Welcome to the DC1000A Demo system
Quick Start Guide if you are new to the DC1000A, and have received a demo unit to try
The DC1000A precision DC bias current source features unique patented technology that permits its use with any manufacturer’s LCR meter.
The following page will guide you through the set up and testing of a sample inductor to demonstrate the capabilities of our DC1000A
The following guide gives you a quick tutorial using a sample MURATA inductor that we have provided for you in the box with the DC1000A demo unit. In this guide we will measure the 47 uH sample inductor at 30 kHz with the LCR, and then vary the DC BIAS current to show it saturates above 7 A DC. Please note that the nominal inductance tolerance is +/- 15%, so different samples may vary slightly in their 0 A DC inductance from the example results later in this document.
See Right - DC1A performing sweep as Keysight E4980AL measures Ls
DC1000A Demo
Click each section to expand or collapse.
CHECK MAINS INPUT SETTINGS
The DC1000 has a selectable mains input for 100-125 V or 200-250 V Main supply. Please check that this is set correctly for your local supply.
The setting is shown by either 230 or 110 in the filter window.
To change this, first remove the cover using a flat blade screwdriver. Remove the grey terminal block. Refit the terminal block to show 110 V and replace the input cover.
SET-UP - WARM-UP
As with any measuring equipment, allow both the DC1000A and your LCR to warm up to ensure stable readings. Consult your LCR meter user manual for suggested warm-up times.
FIT INTERLOCK OVER-RIDE PLUG
Enable the DC1000 by fitting the Interlock Override Plug (in the box) into the Interlock IN port on the rear of the unit (see below)
The following steps will walk you through quick manual measurements without compensation. The process for LCR compensation is covered at the end of this page
1 Take the sample MURATA 1447385C inductor that came in the demo kit
2 Connect to DC1000 Croc clips as shown
3 Connect LCR as shown, taking care to match the HI/LO of the DC1000 connection to the HI/LO connections of your LCR meter
4 Set the LCR to
Measure mode = Ls-Rs
Voltage = 2 V
Frequency = 30 kHz
You can now make measurements under load.
1 Select the DC bias current you require using the rotary knob
2 Enable the DC Bias Current by pressing OUTPUT
3 Observe Ls measurements on the LCR
4 Adjustments can be made to the DC bias level while the output is enabled using the rotary knob
You should see the following inductance readings.
The sample part is rated to 7 A DC, so this confirms its operation up to this point and shows the characteristic fall off as its operating DC is exceed.
0 A DC = 42.3 uH
5 A DC = 42.1 uH
10 A DC = 41.1 uH
15 A DC = 33.5 uH
20 A DC = 7.7 uH
Remember that the nominal tolerance of the samples is +/- 15%, so different samples may vary slightly in their 0 A DC inductance, but the characteristic roll off of Ls should still be seen.
As with any standard LCR reading, you can perform LCR compensation to remove any effects of the LCR leads, and here the DC1000 leads. This may not be needed in all cases, but we have provided the following quick guide to explain this process.
OPEN CIRCUIT COMPENSATION
1 Remove any UUT (unit under test). Set the LCR to 30 kHz / 2 V
2 Try to keep all test leads in the same position as when the UUT is
present
3 Set DC1000 to 0.00 A, using rotary knob if needed
4 Set DC1000 output to ON (press “output” button)
5 Perform open circuit compensation on your LCR meter. For speed of compensation we recommend only compensating at the frequency of measurement.
For example, on the E4980 press MEAS SET UP>CORRECTION.
Set OPEN to ON and SHORT to ON.
Edit SPOT 1 to be 30 kHz.
Then press MEAS OPEN.
6 Set DC1000 output to OFF (press “output” button)
SHORT CIRCUIT COMPENSATION
1 Fit a short between all leads. A bus bar or thick copper wire is ideal for this, as it will give good contact to all four clips. Try to keep all test leads in the same position as when the UUT is present
2 Set the DC1000A to 0.00 A, using rotary knob if needed
3 Set DC1000 output to ON (press “output” button)
4 Perform short circuit compensation on your LCR meter. You should still be on the COMP screen from above. Press MEAS SHORT
5 Set DC1000 output to OFF (press “output” button)
DO NOT disconnect the UUT or LCR while the DC1000 is operating
Always remove the DC bias current by disabling the OUTPUT button before disconnecting either the UUT or the LCR meter.
Always try to keep all leads in the same position to improve the accuracy of the compensation, and hence the accuracy of your measurements
For best performance, especially >100 kHz, connect the earth socket on the front of the DC1000 with the earth socket on the LCR meter
Consult your LCR meter manual for more detailed instructions on LCR compensation and general use