2005 Articles

Electrical evaluation of SMDs, with just one hand.

Smart Tweezers answers the problem of testing and troubleshooting SMD components. Requiring the use of only one hand, this lightweight unit quickly evaluates all types of SMD components. It automatically identifies and measures inductance, capacitance and resistance.

The device has two display modes, primary and secondary. The primary display is located in the middle of the display and is the larger of the two. The primary display shows the present reading, while a secondary display (on top) shows the present reading of additional parameters or measurement conditions when the primary display shows some other feature (L,C). When multiple features are present, the secondary display shows one of the values. For example, ESR value can appear in the secondary display while capacitor value appears in the primary display. A bar graph located at the bottom of the display provides an analog indication of the measured input.

The handheld tweezers feature a dual display and bar graph.

The unit also measures voltage. It measures DC voltage from 100µV to 800mV and has an oscilloscope-like graphic of AC voltage. The unit is designed to measure continuity and has a beeper for resistance reading below threshold, or to indicate a momentarily open circuit.

The default setting performs fully automatic auto range measurement for resistance, inductance and capacitance. Most measurement functions also have a manual mode, which can be selected by using the jog dial button. The manual setting is used to measure a specific parameter or when better accuracy is required.

Smart Tweezers combines an R-L-C meter in a pair of tweezers. They are designed for production line component evaluation, on board impedance testing and SMD components sorting. Automatic recognition of measurement mode (R, L and C) makes the unit ideal for identifying surface-mounted devices. The unique mechanical and electronic design incorporates a built-in direct precision SMD probe for component evaluation on the production line, PCB debugging, component impedance testing and sorting SMDs.

The integrated SMD probe and measurement head, combined with automatic recognition of measurement modes and the range of measurement, permits the operator to focus on the component under test. As a result, testing, sorting and evaluation of components become more efficient and cost-effective. Operates on three 1.5V batteries and comes with a one-year warranty.

Greg Johnson is vice president of sales at Excelta Corp. (excelta.com); gjohnson@excelta.com.