User`s guide

Operation and Features 2
Measuring Capacitance
U3606B User’s Guide 49
Capacitance measurement summary
NOTE
Measuring tips
• The U3606B calculates capacitance by charging a capacitor with a
known current for a period of time and then measuring the voltage.
• For measuring capacitance values greater than 10000 μF, discharge the
capacitor first, then select a suitable range for measurement. This will
speed up the measurement time and also ensure that the correct
capacitance value is obtained.
• For measuring capacitance values greater than 1 mF, a delayed
response should be expected from the front panel display. For remote
interface operation, increase the SCPI query time out value. (Typically
> 10000 ms.)
• For measuring small capacitance values, press [Null] with the test
leads open to subtract the residual capacitance of the instrument and
leads.
Table 2 - 7 Capacitance measurement summary
Item Description
Available ranges 1 nF, 10 nF, 100 nF, 1 μF, 10 μF, 100 μF, 1000 μF, 10000 μF
Measurement
method
Computed from constant current source charge time,
typical 0.2 V to 1.4 V signal level
Input protection 1000 V
rms
on all ranges, < 0.3 A short circuit
U3606-90054_UG_EN.book Page 49 Friday, July 11, 2014 5:12 PM