Operation[edit]
Usually the device under test (DUT) is subjected to an AC voltage source. The meter measures the voltage across and the current through the DUT. From the ratio of these the meter can determine the magnitude of the impedance. The phase angle between the voltage and current is also measured in more advanced instruments; in combination with the impedance, the equivalent capacitance or inductance, and resistance, of the DUT can be calculated and displayed. The meter must assume either a parallel or a series model for these two elements. The most useful assumption, and the one usually adopted, is that LR measurements have the elements in series (as would be encountered in an inductor coil) and that CR measurements have the elements in parallel (as would be encountered in measuring a capacitor with a leaky dielectric).
An LCR meter can also be used to judge the inductance variation with respect to the rotor position in permanent magnet machines. (However, care must be taken, as some LCR meters can be damaged by the generated EMF produced by turning the rotor of a permanent-magnet motor.)
Handheld LCR meters typically have selectable test frequencies of 100 Hz, 120 Hz, 1 kHz, 10 kHz, and 100 kHz for top end meters. The display resolution and measurement range capability will typically change with test frequency.
Benchtop LCR meters typically have selectable test frequencies of more than 100 kHz. They often include options to superimpose a DC voltage or current on the AC measuring signal. Lower end meters offer the possibility to externally supply these DC voltages or currents while higher end devices can supply them internally. In addition benchtop meters allow the usage of special fixtures to measure SMD components, air-core coils or transformers.