RLC bridges / Impedance analysers
RLC bridges and impedance analysers measure the fundamental electrical parameters of passive components: resistance (R), inductance (L) and capacitance (C). Their frequency range extends from 20 Hz to 3 GHz depending on the model, with a typical resolution of 0.01 % and impedance accuracy better than ± 0.05 %. In R&D, they are used to characterise capacitors, chokes, ferrites and capacitive or inductive sensors. In production, they guarantee batch conformity and stability of nominal values on assembly lines. The top-of-the-range models measure phase, quality factor (Q), loss angle (D) and conductance (G) for a complete analysis of frequency behaviour. LCR bridges use ratio comparison and synchronous detection techniques, while FFT impedance analysers cover a wider spectrum. USB, GPIB or LAN interfaces ensure integration on automated test benches and traceability of measurements to ISO 17025.
Reference instruments for characterising, sorting and validating passive components with precision and repeatability.
16089D
KEYSIGHT / AGILENT / HP
Pinces de test crocodile pour pont RLC, fréquence de 5Hz à 100KHz.
16034E
KEYSIGHT / AGILENT / HP
Test fixture for SMD components, DC to 40 MHz for RLC bridge.
6500B
WAYNE KERR
Impedance analyser from 20Hz to 120MHz with touch screen and intuitive interface.
41951A
KEYSIGHT / AGILENT / HP
Impedance test kit for HP 4195A, bandwidth from 100KHz to 500MHz.
4284A
KEYSIGHT / AGILENT / HP
High precision RLC bridge (0.05%), 20 Hz to 1 MHz, GP-IB.
9341
NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS
Digital RLC bridge with 0.25% accuracy, test frequency from 100 to 1000 Hz.
6505B-WAYNE-KERR
WAYNE KERR
High-precision RLC bridge from 20 Hz to 5 MHz with touch screen.
6520B
WAYNE KERR
High-precision RLC bridge from 20Hz to 20MHz with colour touch screen.
E4991B
KEYSIGHT / AGILENT / HP
Impedance analyser from 1 MHz to 3 GHz, LAN, USB, GP-IB interfaces.
IM3523-HIOKI
HIOKI
40 Hz to 200 KHz RLC bridge with RS-232C/LAN/GP-IB and USB interface.
HM8118
ROHDE & SCHWARZ
Programmable 200 KHz RLC bridge with 0.05 % accuracy. USB/RS-232 interface.
Practical questions about RLC bridges / Impedance analysers
01
What is the difference between an RLC bridge and an impedance analyser?An RLC bridge mainly measures the values of resistance (R), inductance (L) and capacitance (C) at different frequencies. An impedance analyser goes further: it provides complex parameters (impedance, admittance, phase, dissipation factor) over an extended frequency range.
02
When should this type of instrument be used?They are essential for characterising passive components (capacitors, chokes, resistors), checking filters, analysing printed circuits, or evaluating dielectric materials in research or industrialisation laboratories.
03
What criteria influence the choice of model?Frequency range, measurement accuracy, test voltage, open/short/load correction capability, user interface and compatibility with specific fixtures or probes.
04
What is the typical frequency of use?Conventional models cover from a few Hz to a few MHz, but top-of-the-range instruments can go up to several hundred MHz, or even beyond, depending on RF or advanced materials requirements.
05
Can this type of instrument be integrated into an automated test bench?Yes, modern analysers often have GPIB, LAN or USB interfaces, with SCPI command sets. This means they can be integrated into repeatable measurement sequences or automated test lines.
