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New Generation Precision Impedance Analyzerfor functionality and efficiency in engineering

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ileHP Prec is ion Impedance Analyzer4294A

40 Hz to 110 MHz

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The HP 4294A Precision Impedance Analyzer greatly supports accurate impedance measurementand analysis of a wide variety of electronic devices (components and circuits) as well as electronicand non-electronic material.

· Accurate measurement over wide impedance range and wide frequency range.· Powerful impedance analysis functions.· Ease of use and versatile PC connectivity.

UUsseerr--ffrriieennddllyy iinntteerrffaaccee Based on HP's widelyaccepted user-interface.

HHPP IIBBAASSIICC pprrooggrraammmmiinnggffuunnccttiioonn Automaticsetup, measurement andcomputation as well asremote instrument controlis possible.

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IImmppeeddaannccee mmeeaassuurreemmeenntt ppoorrttss Four-Terminal-pair measurement configurationand the newest auto-balancing bridge techniqueenable high accuracy and wide impedance range.

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LLAANN IInntteerrffaaccee ((1100 BBaassee--TT)) Another instrument control method or simplified file sharing.

PPrriinntteerr ((CCeennttrroonniiccss)) IInntteerrffaacceeConnects PCL3 printers directlyto the instrument.

EExxtteerrnnaall VVGGAA OOuuttppuuttDisplay measurements on alarge VGA monitor. Reduceseyestrain, improves teamwork and communication.

HHPP--IIBB IInntteerrffaaccee Automaticmeasurement system is easilyconfigured with an externalinstrument or computer.

TTwwoo ddiiggiittaall II//OO ppoorrttss Control other instrument(s) or use an external controller (instrumentor computer) via 8bit or 24bitprogrammable I/O port.

HP 4294A Precision Impedance Analyzer, NEW FEATURES

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Other components:· Impedance evaluation ofprinted circuit boards, relays,switches, cables, batteries,etc.

Materials:

Dielectric material:· Permittivity and loss tangentevaluation of plastics, ceram-ics, printed circuit boards andother dielectric materials.

Magnetic material:· Permeability and loss tan-gent evaluation of ferrite,amorphous and other magnet-ic materials.

Semiconductor material:· Permittivity, conductivityand C-V characterization ofsemiconductor materials.

The following are applica-tion examples:

Electronic Devices:

Passive component:· Impedance measurement oftwo terminal componentssuch as capacitors, inductors,ferrite beads, resistors, trans-formers, crystal/ceramic res-onators, multi-chip modulesor array/network components.

Semiconductor components:· C-V characteristic analysis ofVaractor Diodes· Parasitic analysis of a diode,transistor, or IC packageterminal/leads.· Amplifier input/outputimpedance measurement.

The HP 4294A is a powerfultool for design, qualification,quality control, and produc-tion testing of electronic com-ponents. Circuit designers anddevelopers can also benefitfrom the performance/func-tionality offered.

Moreover, the HP 4294A'shigh measurement perform-ance and capable functionalitydelivers a powerful tool to cir-cuit design and developmentas well as materials researchand development (both elec-tronic and non-electronicmaterials) environments.

40 Hz to 110 MHz

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HP 4294A Key Specifications

(*1) 30% typical accuracy range: 3mΩ (100 Hz to 110MHz), 500MΩ (100Hz to 200kHz)

Operating Frequency: 40Hz to 110MHz, 1mHz resolution

Basic Impedance Accuracy: ±0.08%

Q Accuracy: ±3% (typical) @ Q=100, ≤10MHz

Impedance Range: 3mΩ to 500MΩ (∗1)

Measurement Time: 3 m sec / point @ f ≥ 500kHz, BW = 1 (Fast)

Number of points per sweep: 2 to 801 points

Measurement Type: 4 terminal pair measurement (Standard)

APC-7 One port measurement with HP 42942A (Measurable grounded devices )

Impedance probe measurement with HP 42941A (Measurable grounded devices )

Impedance Parameters: |Z|, |Y|, θ, R, X, G, B, L, C, D, Q

DC Bias: 0 to±40 V / 100 mA , 1mV / 40 µA resolution

Constant voltage / constant current mode, DC bias V/I monitor function

OSC Level: 5 mV to 1 Vrms / 200 µA to 20 mArms OSC level V/I monitor function

Sweep Parameter: Frequency, OSC level (V/I), DC bias (V/I)

Sweep Type: Linear, Log, List : Manual sweep mode : Up/Down sweep

Other Function: Equivalent circuit analysis function , Limit line function

Trace accumulate mode

Marker: 8 markers (one main marker and 7 sub markers)

Delta marker function, Marker search function (Max, Min, Peak, Next peak etc.)

Marker analysis function

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This is due to the fact thatthere are both capacitive andinductive elements present inreal world components.Component characteristicscannot be expressed correctlywith a two-element modelwhen the model contains onlyone single reactive element.The HP 4294A equivalent cir-cuit function enables model-ing of the impedance vs. fre-quency characteristics withthree or four elements. Thisfunction helps you designquality circuits and effectivecomponents.

Equivalent Circuit Analysis:

The equivalent circuit func-tion is used to fit a circuitmodel to measured data, or tosimulate device performancebased on the value of each cir-cuit model element.

There is no ideal inductor (L),capacitor(C), or resistor(R).In reality, operating conditionssuch as signal level and fre-quency determine the real-world performance of a devicebased on the electronic char-acteristics of the device. Anideal component of high quali-ty could be considered toposses a single, perfect circuitelement over some frequencyrange. However, in reality,most components will resonateas shown in these figures asthe frequency increases.

Accurate, real-world characterization of electronic components

The HP 4294A has been pro-grammed with five equivalentcircuit models to choose from.This function automaticallyextracts equivalent circuitparameters from actual meas-urement data. The character-istics of the device under test(DUT) or the material under

test (MUT) can be analyzedwith extracted model elementvalues.

NOTE: The simulation resultand the actual measurementdata can be displayed on thesame screen.

After taking a measurement,

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select an appropriate circuitmodel

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Then compare the simulationto the actual measurementdata. If the data does notmatch, select a differentequivalent circuit model andtry again.

and extract the circuit modelparameters.

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The HP 4294A employs astate-of-the-art auto-balanc-ing-bridge technique in a four-terminal-pair (4TP) measure-ment configuration.Meticulous circuit designagainst distortion and instabil-ity resulted in a highly accu-rate and stable measurementsystem for a wide impedancerange.

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For evaluation of low-lossdevices:

With the trend toward lowerpower consumption and com-pact equipment, inductorsand capacitors are becomingsmaller with lower loss. Theefficiency improvement in

For evaluating devices withwide impedance range

A wide impedance range isrequired to accurately meas-ure both resonant impedanceand anti-resonant impedanceof crystal/ceramic resonators.

The HP 4294A covering sever-al decades (m Ω to hundredsof M Ω) of impedance canmeasure resonator character-istics accurately.

The dynamic range of the HP4294A in terms of impedanceis more than 200dB. Whencompared to that of a generalnetwork analyzer with a direc-tional bridge, at 80dB, it isclear, the HP 4294A has anextremely broad impedance-measurement range.

0%10%20%30%

40%50%60%70%80%

90%100%

100 1k 10k 100k 1M 10M 110M

Q a

ccu

racy

%

Frequency (Hz)

Q=100

Q=300

Q=500

HP 4294A Q accuracy (typical)OSC level = 250mV

Low-loss capacitor ESR(Equivalent Series Resistance)measurement (100µF ceramic C)

1m ΩQ ≥ 200

High Q inductor measurement(Low-loss)

100 1k 10k 100k 1M 10M110M

Impe

danc

e Ω

Frequency (Hz)

30%10%

1m

10m

100m

1

10

100

1k

10k

100k

1M

10M

100M

1G

30%10%

Crystal resonator impedancemeasurement

SMD capacitor impedancemeasurement (using the HP42942A)

3.3pF

56pF

470pF

4700pF

0.047µF

10m Ω

Impedance measurementrange (typical)

1 Ω

1G Ω

3M Ω

6 Ω

State-of-the-art technology for improved measurement performance

power conversion for switch-ing power supply applicationsis an example. These applica-tions require low-loss induc-tors and capacitors.

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Signal level dependency: Efficient analysis with thelist sweep function

Signal level dependency of aceramic capacitor with highpermittivity (signal-levelswept from 5mV to 1V, 0.1 µFcapacitor at 1kHz)

The impedance characteristicsof some devices change dras-tically as a function of the sig-nal level. The HP 4294A cansweep test signal voltage,5mVrms to 1Vrms(1mV reso-lution), or test signal current200µArms to 20µArms(20µAresolution) to evaluate signallevel dependency.

DC level dependency:

Varactor diode capacitance vs.DC voltage characteristic.DC bias sweep from 0V DC to5V DC. f=1MHz

The DC component of anapplied signal often affectsdevice impedance. The HP4294A can sweep either theDC voltage bias from -40V to+40V (with 1mV resolution)or the DC current bias from-100mA to +100mA (with40µA resolution) to evaluateDC signal dependency. Thiscapability also empowersanalysis of the DC-voltage biasdependency for C-V charac-terization of varactor diodesor other DC-voltage biasdependent devices. The DClevel dependency figure showsan example of varactor diodemeasurement.

The DC Bias Auto LevelControl (ALC) function, basedon a feedback loop technique,accurately maintains theapplied DC voltage bias orcurrent bias. While the imped-ance of a device might changeduring a sweep, this ALCfunction insures that the sig-nal level setting is the actualsignal level applied to theDUT.

The list sweep functionenables different measure-ment setups in a single sweepby dividing the sweep rangeinto segments. The measure-ment setup, including the fre-quency range, averaging time,measurment bandwidth, testsignal level (V or A), and DCbias can be different for eachsegment. The frequency rangeof each segment can be con-tinuous, separated or over-lapped.

Evaluation of a crystal res-onator requires that the nomi-nal resonant frequency, thenominal anti-resonant fre-quency and some spuriousfrequencies be determined.These parameters can be effi-ciently measured by setting anappropriate frequency rangefor each segment.

Impedance Analysis under Various Operating Conditions

Sweep, Display and Markers

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Accumulation of resonance vs.temperature data for a ceram-ic capacitor

Marker functionsPeak search, NextPeak search, Max/Min search, band-width search, andother marker

Data/Memory traceA data trace and a memorytrace are available at eachchannel. The underlying datacan be saved as the memorytrace. Some simple calcula-tions are possible with DataMath functions.

List Sweep modeSuperimpose and comparemeasurement data on the samedisplay by setting the list sweepsegments to the same frequencyrange with different DC Bias ortest signal levels. Markers can beused on each trace.

Superimpose Trace(Accumulate) modeThis mode is used to observean intermittent event or achange in the characteristicperformance of a device overtime.

Up Sweep / Down SweepControl the sweep direc-tion. Sweep frequency,test signal level, or DCbias from lower to higheror higher to lower value.

DC Bias / Test Signal Level MonitorAccurate reading of the DC Bias ortest signal level.

Manual Sweep functionIterative measurementsat a user designatedpoint. After measuringthe overall perform-ance of a device withina wide range, you canevaluate the character-istic at a specific point.

Trace StatisticsAverage, standard deviationand peak of each trace.

Capacitance variations ofceramic capacitor (2.2µF) withhigh permittivity measured bystepping the test signal levelfrom 0.1V to 0.9V in 0.2V step(five list sweep segments).

Inductor DC dependencycharacteristics (100µH induc-tor at 100kHz) UP and DOWNDC current bias sweep from-100mA to +100mA Hysteresisis observed.

7 sub markersMeasurement and frequencydata are displayed as submarker softkey labels.

Ceramic resonatormeasurement

ScaleLog or Linear

Sweep typeLog, Linear or List

Powerful functions for Efficient Evaluation

3 multi-trace modes for comparison evaluation

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HP IBASIC programmingfunctionHP Instrument BASIC (HPIBASIC) is a programminglanguage developed from HPBASIC programming language.The keystroke recording func-tion helps to easily developautomatic measurement pro-gram with front panel keys.When a key is pressed, theHP-IB command correspon-ding to the key is automatical-ly recorded in the program.Writing or editing programsthe old fashioned way is madeeasier with the mini-DIN key-board.

One touch HP IBASIC pro-gram executionWhen you press the softkeywith the file name of an IBA-SIC program saved in eitherinternal memory or floppydisk, the program is automati-cally downloaded and execut-ed. Once customized IBASICprograms are developed,quick measurement and dataanalysis is possible becauseeach program works as if it isa built-in function.

Limit TestLimit test of PIN diode imped-ance.4 segment list sweep with dif-ferent DC bias voltages anddifferent frequency rangesusing constant DC bias volt-age (ALC) mode.

Labs today often require sys-tem configurations in whichtest instruments interact withother instruments or hand-shake with external computers.

HP 4294A functions that sup-port efficient systems:

· HP Instrument BASIC pro-gramming function for auto-matic measurement or externalmeasurement instrument con-trol without an external com-puter.· List Sweep function for meas-uring only at desired points.· Limit line function for Go/No-Go testing.· Built-in 10Mbyte non-volatilememory for quickly save/recalldata/setup.· Two types programmable dig-ital I/O port (24bit and 8 bit)for data transfer with externaldevice such as sensor, and forexternal device control.· LAN interface for networkingwith computers.

The LAN I/F dramaticallyexpands the ability to sharefiles, data, or instrument con-trol. Measurement setup,result, and graphics files canbe transferred via FTP (FileTransfer Protocol) to or fromthe instrument.

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HP 4294A Interfaces

The HP 4294A has VGA out-put on the rear panel.Automatic test or componentadjustment in production lineor QA test can easily be per-formed with a large externalmonitor.

A Feature with high visibility

Easy, automatic measurement system configurations

The HP 42942A Terminal Adapterconverts the four-terminal-pairport configuration to an APC-7port. This adapter permits theuse of familiar APC-7 (7mm) testfixtures.

Again, grounded measurement isavailable.

Key specification:Frequency: 40Hz - 110 MHzDC Bias: 0 to ± 40 VOperation temperature range:0° to 40° CBasic Impedance accuracy: ±0.6%

HP 42942A Terminal Adapter:

Material Test Fixtures:

The HP 42941A Impedance Probe enablesin-circuit impedance measurement of elec-tronic circuits or components. Groundeddevices can also be measured.

Key specification:Frequency: 40Hz - 110 MHzDC BIAS: 0 to ± 40 VOperation temperature range: -20° to 75° CBasic Impedance Accuracy: ±0.8%

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Use of a dielectric material fix-ture such as the HP 16451B orthe HP 16452A allows accuratedielectric material measure-ment. Permeability of magneticmaterials can also be evaluatedwith the HP 42942A and HP16454A magnetic material testfixture. Automatic measurementand permittivity/permeabilityanalysis can easily be performedby using built-in IBASIC or byI/O to a computer where theanalysis can be performed.

DUT. These HP extension acces-sories operate over the entirefrequency and temperaturerange (40 Hz to 110 MHz, -20° Cto +150° C) of the HP 4294A.

HP 42941A Impedance probe

Other accessories:When a DUT cannot be posi-tioned near the instrument, a4TP extension (HP 16048G: 1mor HP 16048H: 2m) can be usedto extend the test station to the

Accessories for various measurement needs

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HP 42942A Terminal Adapter

Converts four-terminal-pair portconfiguration to an APC-7 port.

Items Included:· APC-7 Open reference· APC-7 Short reference· APC-7 50Ω reference· Operation manual/Specification

sheet

Option:001 Delete Open/Short/50Ω ref-erences

Accessories Available:

HP 42941A ImpedanceProbe kitConvert four-terminal-pairsport configuration to a oneport probe.

Furnished items:· Impedance Probe with 1.5m

cable· Short reference· 50Ω reference· BNC Adapter· Ground lead· Clip lead· Three spare pins· Operation manual and spec

ification sheet

HP 4294A PrecisionImpedance Analyzer

Accessories Included:· 100Ω Load Resistor for Four-

Terminal-Pair Extension· Mini DIN Keyboard for HP

IBASIC· Sample Program Disk· Operation Manual· Power Cable

Options:· 1A2 Delete Mini DIN Keyboard· 1D5 High-stability Frequency

Reference· ABA English Localization· UK6 Commercial Calibration

Certificate with test data· 1CM Rack Mount Kit· 1CN Front Handle Kit· 1CP Rack Mount and Front

Handle Kit

Accessories Available:

Four-terminal-pair test leads(HP 16048G / HP 16048H):

1m/2m four-terminal-pair portextension cable with BNC con-nectors.Frequency: 40Hz - 110 MHzDC Bias: 0 ± 40 VOperation Temperature range:-20° to 150° CCable length: 1m (HP 16048G)

2m (HP 16048H)

Ordering Information:

HP 16192A (DC - 2GHz)This fixture uses side elec-trode contacts 0603 (1608) orlarger size components.Notes: The HP 42942Aadapter is required.

Fixtures for SMD components

HP 16034G0201 (0603) to 1206 (3216) sizecomponents. Maximum dimen-sions: 5mm(L) x 1.6mm (W) x1.6mm(H)HP 16047A/D (DC - 3MHz/40MHz)

For leaded components. Thesefixtures use spring actuatedclamps to hold device leads.

HP 16092A (DC - 500MHz)

For leaded or surface mount(SMD) components.Attachments for leaded or SMDcomponents are provided.Notes: The HP 42942A adapteris required.

HP 16093A/B (DC-250MHz)This is a binding post typefixture. Notes: The HP42942A adapter is required.

Fixtures for leaded compo-nents

HP 16047E (DC - 110 MHz)For leaded components. Thisfixture features the capabilityto clamp the leads betweenthe electrodes and adjust thepressure. A guard terminal isprovided for three port devicemeasurements.

Accessories Provided:Shorting PlateHP 4294A Mounting Tool

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HP 16092A (DC - 500MHz)For leaded or surface mount(SMD) components.Attachments for leaded or SMDcomponents are provided.Notes: The HP 42942A adapteris required.

HP 16044A (DC - 10MHz)Features a Kelvin Connectionsuitable for low impedancemeasurement of 0603 (1608)size components or larger. Maximum dimensions: 8mm(L) x 8mm(W) x 3mm(H)

HP 16034E (DC - 40MHz)0603 (1608) or larger size com-ponents can be measured.Maximum dimensions: 8mm(L) x 10mm(W) x 8mm(H)

HP 16191A/16193A (DC - 2GHz)These fixtures use surface elec-trode contacts, where theHP16191A is for 0805 (2012)size components or larger, andthe HP16193 is for 0603 (1608)to 1206 (3216) size components.Notes: The HP 42942A adapteris required.

Fixtures

H

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Material Test Fixtures:

HP 16451B A dielectric material test fixture,with parallel plate electrodes.

For more information about Hewlett-Packard Test and Measurementproducts, applications, services, and for acurrent sales office listing, visit our website, http://www.hp.com/go/tmdir. You canalso contact one of the following centersand ask for a test and measurement salesrepresentative.

UUnniitteedd SSttaatteess::Hewlett-Packard CompanyTest and Measurement Call CenterP.O. Box 4026Englewood, CO 80155-40261 800 452 4844

CCaannaaddaa::Hewlett-Packard Canada Ltd.5150 Spectrum WayMississauga, Ontario L4W 5G1(905) 206 4725

EEuurrooppee::Hewlett-PackardEuropean Marketing CentreP.O. Box 9991180 AZ AmstelveenThe Netherlands(31 20) 547 9900

JJaappaann::Hewlett-Packard Japan Ltd.Measurement Assistance Center9-1, Takakura-Cho, Hachioji-Shi,Tokyo 192, JapanTel: (81) 426 56 7832Fax: (81) 426 56 7840

LLaattiinn AAmmeerriiccaa::Hewlett-PackardLatin American Region Headquarters5200 Blue Lagoon Drive, 9th FloorMiami, Florida 33126, U.S.A.Tel: (305) 267-4245

(305) 267-4220Fax: (305) 267-4288

AAuussttrraalliiaa//NNeeww ZZeeaallaanndd::Hewlett-Packard Australia Ltd.31-41 Joseph StreetBlackburn, Victoria 3130, Australia1 800 629 485

AAssiiaa PPaacciiffiicc:: Hewlett-Packard Asia Pacific Ltd.17-21/F Shell Tower, Times Square,1 Matheson Street, Causeway Bay,Hong KongTel: (852) 2599 7777Fax: (852) 2506 9285

Data subject to changeCopyright © 1999Hewlett-Packard CompanyPrinted in U.S.A. 03/9955996688--33880088EE

HP 16454A (1MHz-1.8GHz)Fixture for troidal magneticmaterial. Notes: The HP 42942Aadapter is required.

(Please refer to the accessoriesselection guide for more detailsof fixtures and accessories.)

Special Purpose Accessories:

HP 16065A (50Hz - 2MHz)External DC bias adapter to +/- 200V.Notes: For leaded components.

40 Hz to 110 Mhz

HP 16452A (20Hz - 30MHz) Liquid test fixture.