2 Digital Multimeter Operation
Making Measurements
46 U3606A User’s and Service Guide
Performing capacitance measurements
The U3606A Multimeter|DC Power Supply calculates capacitance by
charging a capacitor with a known current for a period of time, and then
measuring the voltage.
Measuring tips:
• For measuring capacitance values greater than 10000 μF, discharge the
capacitor first, then select a suitable range for measurement. This will
speed up the measurement time and also ensure that the correct
capacitance value is obtained.
• For measuring capacitance values greater than 1 mF, a delayed
response should be expected from the front panel display. For remote
interface operation, increase the SCPI query timeout value. (Typically >
10000 ms.)
• For measuring small capacitance values, press Null with the test leads
open to subtract the residual capacitance of the instrument and leads.
Disconnect circuit power and discharge all high-voltage capacitors
before measuring capacitance to avoid damaging the U3606A or the
device under test. To confirm that a capacitor has fully discharged, use
the DC voltage measurement. See “Measuring DC voltage” on page 26
for more information.