GB60/70-6

+
Atlas ESR and ESR
Capacitance and Equivalent Series Resistance Meter

Model ESR60/ESR70

User Guide
© Peak Electronic Design Limited 2004/2009
In the interests of development, information in this guide is subject to change without notice - E&OE

electronic design ltd

ESR60/ESR70 User Guide August 2009 – Rev 6

Want to use it now?

We understand that you want to use your Atlas ESR right
now. The unit is ready to go and you should have little need
to refer to this user guide, but please make sure that you do
at least take a look at the notices on page 4!

Contents Page

Introduction .........................................................................3
Safety Considerations ..........................................................4
Notes on ESR.......................................................................5
Analysing capacitors........................................................ 6-7
Typical values of ESR .........................................................8
Audible Alerts......................................................................9
Probe Compensation..........................................................10
Care of your Atlas ESR......................................................11
Appendix A – Troubleshooting .........................................12
Appendix B – Technical Specifications.............................13
Appendix C – Warranty Information .................................14
Appendix D – Disposal Information..................................15

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ESR60/ESR70 User Guide August 2009 – Rev 6

Introduction

The Atlas ESR is an advanced instrument designed specifically

for the analysis of capacitor equivalent series resistance (in or
out of circuit). In addition it will, where possible, display the
capacitance of the device under test.

Summary Features:
• ESR measurement range 0 to 20Ω (40Ω for ESR70).
• ESR resolution as low as 0.01Ω
• Capacitance range 1µF to 22,000µF.
• Can be used for low-ohms resistance checking too.
• Integrated controlled discharge circuitry reduces the need
for the user to manually discharge capacitors before test.*
• Use in or out of circuit for ESR and low-ohms resistance
measurement.
• The ESR70 features audible alerts for quick user-feedback
of ESR test status.
• Automatic and manual power-off.
* Note:
The discharge circuitry exists to ensure that a charged capacitor
is less likely to damage the unit. For example, if the capacitor
under test has a potential of a few tens of volts across it, the
charge is removed automatically.

It is the user’s responsibility to ensure that any dangerously

charged capacitors are safely discharged before connection to
the unit.
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ESR60/ESR70 User Guide August 2009 – Rev 6

Safety Considerations

WARNING:
This instrument must NEVER be connected to powered
equipment/components.

It is the user’s responsibility to ensure that any dangerously

charged capacitors are safely discharged before connection
to the unit.

To allow the self-protection mechanism to function, always

ensure that the Atlas ESR has completed any analysis
before connecting the test probes to a component.

Failure to comply with these warnings may result in

personal injury, damage to the equipment under test,
damage to the Atlas ESR and invalidation of the
manufacturer's warranty.

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ESR60/ESR70 User Guide August 2009 – Rev 6

Notes on ESR ESR

C
ESR (Equivalent Series Resistance),
as it’s acronym implies, is the value
of resistance that is effectively in
series with an ideal capacitor.

No capacitor is ideal of course, the detailed equivalent circuit of a typical

capacitor is very complex. For many electrolytic capacitors however, the most
important parameters regarding the capacitor’s performance is the capacitance
and the ESR.

An increase in ESR (due to age, abuse or temperature cycling) can result in

poor capacitor performance. The capacitor becomes less “ideal” and starts to
dissipate more power, an ideal capacitor of course dissipates zero power.

Capacitor manufacturers typically quote the ESR of their products at 100kHz,

which is the same test frequency used by the Atlas ESR.

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ESR60/ESR70 User Guide August 2009 – Rev 6

Analysing Capacitors
The Peak Atlas ESR is designed to analyse capacitor ESR in or out of circuit.
The two test probes can be connected to the component any way around.
Remember though that in-circuit testing can result in less accurate readings.

Important: To minimise risk of damage to the unit, make sure that the
Atlas ESR has completed any previous analysis before attaching the test
probes to the capacitor. This ensures that the built-in protection circuit is
ready for any charge that may be present on the capacitor.

The Atlas ESR will start component Measuring

analysis when the on-test button is
pressed. Capacitance...
The analysis typically takes under 10 seconds to complete, depending on the
characteristics of the capacitor.

If the capacitor is charged (<50V), the

Atlas ESR will attempt to discharge the Discharging...
Discharging...
capacitor while showing the progress
of the procedure:
Capacitor V= 23V

If the Atlas ESR cannot recognise the Open circuit or

component connected to the test
probes, or the capacitance is out of low capacitance.
range, one the following messages may
be displayed: Capacitor value
too high

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ESR60/ESR70 User Guide August 2009 – Rev 6

Analysing Capacitors continued…

Once a valid ESR reading has been obtained, the results are displayed.

If the presence of external circuitry did

not adversely affect the capacitance Cap = 476.6µF
measurement, the capacitor value will ESR = 0.21
also be shown.

If the capacitance could not be * In Circuit *

determined, the display will only show ESR = 0.21
the value of ESR measured.

In the event that ESR exceeds the maximum that can be measured, the display
may show:

Cap = 476.6µF * In Circuit *

or
ESR = >20.0 ESR = >20.0

The ESR measurement range is automatically determined during the analysis.

Typically, the resolution for ESR measurement is as shown in the table below:
ESR Value Automatically Nominal measured
selected test current resolution
0.00 Ω – 2.00 Ω 20mA 0.01 Ω
2.0 Ω – 20.0 Ω* 2mA 0.1 Ω
20.0 Ω – 40.0 Ω* 1mA 0.2 Ω

Although the measurement resolution is generally determined by the absolute

value of the ESR (as shown in the above table), low capacitance values can
result in a poorer ESR measurement resolution.

* ESR60 limited to 20Ω, ESR70 limited to 40Ω measurement range.

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ESR60/ESR70 User Guide August 2009 – Rev 6

Typical Values of ESR

It is not possible to provide a definitive rule for values of ESR that are
acceptable for all situations.

The expected value of ESR largely depends on the capacitance value and the
voltage rating of the capacitor but also depends on temperature ratings and
other factors. Some capacitors are manufactured to exhibit very low ESR
values, whilst conventional low cost parts are likely to exhibit higher values
but still be acceptable.

As a rough guide only, the following table shows “typical” values of ESR for a
range of different capacitance and voltage ratings.

10V 16V 25V 35V 63V 160V 250V

4.7µF >40Ω 35.0Ω 29.0Ω 24.0Ω 19.0Ω 16.0Ω 13.0Ω
10µF 20.0Ω 16.0Ω 14.0Ω 11.0Ω 9.3Ω 7.7Ω 6.3Ω
22µF 9.0Ω 7.5Ω 6.2Ω 5.1Ω 4.2Ω 3.5Ω 2.9Ω
47µF 4.2Ω 3.5Ω 2.9Ω 2.4Ω 2.0Ω 1.60Ω 1.40Ω
100µF 2.0Ω 1.60Ω 1.40Ω 1.10Ω 0.93Ω 0.77Ω 0.63Ω
220µF 0.90Ω 0.75Ω 0.62Ω 0.51Ω 0.42Ω 0.35Ω 0.29Ω
470µF 0.42Ω 0.35Ω 0.29Ω 0.24Ω 0.20Ω 0.16Ω 0.13Ω
1000µF 0.20Ω 0.16Ω 0.14Ω 0.11Ω 0.09Ω 0.08Ω 0.06Ω
2,200µF 0.09Ω 0.07Ω 0.06Ω 0.05Ω 0.04Ω 0.03Ω 0.03Ω
4,700µF 0.04Ω 0.03Ω 0.03Ω 0.02Ω 0.02Ω 0.02Ω 0.01Ω
10,000µF 0.02Ω 0.02Ω 0.01Ω 0.01Ω 0.01Ω 0.01Ω 0.01Ω

Please note that the above figures are only typical figures for standard grade
electrolytics at room temperature, please verify readings against expected
values for the particular type of capacitor you are testing.

For any particular capacitance and voltage rating,

a lower ESR reading is generally better than a higher ESR reading.

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ESR60/ESR70 User Guide August 2009 – Rev 6

Audible Alerts (Model ESR70 only)

The ESR70 unit can produce audible tones to assist the user.

The various tones are summarised below:

Condition / Operation Sound Type

Start Analysis Short Blip
End Analysis Short Blip
Measured ESR > 40Ω High-Low “Beep Barp”
Measured ESR < 5.0Ω Single Bell “Ping”
Measured ESR < 1.0Ω Double Bell “Ping-Ping”

The audible alerts can be turned on or off, the current status of which is
shown on the start-up screen (when powering up the unit from off).

Atlas ESR Plus Atlas ESR Plus

Enhanced Rx.x Enhanced Rx.x

Audible Alerts Enabled Audible Alerts Disabled

You can switch this function on or off by holding down the on-test button
for about 2 seconds when powering up the unit from off. Depending on
whether the sound function was already on or off, one of the following
messages will be displayed to confirm that you have changed the sound
mode:

Sound On Sound Off

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ESR60/ESR70 User Guide August 2009 – Rev 6

Probe Compensation
To ensure good repeatable readings, particularly for low values of ESR, it may
be necessary to occasionally perform a simple Probe Compensation procedure.

1. Ensure the unit is switched off.

2. Press and hold down the on-

test button for about 5 Probe
seconds until the following Compensation
message is displayed*:

3. The unit will then ask you to

short the probes together (by Short probes
interlocking the jaws of each and press TEST.
croc clip). Then press the on-
test button.

4. After a short delay the display

will confirm that the OK
procedure is complete and
then switch off.

If the following message is displayed

then the probes may not have been Compensation
correctly shorted during the above Fail. Try again.
proecedure. This message may also be
displayed if any of the probe connections are faulty.

* NOTE: For the ESR70, the sound on/off mode will be entered while
holding the button down, keep the button held down and the unit will
proceed to the probe compensation mode.

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ESR60/ESR70 User Guide August 2009 – Rev 6

Care of your Atlas ESR

The Peak Atlas ESR should provide many years
of service if used in accordance with this user
guide. Care should be taken not to expose your unit
to excessive heat, shock or moisture. Additionally, the battery
should be replaced at least every 12 months to reduce the risk of leak
damage.

If a low battery warning message

** Warning ** appears, replacement of the battery is
Low Battery essential.

Immediate replacement of the battery is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT as the

built-in protection mechanism may not function correctly if the battery
condition is poor and therefore render your unit susceptible to damage from
even low energy charged capacitors.

The Atlas ESR will not continue to operate if a low battery condition is
encountered.

New batteries can be purchased from many retailers and directly from Peak
Electronic Design Ltd or an authorised agent.

Battery types: Suitable battery types include 23A, V23A, GP23A, MN21 or a
good quality 12V alkaline equivalent as used in many test instruments and
automotive remote key fobs.

Battery access: To replace the battery, unscrew the three screws to remove the
rear panel. Remove the old battery and insert a new one, taking care to observe
the correct polarity. Carefully replace the rear panel, do not over-tighten the
screws.

Peak Safe Battery Disposal Scheme: Please return your old analyser battery to
Peak Electronic Design Ltd for safe and environmentally responsible disposal.

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ESR60/ESR70 User Guide August 2009 – Rev 6

Appendix A - Troubleshooting
Problem Cause / Possible Solution
ESR value when probes
are shorted is not close Perform a probe compensation.
to 0Ω
Seems to be stuck It is possible that one (or more) probe
“Measuring connections has become broken. Check all
capacitance” connections at both ends of the test leads.
This message is displayed if the Atlas ESR has
detected that the attached capacitor may be
exhibiting “Soakage” or “Dielectric
Display shows Absorption”, this is quite normal. The
Removing trace instrument then ensures that the capacitor is very
charge
well discharged and helps to prevent voltage
developing across the capacitor after the normal
discharge procedure has completed.
The unit attempts to remove charge from the
capacitor using a controlled discharge procedure.
Display shows If this takes longer than 60 seconds then the
Auto discharge discharge process will be aborted. It is
taking too long!
recommend that you safely discharge the
capacitor manually and try analysis again.
If the voltage across the capacitor is greater than
Display shows 50V then the Atlas ESR will not attempt to
Warning! V=132V discharge the capacitor, please safely discharge
Safely discharge the capacitor manually.
Display shows It is possible that a hardware failure has
Self Test Fail occurred, please contact Peak Electronic Design
Code 2 Limited for assistance.

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ESR60/ESR70 User Guide August 2009 – Rev 6

Appendix B - Technical Specifications

All values are at 25°C unless otherwise specified.
Parameter Min Typ Max Note
Peak test current into S/C ±20mA ±22mA
Peak test voltage, full scale ESR ±40mV ±44mV
Peak test voltage across O/C ±2.5V ±3.0V
Capacitance measurement range 1µF 22,000µF
Capacitance accuracy ±4% ±0.2µF
ESR measurement range 0Ω 20Ω 2
ESR resolution for ESR < 2Ω 0.01Ω 0.02Ω
ESR resolution for ESR > 2Ω 0.1Ω 0.2Ω
ESR accuracy for ESR < 2Ω ±1.5% ±0.02Ω
ESR accuracy for ESR > 2Ω ±1.5% ±0.2Ω
Abuse voltage (for C < 10µF) ±275V 3
Abuse voltage (for C > 10µF) ±50V 3
Auto-Discharge voltage limit ±50V
Battery type MN21/GP23A 12V Alkaline
Battery voltage range 8.5V 12V
Battery voltage warning threshold 8.5V
Inactivity power-down period 30 seconds
Dimensions (excluding test leads) 103 x 70 x 20 mm
Operating temperature range 10°C 40°C 1

Notes
1. Subject to acceptable LCD visibility.
2. Model ESR70 is capable of measuring up to 40Ω.
3. Maximum abuse voltage rated limitation of internal protection electronics.
Probes, leads and unit are not certified for high voltage use.

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ESR60/ESR70 User Guide August 2009 – Rev 6

Appendix C - Warranty Information

Peak Satisfaction Guarantee
If for any reason you are not completely satisfied with the Peak Atlas ESR
within 14 days of purchase you may return the unit to your distributor. You
will receive a refund covering the full purchase price if the unit is returned in
perfect condition.

Peak Warranty
The warranty is valid for 24 months from date of purchase. This warranty
covers the cost of repair or replacement due to defects in materials and/or
manufacturing faults.

The warranty does not cover malfunction or defects caused by:

a) Operation outside the scope of the user guide.
b) Unauthorised access or modification of the unit (except for battery
replacement).
c) Accidental physical damage or abuse.

The customer’s statutory rights are not affected by any of the above.

All claims must be accompanied by a proof of purchase.

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ESR60/ESR70 User Guide August 2009 – Rev 6

Appendix D - Disposal Information

WEEE (Waste of Electrical and Electronic Equipment),

Recycling of Electrical and Electronic Products

United Kingdom

In 2006 the European Union introduced regulations (WEEE) for the collection
and recycling of all waste electrical and electronic equipment. It is no longer
permissible to simply throw away electrical and electronic equipment. Instead,
these products must enter the recycling process.

Each individual EU member state has implemented the WEEE regulations into
national law in slightly different ways. Please follow your national law when
you want to dispose of any electrical or electronic products.

More details can be obtained from your national WEEE recycling agency.

If in doubt, you may send your Peak Product to us for safe and environmentally
responsible disposal.

At Peak Electronic Design Ltd we are committed to continual product development and improvement.
The specifications of our products are therefore subject to change without notice.

© 2004/2009 Peak Electronic Design Limited - E&OE

West Road House, West Road, Buxton, Derbyshire, SK17 6HF, UK.
www.peakelec.co.uk Tel. +44 (0) 1298 70012 Fax. +44 (0) 1298 70046

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