
ESR70 User Guide November 2021 – Rev 14
Page 7
Analysing Capacitors
continued…
The ESR analysis typically takes around 2 seconds to complete, followed by
up to around 3 seconds for the capacitance measurement (depending on the
characteristics of the capacitor).
As soon as a valid ESR reading has
been obtained, the ESR value is
displayed while the instrument
proceeds to measure the capacitance.
If the presence of external circuitry did
not adversely affect the capacitance
measurement, the capacitor value will
be displayed.
If the capacitance could not be
accurately determined (perhaps it is in-
circuit or a “leaky” capacitor), the
display will only show the value of
ESR measured.
If the instrument cannot detect any
sensible capacitor behaviour, then it
may display this:
It is not necessary to wait for the capacitance measurement to complete if you
are not interested in the capacitance value. If the probes are removed from the
component under test before the
capacitance measurement has
completed, the display will confirm
that the capacitance has not be
measured.
It can be useful to disconnect the probes before the capacitance measurement
has completed if you are wanting to simply check the ESR of multiple
components in succession.
Measuring C...
ES = 0.21
Cap = 476.6µF
ES = 0.21
In-Circuit/Leaky
ES = 0.21
(C not measured)
ES = 0.21
In-Circuit/Short
ES = 0.21