Precision in under 10 minutes - When to use an LCR meter vs a VNA

Welcome to our first episode of Precision in under 10 minutes! Join host Masha and Rohde & Schwarz expert Tim as they unravel the mysteries behind choosing the right measuring instrument: LCR meter or VNA? Discover when to use an LCR meter vs. VNA, and gain insights into their applications. From impedance measurement to understanding transmission characteristics, we’ve got you covered. Don't miss out – watch now and subscribe for more insights!

[KGJYS]

Imagine someone spending $41, 000.00 on these two pieces of equipment and not knowing exactly how to use them. That must be the life.

[Frank_KFMH]

I have 3 of each instrument! Unfortunately, none are R&S, lol. They are both useful to my bench. This nice, concise video gives a clear path for each tool. Now, I’m off to measure some circuit inductors with both an lcr meter and a vna. I also have multiple clocks, too. lol

[KrissyD-pxgj]

The smith chart is an incredibly clever invention

[InssiAjaton]

I recently had a need to evaluate a 120 Hz + harmonics filtering power choke, intended for 0 to 20 A current. The source is normal bridge rectifier and there is a capacitor bank after the choke. The choke itself is constructed of transformer laminations, with an air gap — actually the gap is filled with some insulator sheet. I started by measuring with an LCR meter, 100, 120, 1000, 10 000 and 100 000 Hz. I got definitely different results for inductance at different frequencies. So I added ESR measurement to get an idea of the phase angle (ranging 95 to 98 degrees at 100 and 120 Hz, as well as calculated from DC resistance). Then I added a 60 Hz measurement of AC current and AC voltage, both true RMS, and calculated the inductance that way. Finally I made a transient measurement with applied voltage from a big (about 0.15 F) capacitor bank and calculated the inductance from the current slope. I have done similar measurements on ferrite core and iron powder core chokes before and learned to interpret the saturation characteristics from the scope trace. I also do have a nearly suitable VNA, but decided not to use it, as it is specified for over 200 Hz frequencies. Finally, I also did not care to use my old HP phase angle measuring instrument (up to 13 MHz). I deemed it not relevant in this case. Moreover, it was in my outside storage. I also considered a Lissajous pattern measurement, but the modern digital storage oscilloscopes are not too well suited for that, and I ran out of time setting up further systems with my old analog storage oscilloscopes — I mean the evening had already advanced past my bed time, and I already had enough of results that were within decent match. Someday I may add means of including frequency harmonic content as well as complete hysteresis loop effects. But that day is not yet, or maybe never. So much more interesting stuff to investigate…

[insanelydigitalvids]

Masha is a good host. However, I am not sure who the audience is for this particular video. Someone interested in expensive lab/production devices like these will already know what LCR and VNA are, A 'tips and tricks' type to get the most out of your investment would be better. But, it was a great start thanks to Masha's enthusiasm.

[frankwco]

I wonder if there is a machine with both uses.

[bakagaijin]

Daniel Bogdanoff got competitors in entertaining about T&M? Nice R&S.

[accountant]

This is a tik-tok show for a "popcorn audience", a user who has the opportunity to purchase this equipment for the price of a car knows exactly why he is spending such amounts of money.

[carlofrancable]

Both instrument are useful, but they don t speak about accuracy ! The measurement accuracy of the vna is below 1 % when the reactance of L or C is close for 50 ohms only .

[jocelyn]

Thank you for the explaining video. However it is very disturbing how the editing is done. In my opinion it is WAY too frenetic. Almost like you're trying to shoot the new Mad Max movie. It would be much more pleasant to watch if the editing was much less hectic without continuous zoom in zoom out slidings and so on.

[paulpaulzadeh]

LCR is useless for today's electronics, such as DC/DC . VNA is the right way to go .
I use BODE 100 from omicron.
1Hz to 50Mhz .
R&S has not such for low frequency VNA

[miketrissel]

Interesting first video, but Masha ... you need to sound more relaxed and conversational, not like you are tied to a script. Keep practicing - you will get out of it much more, by putting more into it.
And I am sorry, if somebody just handed you a script 1/2 hour before the taping ... shame on them

[donepearce]

I'm sure they know what they are talking about, but for pity's sake hire some actors and give them a script. This was quite painful.

[ericpilboue]

Même pas je la regarde la video, faut faire les tarifs educations, pour les crevards autodidactes comme moi. Sinon, je prends le vna pour caractetiser le truc à la frequence exact mais vos lingots d'or doivent bien etre multifonction et les lrcmetres monter a 3ghz 🤔🤣🤣.

[jdbrinton]

Instructions unclear, bought cyclotron.