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LCR-Reader an alternative to ST5 Smart Tweezers
A New Model of Smart Tweezers: the ST-5S
A New Model of Smart Tweezers: the ST-5S
With just a touch of the Smart Tweezers’ tips to a component, and the measurement values are available instantly. There is no set-up required. Smart Tweezers determines the type of component, the proper test signal and frequency for the highest accuracy measurement results. Smart Tweezers does it all, and then relays the main impedance values in L, C or R but also the parasitics such as R for L and C.
Smart Tweezers was designed for making evaluating and troubleshooting Surface Mount Technology simple. The innovative mechatronic design combines a high-precision fully-automatic digital LCR-meter with a pair of gold-plated tweezers and an LCD screen into a lightweight, pocket sized device. The outcome is a user-friendly experience, and very low and well-defined parasitics.
Previously, the ST-5 model was the professional choice for handheld LCR-meter. This model is being replaced with the Smart Tweezers ST-5S, a smaller, lighter and updated model. The ST-5S is the bridge model between Smart Tweezers and the LCR-Reader, with all the same features and accuracy of the ST-5, but with the lighter weight and smaller size of the LCR-Reader. The ST-5S features everything that the ST-5 offered; a high basic accuracy, variable test signals, component sorting, automatic offset subtraction, and more.
Smart Tweezers LCR-meter or LCR-Reader?
Now you have a choice of buying Smart Tweezers or LCR-Reader, a new budget model of a tweezer type LCR-meter. A summary of Smart Tweezers and LCR-Reader feature comparison is avalaible in this Table. In a nutshell, the main difference is the price, size and accuracy. Smart Tweezers is a high-end product for professionals; with a basic accuracy of 0.2%, and a NIST traceable Calibration Certificate. LCR-Reader is a lower-priced model for non-professionals and hobbyists at under $200. It has a basic accuracy of 1%, which is lower than the ST-5 and ST-5S, it outperforms the ST-1, ST-2, and ST-3 models. The LCR-Reader does not come with a calibration certificate, nor does it have variable test signals, using only a 0.5 Vrms. This does slightly limit the device when it comes to testing ceramic capacitors; it is well known that a test signal below 1 Vrms results in an underestimated capacitance value. (This was documented in the ST-2 User’s Manual on p.16).
Both models feature sharp, gold-plated tweezer tips which are able to grasp and hold components as small as 0201 size with full contact. The low value parasitics are about 1 pF capacitance and 30 mOhms resistance of the tweezer tips. Depending on the size of the component being measured, the parasitic capacitance can vary for 0.5 to 1.2 pF. The value of parasitic capacitance can be subtracted from the measurement by setting the device to the “Automatic Offset Subtraction” feature (this feature is NOT available on the LCR-Reader.) The automatic offset subtraction feature alone sets Smart Tweezers apart from other similar devices available. Without having to calibrate the device, besides using the offset subtraction feature, Smart Tweezers can measure capacitance of the order of 1 pF and resistance of 10 mOhms.
Both the LCR-Reader and ST-5 include a rechargeable Li-Ion battery allowing significantly increased battery life as well as a USB charger with a universal 110/250 Volts wall adapter and a USB cable.
Feature Summary for ST-5S:
- Fully automatic measurement of Inductance, Capacitance and Resistance
- Basic Accuracy of 0.2%
- Automatic selection of the best range
- Component sorting with 1, 5, 10 an 20% tolerance
- Lithium-Ion battery and USB Charger
- Continuity and Diode test
- Semi-automatic offset subtraction
- Weight of 52 gramms (less than 2 oz)
Smart Tweezers Measurement of Inductance, Capacitance, Resistance
Once Smart Tweezers probes make a contact with a component, you see the reading of the main impedance component (L,C, or R) on the Primary display. The secondary display (at the top of the LCD screen) shows value of the secondary impedance component, such as a parasitic resistance of the capacitor (equivalent series resistance ESR).
Smart Tweezers' Controls
Smart Tweezers Navigation Controller button allows to select a function or to change settings. Push the Navigation Controller button left/right/up/down to change a setting or press it to activate the Menu. The quick change navigation allows users to easily change the modes and functions, ie: by pushing the button upward, the test signal levels change.
Smart Tweezers Specifications
| Physical Specifications | |
| Operating Temperature: | 0 °C to +50 °C |
| Storage Temperature: | -40 °C to +70 °C |
| Relative Humidity: |
0 % to 90 % (0 °C to 35 °C) 0 % to 70 % (35 °C to 55 °C) |
| Altitude Operating: | 0-2000 meters |
| Battery Type: | 3.7 V LiPO rechargeable 150 mAh |
| Typical Charge Time: | 2 hour charge time, 80 hours battery life |
| Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC): | Susceptibility and Emission: CE 89/336, FCC 15 part B |
| Size: | 14.0 x 2.5 x 3.0 cm (3.94 x 0.9 x 1.5 in) |
| Weight: | 53 grams (0.11lb) |
| Warranty: | 1 year |
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Basic Specifications for ST-5S |
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| Measured Parameters: | L, C, R, ESR, D, Q |
| Measuring Frequencies: | 100 Hz, 120 Hz, 1 kHz, 10 kHz |
| Measurement rate: | 1 time per second |
| Resistance: |
0.05 Ohms to 9.9 MOhms |
| Capacitance: | 0.5 pF to 1,000 mF |
| Inductance: | 0.5 µH to 999 mH |
| Dissipation Factor: | 0.001 to 1000 |
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Accuracy Specifications Accuracy is specified at 18°C to 28°C (64°F to 82°F), with relative humidity to 90% |
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| Resistance: |
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| Accuracy: | 0.2% in range 100 R to 10 K, 0.5% in range 1 R to 1 M |
| Capacitance: |
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| Accuracy: | 0.2% in range 10 nF to 10 µF, 0.5% in range 100 pF to 1 mF |
| Inductance: |
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| Accuracy: | 0.2% in range 10 mH to 100 mH, 0.5% in range 100 µH to 1H |
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Part Number | Description | Price USD |
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| Smart Tweezers and LCR-Reader accessories | |||||||||
| ST5-S | SMT SmartTweezers/Professional Highest Precision LCR Meter with accuracies from 0.2% to 0.5% (includes a carrying case). Replaces larger ST5-AS which will not be produced and supported any longer. |
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| ST5-RB | ST-5 Replacement Rechargeable Li-Ion Battery |
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| ST-CK | ST-3 Smart Tweezers Charger Assembly Kit |
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| ST-TS | ST-TS Additional Tweezers Tips Straight |
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| ST-TB | ST-TB Additional Tweezers Tips Bent |
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| ST-CC | ST-5 Carrying Case |
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| ST-PA | European Power Outlet Adapter |
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