Click to enlarge

Click to see more pictures:    Front Panel     Rear Panel    Probes    Chip Capacitor Measurements

Specifications:
Range                     2.000 pF to 200.0 nF
Resolution               0.001 pF to 0.1 nF
Display                    3 1/2 Digit LCD
Accuracy                 +/- (0.1% of reading +2 digits)
Power                      9V alkaline (NEDA 1604A) or external battery eliminator

The Model 3000 Digital Capacitance Meter is still the first commercially available low cost, high accuracy instrument designed exclusively for the measurement of very small value capacitors and capacitors whose size and shape are not conveniently handled by conventional sockets, clamp fixtures, or alligator clip leads. The Model 3000 is particularly useful for measurement of chip capacitors whose small size precludes the use of identifying marks. Other uses include measurement of the capacitance between the traces on a printed circuit board, thin film capacitors, MOSFET gate capacitance, microstrip or stripline capacitance, etc. The analog output and wideband options provide a convenient and low cost solution for characterization of the dynamic capacitance of MEMs devices. Complete specifications can be found in the Operating Manual.

The Model 3000 employs a unique, patented* switched capacitor circuit and a ratio-metric measurement technique to eliminate errors due to stray capacitance-to-ground. The patented circuit provides high common-mode rejection and eliminates errors due to changes in the reference voltage from temperature, aging, etc. This unique circuit allows the capacitor under measurement to be remotely connected to the meter by two, miniature, shielded probes or by coaxial cables without affecting the zero, accuracy, or resolution of the instrument.

Although the resolution of the Model 3000 display is limited to 3 1/2 digits, higher resolution can be obtained using the low noise, 0 to 200 mV analog output signal on the back panel. When the analog output signal is connected to an external high resolution DVM such as an HP 34401A or Solartron 7061, the ultimate resolution and reading-to-reading noise of the Model 3000 is less than 10 ppm as shown in this plot.

Direct digital data is available at the USB port. Digital output provides the user with additional range and resolution and the ability to log data to a file. The USB port is fully supported by LabVIEW®. USB drivers and a LabVIEW® demonstration program are available for the Model 3000 Digital Capacitance Meter. The Model 3000 LabVIEW® demonstration program is a standalone executable file that requires only the LabVIEW® runtime engine to load and run. When LabVIEW® demonstration program is launched, a virtual Model 3000 front panel is displayed along with additional functions that include plots of the meter readings and histogram, offset adjustments, sample rate, and data logging to disk file. A screen shot of the LabVIEW® demonstration program can be found here. For many users, the demonstration program maybe all that is needed to acquire and store data. For users who wish to customize the demonstration program or write their own virtual instrument program, we provide a complete set of LabVIEW® VI's. The Model 3000 LabVIEW® demonstration program, USB drivers, LabVIEW® VI's, and software installation instructions are provided on the application CD shipped with each instrument, or they can be downloaded here. We currently support LabVIEW® versions 7.1, 8.2, and 8.5. A factory installable upgrade with all of the digital I/O features is available for most older instruments. Contact sales@glkinst.com for details.

The basic accuracy of the Model 3000 is +/- (0.1% of reading +2 digits). Each unit is calibrated using capacitor standards maintained by GLK Instruments. These standards are compared to our primary GR 1404-A Reference Standard Capacitor. Traceability to NIST is provided at no extra charge.

*United States Patent No. 4806846, LabVIEW® is a registered trademark of National Instruments www.ni.com

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Operating Manual and Complete Specifications

Current 2010 Price List

Operating Manual and Complete Specifications (Adobe PDF format)

Current 2010 Price List (Adobe PDF format)

Click here to get latest Adobe PDF reader

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We accept checks drawn on a US bank, wire transfer (bank fees apply, usually $25), money orders, company purchase orders, and PayPal. Credit cards are accepted through PayPal. Our PayPal email address is: sales@glkinst.com. If using PayPal, we will gladly generate a PayPal invoice for your convenience in paying by credit card or other funds. We are a verified member of PayPal.

Note: International orders, add 1.5% to total (including shipping).

For more information, delivery times, or quotations, please email us at sales@glkinst.com

GLK Instruments
858.272.6325 voice
858.272.5209 fax*

email: sales@glkinst.com

*Note: Due to the large number of "junk" fax transmissions, our fax machine must be activated by us to receive. Please notify or email us before sending fax. Alternatively, attach fax to email as an Adobe pdf document.

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HP / Agilent Replacement Cables
We offer dozens of replacement cables for a variety of older HP / Agilent test equipment such a the 141T Spectrum Analyzer System, and tracking generators and filters, 8750 and 8501 storage normalizers, etc. We now offer the RF and I/O interconnect cables for the 8566, 8567, 8568 A/B Spectrum Analyzers and have added support for the 8505A and 8510 Network Analyzer System.

Reconditioned Test Equipment, Upgrades, and Manuals

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Updated 18 February 2010
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