CAN Smart Tweezers - User Manual

Controllers Area Networks Inc. Smart Tweezers User Manual Version 1.0
Page 1 of 16
Controllers
Area
Network Inc.
Smart Tweezers
User Manual Version 1.0
This Device Invented, Developed, and Manufactured in
CANADA
Patent Pending

Summary

Notice and Safety Information

Notice

Provides a disclaimer regarding the accuracy and responsibility for omissions or errors in the document.

Safety Information

Outlines warnings and cautions for safe operation and to prevent damage to the device and tested equipment.

Overview of Smart Tweezers

Product Description

Introduces Smart Tweezers as an R-L-C meter designed for component evaluation and sorting.

Quick Reference Guide

Display Area Overview

Describes the primary display, secondary display, and bar graph components of the device screen.

Control Buttons and Features

Explains the function of the Jog Dial Button, Reset Button, Virtual Ground, and Slide Switch.

Using the Smart Tweezers

Powering On and Off

Details how to turn the Smart Tweezers ON and explains the automatic power-off feature.

Battery Management

Specifies the battery type and explains the low battery indication warning.

Menu Structure and Settings

Changing Default Settings

Explains how to modify the default operating configuration of Smart Tweezers.

System, Sound, and Display Settings

Covers SYSTEM menu, sound ON/OFF, and display orientation/contrast settings.

Period, Factory Defaults, and Saving

Details setting the testing period, restoring factory defaults, and saving configuration changes.

Measurements and Testing

Measurement Setting Menu

Describes how to access the Measure menu to change measurement parameters.

Resistance, Inductance, Capacitance

Explains how to measure R, L, and C using auto or manual modes.

Test Frequency Settings

Details how to set the test frequency for specific measurements.

Voltage Measurement and Trace

Explains how to measure DC voltage and use the TRACE mode for oscilloscope display.

Adjusting Voltage Offset

Guides on how to adjust the voltage offset using the CALIBER mode.

Maintenance and Specifications

General Maintenance

Provides instructions for cleaning the device terminals to maintain measurement accuracy.

Replacing Batteries

Step-by-step guide on how to replace the device batteries.

Troubleshooting Guide

Offers steps to isolate potential malfunctions and issues with the device.

Physical and Operating Specifications

Lists physical dimensions, operating temperature, humidity, and battery life.

Detailed Accuracy Specifications

Provides precise accuracy details for resistance, capacitance, and inductance measurements.

Feature Summary

Summarizes key features including dual displays, auto-ranging, and continuity testing.

Labeling, Verification, and Warranty

FCC Compliance

States compliance with FCC Rules and operational conditions regarding interference.

Product Warranty

Details the 12-month warranty, coverage, and conditions for repair or replacement.

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Usage Features
3. Maintenance Features

Smart Tweezers is an R-L-C meter integrated into a set of tweezers, designed for efficient evaluation, testing, and sorting of surface-mounted devices (SMD) components. Its primary function is to provide automatic recognition of measurement modes (Resistance, Inductance, and Capacitance), making it suitable for production line component evaluation, on-board impedance testing, and SMD component sorting. The device's unique mechanical and electronic design incorporates a built-in direct precision SMD probe, which simplifies the process of identifying and testing components.

Function Description

The core functionality of Smart Tweezers revolves around its ability to automatically measure resistance, inductance, and capacitance. This automatic mode allows the operator to focus on the component under test without manually selecting the measurement type or range. The device is capable of performing fully automatic auto-range measurements for these parameters. For specific measurement needs or to achieve better accuracy, most measurement functions also offer a manual mode, which can be selected using the jog dial button.

Beyond its primary R-L-C measurement capabilities, Smart Tweezers also includes features for DC voltage measurement. It can measure DC voltage from 100uV to 800mV in AUTO mode, with an extended range up to 8V when the slide switch is manually engaged. A unique "TRACE" mode provides an oscilloscope-like display of voltage, allowing users to visualize AC voltage measurements. The device also includes a "CALIBR" mode for adjusting voltage offset and a "BATTERY" mode to check the current battery voltage.

For continuity and open circuit testing, the device incorporates a beeper that sounds for resistance readings below a certain threshold or to indicate a momentary open circuit. This audible feedback enhances the user experience, especially during quick checks.

Usage Features

Smart Tweezers is designed for ease of use, incorporating several features to streamline the measurement process:

• Display Area: The device features two display modes: Primary and Secondary. The Primary Display, located in the middle, is larger and shows the main reading, typically with 5 digits. An "OUT OF RANGE" message indicates an overload condition. The Secondary Display, located at the top, is smaller and shows additional parameters or measurement conditions. For example, it can display the Equivalent Series Resistance (ESR) value while the primary display shows the capacitor value.
• Bar Graph: An analog bar graph at the bottom of the display provides a visual indication of the measured input, offering a quick reference for the magnitude of the reading.
• Jog Dial Button: This multi-functional button is central to navigating the device's menus and settings. Users can move the button left or right to change the displayed menu and press it down to select or execute a function.
• Reset Button: A dedicated reset button allows users to reset the unit, which may be necessary after changing batteries.
• Virtual Ground Connector: For in-circuit measurements, a virtual ground connector is provided. Connecting this point to the circuit ground helps eliminate the influence of grounded components, improving measurement accuracy. It is crucial not to use the virtual ground when the tested circuit is under power.
• Slide Switch: This switch enables an optional 1/10 voltage divider, allowing the device to measure DC voltage up to 8V. It's important to turn off the slide switch after voltage measurement to prevent incorrect results in automatic mode.
• Turning On/Off: The device is turned on by pressing the jog dial button. A sign in the low left corner of the display (A, R, L, or C) indicates that the device is ON and ready for measurements, corresponding to auto, resistance, inductance, and capacitance modes, respectively.
• Automatic Power Off: To conserve battery life, Smart Tweezers automatically powers off and enters a "sleep" mode if no component is touched or button pressed for approximately 30 seconds. Pressing the jog dial button wakes the device, returning it to the previously selected function. This automatic power-off feature is disabled in VOLTAGE, TRACE, or MENU modes.
• Menu Structure: The device offers a comprehensive menu structure accessible from the main menu. Users can navigate to "AUTOSET" to restore factory defaults, or to "SYSTEM" and "MEASURE" menus to customize settings.
  • SYSTEM Setting Menu: This menu allows users to set up system parameters for all functions.
    • SOUND Menu: Users can turn the beeper ON or OFF for continuity/open test indications.
    • DISPLAY Orientation Setting: This setting allows changing the display orientation (RIGHT/LEFT), contrast, and timeout.
    • Setting Testing PERIOD: Users can adjust the reading period (e.g., 2 SEC, 1 SEC, 1/2 SEC, 1/4 SEC) for measurements.
  • MEASUREMENT Setting Menu: This menu is used to measure specific components or change measurement parameters.
    • Measuring Resistance, Inductance, or Capacitance: Users can select AUTO mode for automatic measurement or manually choose R, L, or C for specific parameter measurements.
    • Test Frequency Setting: The device defaults to AUTO test frequency. Users can also set fixed test frequencies (e.g., 10 kHz, 1 kHz, 0.1 kHz) for specific measurements, such as very small or very large capacitance or inductance values.
    • Measuring Voltage: As mentioned, AUTO mode measures DC voltage. TRACE mode provides a graphical display, and CALIBR mode is for voltage offset adjustment. BATTERY mode displays the current battery voltage.
• Saving Setup Options: Changes made in the menus are saved by choosing "EXIT" from the current menu. Choosing "EXIT" from the main menu saves all changes and exits the setup mode.

Maintenance Features

Proper maintenance ensures the longevity and accuracy of Smart Tweezers:

• General Maintenance: Dirt or moisture in the terminals can negatively affect measurement accuracy. Regular cleaning of the terminals is recommended.
  • To clean, first turn off the device.
  • Shake out any loose dirt from the terminals.
  • Use a new swab soaked in alcohol to clean around each terminal.
  • Abrasives or solvents should not be used for cleaning.
• Replacing the Batteries: The device uses three 1.5V alkaline or air-zinc button-type batteries (Type 357A or LR44).
  • A "Low Battery" message and icon appear on the display when batteries are about 90% depleted, indicating that replacement is needed soon.
  • To replace batteries:
    1. Remove three screws using a TORX #5 screwdriver and lift the cover.
    2. Replace the batteries, observing the "+" and "-" signs for correct orientation.
    3. Secure the cover.
    4. Press the reset button after battery replacement.
• Troubleshooting: In case of a malfunction, a few steps can help isolate the problem:
  1. Check the battery status.
  2. Review the operating instructions to ensure correct procedure.
  • Caution: Except for battery replacement, any repair of the device should only be performed by an Authorized Service Center or qualified service personnel.

CAN Smart Tweezers Specifications

General

Display	OLED
Auto Power Off	Yes
Type	LCR Meter
Test Frequency	100 Hz, 1 kHz, 10 kHz, 100 kHz
Connectivity	USB