Apr 15, 2019 
Siborg Systems Inc. has updated their LCR-Reader-MP device and is gearing up for the release of the LCR-Reader-MPA, the most advanced multifunctional tweezer-meter yet.
The new model offers a 0.1% basic accuracy and features not found on any other tweezer-multimeter, including oscilloscope mode, diode/LED tests, AC/DC voltage/current measurement, super large capacitance testing, continuity/open testing, 100 kHz test frequency and more.
Siborg has radically updated the design of the MPA. The new body style weighs slightly more than 1 oz. and is almost 1.5 times lighter than the previous MP model. The tweezer handles were redesigned to provide more stability; the gold-plated tweezer probes provide a more reliable contact with components. The overall size of the display was reduced slightly but now offers character size for more comfortable sizing. The previously used jog-wheel was replaced with a 4-way joy-stick navigation. As for features on the device, 3 test signal levels were included: 0.1, 0.5, and 1 Vrms; the latter is important for more accuracy while testing ceramic capacitors. The MP included a slide switch for voltage measurements but this was replaced with an automatic relay switch on the MPA. The LED test voltage signal was increased to 3.5 Volts. And the signal source resistance was reduced to 100 Ohms for better testing of smaller resistances and inductances and larger capacitances.
Based on the popular design that combines a set of tweezers with a powerful but lightweight multimeter, LCR-Reader-MPA can easily grasp components to a 0201 size, either mounted on a crowded PCB or loose. The device will automatically determine the component type and best test parameters to use before testing with a 0.1% basic accuracy. All measurement values, including any secondary values (ESR, Q or D) are instantly displayed on the devices’ backlit-LCD display. The 4-way joystick navigation allows users to change basic test functions without entering the menus by pressing directionally.
The MPA’s wide range of test functions make it exceptionally useful for any time-sensitive test. One of the main features of the device is the ability to test using a 100 kHz test frequency; allowing for a 0.1 nH resolution for inductance measurements and 0.001 pF resolution for capacitance.
MPA is able to test Large and Super Large Capacitances up to 640 mF due to the wide frequency range. The device is able to be set or select from 100, 120 Hz, 1, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 75 and 100 kHz. Electrolytic capacitors are measured at 120 Hertz while ESR is tested at 100 kHz according to regular electrolytic capacitor test conditions.
The oscilloscope mode on the MPA has not been included on a device since Smart Tweezers ST-1. This mode provides an analog graph display that is bets used for testing voltage waveforms on active circuit boards with frequencies up to 100 kHz. This mode is exceptionally useful when used with Siborg’s Kelvin Probe Connector set. This set turns LCR-Reader, MP, MPA Smart Tweezers devices in a low-frequency probe station and allows the device to measure components wider than the tweezers’ gap would normally allow. The set comes with various accessories including pin probes, alligator clips, spade connector, etc.
Included with LCR-Reader-MPA is a hard-shelled carrying case, pre-installed gold-plated tweezer probes, Offset Calibration Board, and NIST Traceable calibration certificate. Siborg also offers other accessories for the device, including spare bent tweezer probes.
Features on LCR-Reader-MPA:
- Fully automatic and manual LCR, ESR, LED/Diode measurements
- 0.1% basic accuracy
- Automatic and manual test frequency selection; 100, 120 Hz, 1, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 ,60, 75 and 100 kHz
- AC/DC Current measurements; AC/DC voltage measurements up to 15 V
- Easy Open/Short calibration and offset removal
- Automatic Test Signal Reduction to 0.1 V for in-circuit measurements
- Test Signal levels; 0.1, 0.5, and 1 Vrms
- Oscilloscope Transient Voltage up to 100 kHz
- Handles components to a 0201 size (0.3 mm)
- Displays active and reactive impedance components
- Signal Generator with Sine wave up to 100 kHz
- Li-Ion battery and micro-USB charging port
- 1 oz. weight
- Backlit LCD display
- Gold-plated test leads
LCR-Reader-MPA will be available in the Spring of 2019 on Siborg’s Amazon sales channels and through their online store, the LCR-Reader Store.
Siborg also offers a selection of test devices for SMT, including Smart LED Test Tweezers, Kelvin Probe Connector, LCR-Reader and Smart Tweezers, including the Smart Tweezers Bluetooth model with communication between PC, Android and iOS. The LCR-Reader Store also offers accessories for LCR-Reader and Smart Tweezers.
