HP / Agilent 4286A RF LCR Meter, 1 MHz to 1 GHz

The HP/Agilent 4286A RF LCR Meter measures impedance parameters across 1 MHz to 1 GHz with 1% basic accuracy. It employs direct-current voltage-measurement technique (RF I-V method) rather than reflection measurement, delivering superior accuracy across a wide impedance spectrum—particularly for RF inductors in the nH range and high-Q components. The instrument achieves measurement speeds as fast as 15 ms and typical Q accuracy of 6% at 100 MHz for Q = 100, supported by advanced calibration techniques.

– Technical Specifications

• Frequency Range: 1 MHz to 1 GHz with 10 kHz resolution
• Basic Accuracy: 1%
• Measurement Speed: 15 ms minimum
• Impedance Range: 200 mΩ to 3 kΩ
• Q Measurement Accuracy: Typical 6% @ 100 MHz, Q = 100
• Measurement Parameters: 20 different parameters supported
• Test Signal Output:
– Voltage: 10 mVrms to 1 Vrms; resolution 0.05 mV to 2 mV
– Current: 200 µA to 20 mA; resolution 1 µA to 40 µA
– Power: −33 dBm to +7 dBm; resolution 0.1 dBm

– Key Features

• RF I-V measurement technique for enhanced accuracy over broad impedance spectrum, superior to reflection-based approaches
• Advanced calibration for optimized Q measurements
• High-speed HP-IB interface for direct system integration
• Optional handler interface for automated test equipment (ATE) integration
• HP-IBASIC customization option (1C2) for measurement routines, test sequences, process control, and data analysis

– Typical Applications

• RF and microwave component qualification in production and R&D environments
• RF inductor characterization, including nH-range inductors
• SMD component impedance testing
• RF amplifier and hybrid IC parameter verification
• Impedance matching circuit validation

– Compatibility & Integration

• Test head cables available in 1 m or 3 m errorless configurations with APC-3.5 connectors
• Compatible with APC-7 SMD test fixtures using furnished fixture stand and APC-3.5-to-APC-7 adapter