Data Sheet
Technical data subject to change
© B&K Precision Corp. 2010
B&K Precision’s 878B and 879B 40,000-count
handheld LCR meters measure inductance,
capacitance, and resistance quickly and precisely.
Additionally, the 879B supports remote control
using SCPI commands and can calculate impedance, Theta, and ESR, features typically found in
bench LCR meters only.
Fast auto ranging and quick measurement configuration such as measurement parameter and test
frequency selection make the 878B and 879B
very simple to operate. The meters also include
handy functions such as data hold,
Min/Max/Average recording, tolerance sorting,
and relative mode.
Measurement data can continuously transfer to a
PC via the meter’s mini USB interface, using
either the provided data logging software or
SCPI commands sent from a custom program.
40,000 counts resolution on primary and
10,000 counts resolution on secondary display
L, C, R and Z (879B only) primary
measurements
Automatic calculation of secondary parameters
D, Q, θ, ESR (θ/ESR for 879B only)
0.5% basic accuracy
Fast auto range design for rapid, easy
component measurements
Relative mode
Visible and audible tolerance mode
Data Hold and Min/Max/Average recording
USB (Virtual COM) interface
SCPI compliant commands for remote
communication
Software for datalogging and front panel
emulation available as free download
Selectable auto-power-off options
Configurable power-up-states
3 year warranty
Applications
Passive component trouble shooting
Electronic assembly
Quality control (component sorting)
Full Featured Handheld LCR Meters
Model 879B has the ability to measure the ESR
(Equivalent Series Resistance) of capacitors. ESR
is the sum of in-phase AC resistance of a capacitor and used to rate a capacitor’s quality. An
ideal capacitor would be lossless and have an
ESR of zero. A capacitor could measure the correct capacitance value, yet still be defective, due
to the component’s excessive in-phase AC resistance. The 879B would be able to detect this
faulty component.
ESR Measurements
Measurements L, C, R, D, Q L, C, R, Z, D, Q, ESR
Test frequency 120 Hz, 1 kHz
100Hz, 120 Hz,
1 kHz, 10 kHz
Backlit display No yes
Tolerance mode 1%, 5%, 10% 1%, 5%, 10%, 20%2
Dual-Display Handheld LCR Meters
Models 878B and 879B
Versatile Configuration
Easy Front Panel Operation
LCD protective visor
Backlight function
(879B only)
Automatic Quality Factor
and Dissipation Factor
calculation. Phase Angle
and ESR measurement
(879B only)
One touch inductance,
capacitance, resistance
and impedance (879
only) measurements
Standard mini USB port
Guard terminal for
better noise immunity
10,000 count
secondary display
40,000 count
primary display
Selectable test
frequencies (878B:
120 Hz/1 kHz, 879B:
100 Hz/120 Hz/1 kHz/
10 kHz)
Calibration function for
improved measurement
accuracy
Blade style inputs for
accurate measurement
of leaded through-hole
components
Free downloadable software is available for your
handheld LCR meter. View and log measurements and setup and configure the instrument’s
measurement parameters.
The advanced auto range circuit design means
you get faster measurements without the need to
manually select ranges.
Increase Productivity with PC
Connectivity
Faster Auto Range
The 878B and 879B’s dual display allows
multiple measurements to be conveniently
displayed at once.
Dual Display
Flexible Operation
A tilt stand provides position flexibility for viewing and operating the meter. The over-molding
rubber case protects the meter for better durability. A single 9V battery or the included DC 12V
power adapter (with model 879B) can be used
to power the meter, giving the user options for
portable or bench-top use.3
Dual-Display Handheld LCR Meters
Models 878B and 879B
Accuracy Specifications
Specifications
 
Measurement Parameters L/C/R/D/Q L/C/R/Z/D/Q/θ/ESR
Test Frequency
Accuracy is 0.02% of actual test frequency
120 Hz, 1 kHz (Test setting)
120.048 Hz, 1 kHz (Actual frequency)
100 Hz,120 Hz, 1 KHz, 10 kHz (Test setting)
100 Hz, 120.048 Hz, 1 kHz, 10 kHz (Actual frequency)
Tolerance Mode 1%, 5%, 10% 1%, 5%, 10%, 20%
Backlit Display None Yes
Test Signal Level ≈ 0.6 Vrms
Measuring Circuit Mode Series mode / Parallel mode
Basic Accuracy 0.5%
Ranging Mode Auto
Measuring Terminals 3 terminals with sockets
Measurement Rate 1.5 reading/second (range auto search not included)
Response Time ≈ 680 ms/DUT
Auto Power-Off 5, 15, 30, 60 minutes, None
Operation Temperature 32° F to 104° F (0° to 40° C); 0-70 % R.H.
Storage Temperature -4° F to 122 °F (-20° to +50° C); 0-80 % R.H.
Low Battery Indication ≈ 6.8 V
Battery Life ≈ 16 hours using Alkaline Battery @ 1 kHz with 100 Ω DUT, with backlight off
Power Consumption ≈ 28 mA (under full power battery) for operation/ 2 µA after Power-off.
Power Requirements 1) DC 9V Battery, 2) Ext. DC Adaptor: DC 12 Vmin –15 Vmax. (Load 50 mA Min.)
Dimensions (L/W/H) 7.5” x 3.5” x 1.6” (190 × 90 × 41) mm
Weight 0.7 lbs (330 grams)
Three Year Warranty
Accessories Included: Red & Black Banana to Alligator Test Leads, 9V Battery, Mini USB Interface Cable, AC Adapter (879B only), Instruction Manual
Range Max Display Lx Accuracy DF (Dx <0.5) Measurement Mode
1000 H 1000.0 H 1.5% + 3 digits 1.5% + 50 digits Parallel
400 H 399.99 H 0.7% + 2 digits 0.7% + 50 digits Parallel
40 H 39.999 H 0.7% + 2 digits 0.7% + 50 digits Series/ Parallel
4000 mH 3999.9 mH 0.5% + 1 digits 0.5% + 50 digits Series
400 mH 399.99 mH 0.6% + 2 digits 0.6% + 50 digits Series
40 mH 39.999 mH 0.9% + 2 digits 0.9% + 50 digits Series
4 mH 3.9999 mH 2.8% + 3 digits 2.8% + 50 digits Series
100 H 100.00 H 1.5% + 3 digits 1.5% + 50 digits Parallel
40 H 39.999 H 0.7% + 2 digits 0.7% + 50 digits Parallel
4000 mH 3999.9 mH 0.7% + 2 digits 0.7% + 50 digits Series/ Parallel
400 mH 399.99 mH 0.5% + 1 digits 0.5% + 50 digits Series
40 mH 39.999 mH 0.6% + 2 digits 0.6% + 50 digits Series
4000 µH 3999.9 µH 0.9% + 2 digits 0.9% + 50 digits Series
400 µH 399.99 µH 2.8% + 3 digits 2.8% + 50 digits Series
1000 mH 1000.0 mH 1.5% + 3 digits 1.5% + 50 digits Parallel
400 mH 399.99 mH 0.7% + 2 digits 0.7% + 50 digits Series/ Parallel
40 mH 39.999 mH 0.5% + 1 digits 0.5% + 50 digits Series
4000 µH 3999.9 µH 0.6% + 2 digits 0.6% + 50 digits Series
400 µH 399.99 µH 0.9% + 2 digits 0.9% +50 digits Series
40 µH 39.999 µH 2.8% + 3 digits 2.8% + 50 digits Series
General
nI ductance
100 Hz*/120 Hz 1 kHz 10 kHz*
Accuracy is expressed as ±(% of reading + number of last significant digits)
Accuracies based within 10% to 100% of full scale of range
Valid after 30 minutes of warm up time and operation at 23 °C + 5 °C, <75% R.H.4
Dual-Display Handheld LCR Meters
Models 878B and 879B
Specifications (cont.)
   DF  
20 mF 20.000 mF 8% + 3 digits 8% + 50 digits Series
4000 µF 3999.9 µF 2% + 2 digits 2% + 50 digits Series
400 µF 399.99 µF 0.7% + 2 digits 0.7% + 50 digits Series
40 µF 39.999 nF 0.5% + 1 digits 0.5% + 50 digits Series
4000 nF 3999.9 nF 0.5% + 1 digits 0.5% + 50 digits Series/ Parallel
400 nF 399.99 nF 0.5% + 2 digits 0.5% + 50 digits Series/ Parallel
40 nF 39.999 nF 0.7% + 1 digits 0.7% + 50 digits Parallel
4 nF 3.9999 nF 2.5% + 2 digits 2.5% + 50 digits Parallel
1000 µF 1000.0 µF 3.7% + 3 digits 3.7% + 50 digits Series
400 µF 399.99 µF 2% + 2 digits 2% + 50 digits Series
40 µF 39.999 µF 0.7% + 2 digits 0.7% + 50 digits Series
4000 nF 3999.9 nF 0.5% + 1 digit 0.5% + 50 digit Series
400 nF 399.99 nF 0.5% + 2 digits 0.5% + 50 digits Series/ Parallel
40 nF 39.999 nF 0.5% + 2 digits 0.5% + 50 digits Series/ Parallel
4000 pF 3999.9 pF 0.7% + 2 digits 0.7% + 50 digits Parallel
400 pF 399.99 pF 2.5% + 2 digits 2.5% + 50 digits Parallel
100 µF 100.00 µF 3.9% + 5 digits 3.9% + 50 digits Series
40 µF 39.999 µF 3.7% + 3 digits 3.7% + 50 digits Series
4000 nF 3999.9 nF 0.7% + 2 digits 0.7% + 50 digits Series
400 nF 399.99 nF 0.5% + 2 digits 0.5% + 50 digits Series
40 nF 39.999 nF 0.5% + 1 digit 0.5% + 50 digit Series/ Parallel
4000 pF 3999.9 nF 0.5% + 2 digits 0.5% + 50 digits Series/ Parallel
400 pF 399.99 pF 0.7% + 2 digits 0.7% + 50 digits Parallel
40 pF 39.999 pF 2.5% + 2 digits 2.5% + 50 digits Parallel
ESR*
   θ 
10 MΩ 10.000 MΩ 5.5% + 3 digits ±3.2° Parallel
4000 kΩ 3999.9 kΩ 2.5% + 2 digits ±1.5° Parallel
400 kΩ 399.99 kΩ 0.7% + 2 digits ±0.4° Parallel
40 kΩ 39.999 kΩ 0.5% + 2 digits ±0.3° Series/ Parallel
4000 Ω 3999.9 Ω 0.5% + 2 digits ±0.3° Series/ Parallel
400 Ω 399.99 Ω 0.5% + 2 digits ±0.3° Series
40 Ω 39.999 Ω 0.7% + 2 digits ±0.4° Series
4 Ω 3.9999 Ω 2.0% + 2 digits ±1.2° Series
   
1000 Ω 999.9 Ω 0.5% + 2 digits Series
100 Ω 99.99 Ω 0.5% + 2 digits Series
10 Ω 9.999 Ω 0.7% + 2 digits Series
1 Ω .9999 Ω 2.0% + 2 digits Series