tweezers™ has a continuity detector. Variable beeper sounds for resistance reading below set thresholds. Additionally, this function helps to locate shorted conductors (e.g. on a PCB).
• In manual modes Smart Tweezers™ measures a specific circuit parameter — L, C, R, Z or ESR. Manual modes also improve component type identification for in-circuit tests.
• Variable test signal output from 0.5 to 1.0 Vrms allows improving test precision in different situation e.g. for in-circuit measurement and loose leaded ceramic capacitors.
• Visible and audible tolerance mode allows performing component sorting.
• Math null function allows to store a pre-measured offset and improve measurement precision.
Wide Spectrum of Additional Functions

Here are two example views on the device’s OLED display:

PIC. 3  OLED Example Views

Technical Specifications:

• AC test mode Test frequency: 1 kHz, 10 kHz, 120Hz,100 Hz
• Test frequency accuracy: 50 PPM (0.005%)
• Test signal level: 0.5/1.0 +/- 5% Vrms
• Sine wave Source impedance: 62.5Ω / 1kΩ / 16kΩ +/- 1%
• Measurement Ranges
• Resistance R: 0.05 Ω to 9.9 MΩ
• Capacitance C: 0.5 pF to 4999 μF
• Inductance L: 0.5 uH to 999 mH
• Quality factor Q: 0.001 to 1000
• Dissipation factor D: 0.001 to 1000
• Physical Specifications Size 15.0 x 1.8 x 1.5 cm (5.9 x 0.7 x 0.6 in)
• Weight 29 grams (0.06 lb)
• Operating temperature: 0°C to 50°C
• Battery Type: 3.7V LiPO rechargeable 180mAH Battery Life (continuous) 20 hours, 3 hours charging cycle

ST-5S Video Overview

Video 1. Smart Tweezers ST5S Colibri Pro LCR Meter Video Overview

AMAZON.CO.UK Affiliate Link:  Smart Tweezers: Colibri^TM ST-5S  Professional LCR/ESR Meter

{ Tech Info: IDEAL-TEK SA  }