LCR meters and impedance analyzers
Precise impedance measurements from 1 mHz to 3 GHz
HIOKI LCR meters and impedance analyzers cover a wide range of applications in research and development, production and quality assurance: from measurements on capacitors, inductors and transformers, through high-frequency testing of SMD components, to electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Short measurement times, sweep functions, comparator and BIN functions, and suitable test fixtures support both laboratory use and automated production environments. All instruments are developed and manufactured in Japan.
- HIOKI LCR Meters for precise measurements of inductance (L), capacitance (C) and resistance (R) in passive components during development and production.
- HIOKI Impedance Analyzers for frequency-dependent impedance analysis of components and materials, ranging from resonance analysis to the characterisation of power inductors at high frequencies.
HIOKI IM3523A - LCR Meter, 40 Hz to 200 kHz
HIOKI IM3533 - LCR Meter, DC and 1 mHz to 200 kHz
HIOKI IM3533-01 - LCR Meter with Frequency Sweep, DC and 1 mHz to 200 kHz
HIOKI IM3536 - Benchtop LCR Meter, 4 Hz to 8 MHz
HIOKI IM3570 - Impedance Analyzer, 4 Hz to 5 MHz
HIOKI IM3570-9000 - Impedance Analyzer, 4 Hz to 5 MHz, Equivalent Circuit Analysis included
HIOKI IM3590 - Chemical Impedance Analyzer, 1 mHz to 200 kHz
HIOKI IM7581 - Impedance Analyzer for HF Components, 100 kHz to 300 MHz
HIOKI IM7583 - High-Frequency Impedance Analyzer, 1 MHz to 600 MHz
HIOKI IM7587 - High-Frequency Impedance Analyzer, 1 MHz to 3 GHz
HIOKI IM9200 - Stand for IM9201 and IM9202 impedance test fixtures
HIOKI IM9201 - SMD Test Fixture for Impedance Measurements, DC to 3 GHz
LCR meter or impedance analyzer – what’s the difference?
Both LCR meters and impedance analyzers measure electrical parameters such as inductance (L), capacitance (C) and resistance (R), as well as impedance, phase angle and loss factor. They are used for testing passive components in development, manufacturing and quality assurance.
Impedance analysers also investigate how impedance varies across a frequency range. They enable the detailed characterisation of components and materials, for example for the analysis of resonances, equivalent circuit models or electrochemical processes.
This table shows some basic functional distinguishing criteria; for detailed information, check the product pages:
| LCR meters | Impedance analyzers | |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Precise component measurement and testing | Frequency-dependent impedance behaviour |
| Measurement parameters and analysis | L, C, R, Z, phase angle, ESR, Q, D |
L, C, R, Z, phase angle, ESR, Q, D; plus impedance and phase responses as well as equivalent circuit analysis* |
| Frequency | Often fixed test frequencies, in some cases sweep functions | High-frequency range, frequency sweeps and detailed analysis across a measurement range |
| Typical applications | Component testing, quality control, mass production | Development, material characterisation, resonance analysis, EIS |
*depending on model specification
LCR meters for testing passive components
HIOKI LCR meters enable fast and precise measurements of capacitors, inductors and transformers in development, manufacturing and quality assurance. Depending on the model, comparator and BIN functions support the automatic evaluation and sorting of components in production.
The IM3523A LCR meter is particularly suitable for fast, automated component testing in production, whilst the IM3533 and IM3533-01 LCR meters are designed for the precise measurement of low impedances and the testing of coils. The IM3533-01 also features an integrated frequency sweep function. With a frequency range of up to 8 MHz, the IM3536 LCR meter is particularly suitable for the development and characterisation of passive components at higher frequencies.
Key features of the HIOKI LCR meters at a glance:
| LCR Meter | IM3523A | IM3533 | IM3533-01 | IM3536 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frequency range | DC, 40 Hz to 200 kHz | DC, 1 mHz to 200 kHz | DC, 1 mHz to 200 kHz | DC, 4 Hz to 8 MHz |
| Maximum measurement speed | 2 ms | 2 ms | 2 ms | 1 ms |
| Basic accuracy of impedance (Z) | 0.05% | 0.05% | 0.05% | 0.05% |
| Test signal level | 5 mV to 5 V, 10 µA to 50 mA | 5 mV to 5 V, 10 µA to 100 mA | 5 mV to 5 V, 10 µA to 100 mA | 5 mV to 5 V, 10 µA to 100 mA |
| Frequency sweep measurement | No | No | Yes, up to 800 measurement points | No |
| Special features | Continuous measurement mode |
Transformer mode, low-impedance measurement |
Same as IM3533, plus frequency sweep |
Measurements up to 8 MHz, material parameters σ and ε |
HIOKI LCR Meters for measurements from 1 mHz to 8 MHz
To ensure reliable LCR measurements, the frequency range, other measurement parameters and test set-up must be appropriate for the specific measurement task. Our leaflet ‘LCR Meters for Every Application’ compares the frequency ranges and basic measurement parameters of HIOKI LCR meters and outlines suitable LCR probes and test fixtures.
How do you measure capacitors correctly?
How do you measure a capacitor's capacitance correctly, and when should you use an LCR meter instead of a digital multimeter? HIOKI application engineer Ihsan Dalgic demonstrates measurements using the IM3536 on a 220 µF capacitor at 20 and 120 Hz and explains the influence of test frequency, measurement setup and test equipment.
Impedance analyzers for frequency-dependent component analysis
HIOKI impedance analyzers measure impedance and phase angle across a defined frequency range. Frequency sweeps reveal where resonances occur and how the electrical characteristics of components change with frequency. The range of relevant applications stretches from passive components and SMD components to electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) of batteries and materials.
- Measurement frequencies from 1 mHz to 3 GHz*
- Frequency sweeps for analysing impedance responses
- Resonance and peak analyses
- Equivalent circuit analysis*
- Fast measurements for automated test sequences
- Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) (with IM3590)
*specs depending on the model
Impedance analyzers for component and material analysis
The HIOKI Impedance Analyzers IM3570 and IM3570-9000, with a frequency range of 4 Hz to 5 MHz, have been developed for the frequency-dependent characterisation of passive components such as capacitors, inductors and resonant circuits. The IM3570-9000 also offers integrated equivalent circuit analysis.
The Chemical Impedance Analyzer IM3590 is designed for electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) on batteries and other electrochemical systems. It supports measurements from 1 mHz and features a dedicated battery mode as well as functions for equivalent circuit analysis using Nyquist plots.
High-frequency impedance analyzers for SMD and RF components
The HIOKI IM758x series high-frequency impedance analyzers have been developed for precise characterisation tests of chip inductors, ferrite beads, filters and resonators. Frequency sweeps enable the analysis of impedance responses and resonance characteristics, with short measurement times from 0.5 s, whilst comparator and BIN functions support automated component testing in production.
The different models can primarily be distinguished by their measurement frequency range and test signal level: the IM7581 offers a higher maximum test signal level, while the IM7583 and IM7587 cover progressively higher frequencies up to 3 GHz.
Measuring SMD components at high frequencies
How can small SMD components be measured reliably at high frequencies? Reliable contact is crucial when measuring the impedance of small SMD components. Find out how the HIOKI IM9201 test fixture, in combination with the IM7587, enables secure contact with various sizes of SMD components for precise, reproducible impedance measurements.
Precise measurement. Ensuring quality.
Whether in development validation or production quality testing: having a precise understanding of the electrical characteristics of components is crucial to their reliable operation. HIOKI LCR meters and impedance analyzers have been developed to evaluate components precisely, detect deviations at an early stage and ensure consistently high product quality.
All HIOKI LCR meters and impedance analysers are developed and manufactured by HIOKI in Japan.