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Model 3550 LCR Meter Instruction Manual Operating Instructions
The Comparator
Important Notes for the Absolute and Percent Comparator Functions
Comparator settings can only be defined and stored into panels 1-9. Before a comparator setting
can be defined, a panel, 1-9 must be recalled.
This is done by pressing the [0-9] key until the desired panel is active while the 3550 is in the
measurement mode.
Settings for DISPLAY A, DISPLAY B and CIRCUIT MODE must be finalized in the panel setting, [1-
9] before defining comparator upper and lower limits. This is because these values cannot be
changed after the comparator high and low limits have been set.
If any of the DISPLAY A, DISPLAY B, or CIRCUIT MODE keys, ([A][B][AUTO][SER][PRL]) are
pressed after the comparator limits have been set, the [LOW] and [HIGH] LEDs of the comparator
will start flashing to indicate an illegal operation. If either the [LOW] or [HIGH] keys are pressed
afterwards then all of the comparator settings will be cleared. This will be indicated by “_____”
appearing on the display. Pressing any other keys on the front panel will return the instrument to
measurement mode without affecting the comparator settings.
The 3550 offers a dual-function comparator meaning that for each BIN there are two comparator
settings that may be defined. The DISPLAY A setting allows a high and low limit to be defined for
L, C, R, |Z|, and |Y| measurements while DISPLAY B allows limits to be set for D, Q, RS, RP, G, X,
B, or LJ. The comparator is equipped to offer an output based on the measurement results of
DISPLAY A only, DISPLAY B only or the combined measurement results of both DISPLAY A and
DISPLAY B.
The comparator may be used in absolute or percent mode. In the absolute mode, the comparator
high and low limits are defined by entering absolute value high or low limits. This means that the
high and low limits are entered as actual magnitudes and units of measure. The percent mode
requires that the high and low limits are defined in terms of a percentage of a nominal value. The
following sections provide instruction for setting the high and low limits in the Absolute or Percent
Comparator modes.
During high and low limit setup, if a numeric key is pressed that will create a limit value, which
falls outside of the measured parameter’s range, the instrument will disable the functionality of
that key.
Refer to the following sections for additional information regarding the 3550 comparator functions.
[SHIFT]
ĺ [5] –Setting the comparator buzzer function.
[SHIFT]
ĺ [7] – Absolute or Percentage Comparator Function
8 - Comparator Limit Set Panel
18 – Comparator ON/OFF Switch