Data Sheet
40,000-Count Dual-Display Handheld LCR Meters
Models 878B, 879B, and 880
Technical data subject to change
© B&K Precision Corp. 2016 www.bkprecision.com
Features & Benefits
n 40,000 counts resolution on primary and
10,000 counts resolution on secondary display
n L, C, R and Z (879B & 880 only) primary
measurements
n Automatic calculation of secondary parameters
D, Q, θ, ESR (θ/ESR for 879B & 880 only),
DCR (880 only)
n Accuracy up to 0.1% and selectable test
frequencies up to 100 kHz (880 only)
n Fast auto range design for rapid, easy
component measurements
n Auto detect mode for automatic component
type identification and measurement type
selection (880 only)
n Relative mode
n Visible and audible tolerance mode
n Data Hold and Min/Max/Average recording
n USB (Virtual COM) interface
n SCPI compliant commands for remote
communication
n Software for datalogging and front panel
emulation available as free download
n Configurable power-up-states
n 3 year warranty
Full Featured Handheld LCR Meters
The 878B, 879B, and 880 40,000-count
handheld LCR meters measure inductance,
capacitance, and resistance quickly and precisely.
The 879B and 880 also measure impedance,
Theta, and ESR. Additionally, the 880 offers
capabilities typically only found in bench LCR
meters such as a 4-terminal configuration, basic
measurement accuracy up to 0.1 %, test
frequencies up to 100 kHz, selectable test signal
levels and measurement rate.
Fast auto ranging and quick measurement
configuration such as measurement parameter
and test frequency selection make these meters
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.
Specifications 878B 879B 880
Measurements L, C, R, D, Q L, C, R, Z, D, Q, θ, ESR L, C, R, Z, D, Q, θ, ESR & DCR
Basic Accuracy 0.5% 0.5% 0.1%
Test Frequency 120 Hz, 1 kHz 100 Hz, 120 Hz,
1 kHz, 10 kHz
100 Hz, 120 Hz,
1 kHz, 10 kHz, 100 kHz
Test Signal 0.6 Vrms 0.6 Vrms 0.3 Vrms, 0.6 Vrms, 1 Vrms
DCR: 1 Vdc
Backlit Display - √ √
Auto Detect Mode - - √
Tolerance Mode 1%, 5%, 10% 1%, 5%, 10%, 20% 1%, 5%, 10%, 20%
Measurement Rate 1.5 readings/sec 1.5 readings/sec 4 readings/sec (fast),
1.5 readings/sec (slow)
ESR Measurements
Models 879B and 880 have 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 and
880 would be able to detect this faulty
component.
Applications
n Passive component troubleshooting
n Electronic assembly
n Quality control (component sorting)
40,000-Count Dual-Display Handheld LCR Meters
Models 878B, 879B, and 880
2www.bkprecision.com
Easy Front Panel Operation
878B & 879B 880
Primary display mode L/C/R and Z (879B only) Calibration function for improved
measurement accuracy
Secondary display mode D/Q/θ/
ESR, selectable test level
LCD protective visor
10,000-count
secondary display
40,000-count
primary display
Backlight function
(879B & 880 only)
Selectable test
frequencies
Primary display
mode L/C/R/Z/DCR,
single push auto detect
function
Standard mini
USB port
Guard terminal for
better noise immunity
2-terminal test socket plus guard terminal allows for direct
measurement of leaded components or use with test fixture
Calibration function for improved
measurement accuracy
4-terminal test socket plus guard terminal allows for direct
measurement of leaded components or use with test fixture
Secondary display mode D/Q, θ/ESR (879B only)
Selectable measurement rate
40,000-Count Dual-Display Handheld LCR Meters
Models 878B, 879B, and 880
3www.bkprecision.com
Powerful Features
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 9 V battery (16 hours
with alkaline battery) or the included 12 V power
adapter (with model 879B & 880) can be used
to power the meter, giving the user options for
portable or bench-top use.
Model 880 includes a rechargeable Ni-MH
battery that can provide up to six hours of battery
life.
Four-terminal shielded configuration
(880 only)
The 880 provides a 4-terminal socket with
separate sensing and current leads plus guard
terminal, a configuration typically only found in
bench LCR meters. When using the included
4-terminal Kelvin test leads, this configuration
can reduce the effect of lead impedances and
contact resistance. This minimizes measurement
errors and improves accuracy especially in the
lower impedance range.
Faster Auto Range
The advanced auto range circuit design allows for
faster measurements without the need to manually
select ranges.
Dual Display
The dual display allows multiple measurements to
be conveniently displayed at once.
Auto Detect Mode (880 only)
With the push of a single button, the Auto detect
function will automatically identify primary
parameters L, C or R and related secondary
parameters, and set the suitable series/parallel
equivalent mode and range.
Increase Productivity with PC
Connectivity
Free downloadable software is available for your
handheld LCR meter. View and log measurements
and setup and configure the instrument’s
measurement parameters.
Accessories
Model Alligator test
leads USB cable AC adapter Shorting plate Kelvin clip
test leads SMD tweezer
878B ● ●
----
879B ●●●
---
880 ●●●●●●
AC adapter USB cable Kelvin clip test leads (TL8KC1)
Shorting plate Alligator test leads SMD tweezer (TL8SM)
“
●
“ Included
40,000-Count Dual-Display Handheld LCR Meters
Models 878B, 879B, and 880
4www.bkprecision.com
Specifications
Model 878B 879B 880
Measurement Parameters L/C/R/D/Q L/C/R/Z/D/Q/θ/ESR L/C/R/Z/DCR/D/Q/θ/ESR
Test Frequency Setting 120 Hz, 1 kHz 100 Hz,120 Hz, 1 kHz, 10 kHz 100 Hz,120 Hz, 1 kHz, 10 kHz, 100 kHz
Actual Frequency (±0.02%) 120.048 Hz, 1 kHz 100 Hz, 120.048 Hz, 1 kHz, 10 kHz 100 Hz, 120.048 Hz, 1 kHz, 10 kHz, 100 kHz
Tolerance Mode 1%, 5%, 10% 1%, 5%, 10%, 20%
Backlit Display None Yes
Test Signal Level (Typical) 0.6 Vrms 0.3 Vrms, 0.6 Vrms, 1 Vrms.
DCR signal: 1 Vdc
Measuring Circuit Mode Series mode / Parallel mode
Basic Accuracy 0.5% 0.1%
Ranging Mode Auto
Measuring Terminals 3 terminals with sockets 3-terminal, 5-terminal with sockets
Measurement Rate 1.5 readings/sec (auto range search not included) LCRZ: 4 readings/sec (Fast), 1.5 readings/sec (Slow)
DCR: 3 readings/sec (Fast), 2.5 readings/sec (Slow)
Response Time (Typical) 680 ms
Auto Power-Off 5, 15, 30, 60 minutes, none
Operating Temperature 32° F to 104° F (0° to 40° C); 0-70% R.H. 32° F to 104° F (0° to 40° C); ≤90% R.H.
Storage Temperature -4° F to 122 °F (-20° to +50° C); 0-80% R.H. -4° F to 104° F (-20° to 50° C); 0-90% R.H.
Low Battery Indication (Typical) 6.8 V
Battery Life (Typical) 16 hours using alkaline battery (at 1 kHz with 100 Ω DUT, backlight off), 6 hours using Ni-MH (880 only)
Power Consumption (Typical) 28 mA (under full power battery) for operation/ 2 µA (11 µA 880 only) after power-off.
Power Requirements 9V battery or Ext. AC adapter*: DC 12 Vmin –15 Vmax. (load 50 mA Min.)
Dimensions (L x W x H) 7.5” x 3.5” x 1.6” (190 × 90 × 41) mm
Weight 0.767 lbs (348 g) without battery
Safety EN61010-1:2001, EU Low Voltage Directive 2006/95/EC
Electromagnetic Compatibility Meets EMC Directive 2004/108/EC, EN61326-1:2006
Three-Year Warranty
Standard Accessories Banana-to-alligator test leads, 9 V battery, mini USB interface cable,
manual, AC adapter* (879B only)
Banana-to-alligator test leads, Ni-MH 9 V battery, mini
USB interface cable, Quick Start insert, AC adapter*
shorting plate, four-terminal shielded Kelvin clip test
leads (TL8KC1), SMD tweezer (TL8SM)
General
* The 879B and 880 include a 120 V AC adapter. For a 230 V AC adapter, order model 879B-220 V or 880-220 V. The AC adapters are optional accessories for the 878B.
40,000-Count Dual-Display Handheld LCR Meters
Models 878B, 879B, and 880
5www.bkprecision.com
Accuracy Specifications
Accuracy is expressed as ±(% of reading + number of last significant digits) for readings falling within 10% to 100% of full scale of range.
Valid after 30 minutes of warm up time, operation at 23 °C + 5 °C, <75% R.H. and slowest measurement speed.
880 only: When selecting a test signal level of 0.3V, the measurement accuracy is twice the accuracy listed in the table.
Range Max
Display
Lx Accuracy
(878B & 879B)
Lx Accuracy
(880 only)
DF (Dx <0.5)
(878B & 879B)
DF (Dx <0.5)
(880 only)
Measurement
Mode
1000 H 1000.0 H 1.5% + 3 digits 1% + 3 digits 1.5% + 50 digits 1% + 3 digits Parallel
400 H 399.99 H 0.7% + 2 digits 0.35% +2 digits 0.7% + 50 digits 0.35% +2 digits Parallel
40 H 39.999 H 0.7% + 2 digits 0.1% + 2 digits 0.7% + 50 digits 0.1% + 2 digits Series/ Parallel
(Parallel)**
4000 mH
4 H**
3999.9 mH
3.9999 H** 0.5% + 1 digits 0.1% + 2 digits 0.5% + 50 digits 0.1% + 2 digits Series
Series/Parallel**
400 mH 399.99 mH 0.6% + 2 digits 0.1% + 2 digits 0.6% + 50 digits 0.1% + 2 digits Series
40 mH 39.999 mH 0.9% + 2 digits 0.45% + 2 digits 0.9% + 50 digits 0.45% + 2 digits Series
4 mH 3.9999 mH 2.8% + 3 digits 1.40% + 5 digits 2.8% + 50 digits Not Specified Series
100 H 100.00 H 1.5% + 3 digits 1% + 3 digits 1.5% + 50 digits 1% + 3 digits Parallel
40 H 39.999 H 0.7% + 2 digits 0.35% + 2 digits 0.7% + 50 digits 0.35% + 3 digits Parallel
4000 mH
4 H**
3999.9 mH
3.9999 H** 0.7% + 2 digits 0.1% + 2 digits 0.7% + 50 digits 0.1% + 2 digits Series/ Parallel
(Parallel)**
400 mH 399.99 mH 0.5% + 1 digits 0.1% + 2 digits 0.5% + 50 digits 0.1% + 2 digits Series
Series/ Parallel
40 mH 39.999 mH 0.6% + 2 digits 0.1% + 2 digits 0.6% + 50 digits 0.1% + 2 digits Series
4000 µH
4 mH**
3999.9 µH
3.9999 mH** 0.9% + 2 digits 0.45% + 2 digits 0.9% + 50 digits 0.45% + 2 digits Series
400 µH 399.99 µH 2.8% + 3 digits 1.4% + 5 digits 2.8% + 50 digits Not Specified Series
1000 mH 1000.0 mH 1.5% + 3 digits 0.8% + 3 digits 1.5% + 50 digits 0.8% + 3 digits Parallel
400 mH 399.99 mH 0.7% + 2 digits 0.35% + 2 digits 0.7% + 50 digits 0.35% + 2 digits Series/ Parallel
(Parallel)**
40 mH 39.999 mH 0.5% + 1 digits 0.1% + 2 digits 0.5% + 50 digits 0.1% + 2 digits Series
Series/ Parallel**
4000 µH
4 mH**
3999.9 µH
3.9999 mH** 0.6% + 2 digits 0.3% + 2 digits 0.6% + 50 digits 0.3% + 2 digits Series
400 µH 399.99 µH 0.9% + 2 digits 0.45% + 2 digits 0.9% +50 digits 0.45% + 2 digits Series
40 µH 39.99 µH 2.8% + 3 digits 1.4% + 5 digits 2.8% + 50 digits Not Specified Series
100 mH 399.99 mH N/A 1.5% + 5 digits N/A 1.5% + 5 digits Parallel
40 mH 39.999 mH N/A 1.5% + 2 digits N/A 1.5% + 2 digits Parallel
4 mH 3.9999 mH N/A 0.5% + 2 digits N/A 0.5% + 2 digits Series/ Parallel
400 µH 399.99 µH N/A 0.5% + 2 digits N/A 0.5% + 2 digits Series
40 µH 39.999 µH N/A 0.8% + 5 digits N/A 0.8% + 5 digits Series
4 µH 3.999 µH N/A 2.5% + 10 digits N/A Not Specified Series
Inductance
100 kHz** 100 Hz*/120 Hz1 kHz10 kHz*
Specifications (cont.)
* = Models 879B & 880 only, ** = Model 880 only
40,000-Count Dual-Display Handheld LCR Meters
Models 878B, 879B, and 880
6www.bkprecision.com
Specifications (cont.)
Capacitance
100 kHz** 100 Hz*/120 Hz
1 kHz
10 kHz*
Range Max
Display
Cx Accuracy
(878B & 879B)
Cx Accuracy
(880 only)
DF (Dx <0.5)
(878B & 879B)
DF (Dx <0.5)
(880 only)
Measurement
Mode
20 mF 20.000 mF 8% + 3 digits 5% + 5 digits 8% + 50 digits 5% + 5 digits Series
4000 µF
(4 mF)**
3999.9 µF
(3.9999 mF)** 2% + 2 digits 1% + 3 digits 2% + 50 digits 1% + 3 digits Series
400 µF 399.99 µF 0.7% + 2 digits 0.35% + 2 digits 0.7% + 50 digits 0.35% + 2 digits Series
40 µF 39.999 nF 0.5% + 1 digits 0.1% + 2 digits 0.5% + 50 digits 0.1% + 2 digits Series
4000 nF
4 µF**
3999.9 nF
3.9999 µF** 0.5% + 1 digits 0.1% + 2 digits 0.5% + 50 digits 0.1% + 2 digits Series/ Parallel
400 nF 399.99 nF 0.5% + 2 digits 0.1% + 2 digits 0.5% + 50 digits 0.1% + 2 digits Series/ Parallel
(Parallel)**
40 nF 39.999 nF 0.7% + 1 digits 0.35% + 3 digits 0.7% + 50 digits 0.35% + 3 digits Parallel
4 nF 3.9999 nF 2.5% + 2 digits 1.25% + 5 digits 2.5% + 50 digits Not Specified Parallel
1000 µF 1000.0 µF 3.7% + 3 digits 2% + 5 digits 3.7% + 50 digits 2% + 5 digits Series
400 µF 399.99 µF 2% + 2 digits 1% + 3 digits 2% + 50 digits 1% + 3 digits Series
40 µF 39.999 µF 0.7% + 2 digits 0.35% + 2 digits 0.7% + 50 digits 0.35% + 2 digits Series
4000 nF
4 µF**
3999.9 nF
3.9999 µF** 0.5% + 1 digit 0.1% + 2 digits 0.5% + 50 digit 0.1% + 2 digits Series
400 nF 399.99 nF 0.5% + 2 digits 0.1% + 2 digits 0.5% + 50 digits 0.1% + 2 digits Series/ Parallel
40 nF 39.999 nF 0.5% + 2 digits 0.1% + 2 digits 0.5% + 50 digits 0.1% + 2 digits Series/ Parallel
(Parallel)**
4000 pF
4 nF**
3999.9 pF
3.9999 nF** 0.7% + 2 digits 0.35% + 3 digits 0.7% + 50 digits 0.35% + 3 digits Parallel
400 pF 399.9 pF 2.5% + 2 digits 1.25% + 5 digits 2.5% + 50 digits Not Specified Parallel
100 µF 100.00 µF 3.9% + 5 digits 3% + 5 digits 3.9% + 50 digits 3% + 5 digits Series
40 µF 39.999 µF 3.7% + 3 digits 1.5% + 3 digits 3.7% + 50 digits 1.5% + 3 digits Series
4000 nF
4 nF**
3999.9 nF
3.9999 nF** 0.7% + 2 digits 0.35% + 2 digits 0.7% + 50 digits 0.35% + 2 digits Series
400 nF 399.99 nF 0.5% + 2 digits 0.1% + 2 digits 0.5% + 50 digits 0.1% + 2 digits Series
40 nF 39.999 nF 0.5% + 1 digit 0.1% + 2 digits 0.5% + 50 digit 0.1% + 2 digits Series/ Parallel
4000 pF 3999.9 nF 0.5% + 2 digits 0.1% + 2 digits 0.5% + 50 digits 0.1% + 2 digits Series/ Parallel
(Parallel)**
400 pF 399.99 pF 0.7% + 2 digits 0.35% + 3 digits 0.7% + 50 digits 0.35% + 3 digits Parallel
40 pF 39.99 pF 2.5% + 2 digits 1.5% + 5 digits 2.5% + 50 digits Not Specified Parallel
10 µF 10.000 µF N/A 6% + 20 digits N/A 6% + 20 digits Series
4 µF 3.9999 µF N/A 2.5% + 10 digits N/A 2.5% + 10 digits Series
400 nF 399.99 nF N/A 0.8% + 5 digits N/A 0.8% + 5 digits Series
40 nF 39.999 nF N/A 0.5% + 2 digits N/A 0.5% + 2 digits Series/ Parallel
4 nF 3.9999 nF N/A 0.5% + 2 digit N/A 0.5% + 2 digit Parallel
400 pF 399.99 pF N/A 0.8% + 2 digits N/A 0.8% + 2 digits Parallel
40 pF 39.999 pF N/A 1.2% + 5 digits N/A 1.2% + 5 digits Parallel
4 pF 4.999 pF N/A Not Specified N/A Not Specified Parallel
* = Models 879B & 880 only, ** = Model 880 only
40,000-Count Dual-Display Handheld LCR Meters
Models 878B, 879B, and 880
7www.bkprecision.com
Resistance/Impedance*Impedance**
100 Hz*/120 Hz/ 1 kHz/10 kHz*100 kHz**
Range Max Display R/Zx Accuracy
(878B - 879B)
R/Zx Accuracy
(880 only)
θ Accuracy
(878B - 879B)
θ Accuracy
(880 only)
Measurement
Mode
10 MΩ10.000 MΩ5.5% + 3 digits 3% + 3 digits ±3.2° ±1.75° Parallel
4000 kΩ3999.9 kΩ2.5% + 2 digits 1% + 3 digits ±1.5° ±0.75° Parallel
400 kΩ399.99 kΩ0.7% + 2 digits 0.35% + 2 digits ±0.4° ±0.25° Parallel
40 kΩ39.999 kΩ0.5% + 2 digits 0.1% + 2 digits ±0.3° ±0.1° Series/ Parallel
(Parallel)**
4000 Ω
4 kΩ**
3999.9 Ω
3.9999 kΩ** 0.5% + 2 digits 0.1% + 2 digits ±0.3° ±0.1° Series/ Parallel
400 Ω399.99 Ω0.5% + 2 digits 0.1% + 2 digits ±0.3° ±0.1° Series
40 Ω39.999 Ω0.7% + 2 digits 0.35% + 2 digits ±0.4° ±0.25° Series
4 Ω3.9999 Ω2% + 2 digits 1% + 3 digits ±1.2° ±0.6° Series
0.4 Ω** 0.3999 Ω** Not Specified 3% + 5 digits Not Specified Not Specified Series
10 MΩ10.000 MΩN/A 8.0% + 20 digits N/A ±4.6° Parallel
4 MΩ3.9999 MΩN/A 3% + 10 digits N/A ±1.75° Parallel
400 kΩ399.99 kΩN/A 1.2% + 5 digits N/A ±0.69° Parallel
40 kΩ39.999 kΩN/A 0.8% + 2 digits N/A ±0.46° Parallel
4 kΩ3.9999 kΩN/A 0.5% + 2 digits N/A ±0.3° Series/ Parallel
400 Ω399.99 ΩN/A 0.5% + 2 digits N/A ±0.3° Series
40 Ω39.999 ΩN/A 0.8% + 5 digits N/A ±0.46° Series
4 Ω3.9999 ΩN/A 2.5% + 10 digits N/A ±1.43° Series
0.4 Ω3.9999 ΩN/A 6% + 20 digits N/A Not Specified Series
Specifications (cont.)
ESR (879B)
100 Hz/120 Hz/
1 kHz/ 10 kHz
Range Max Display ESR Accuracy Measurement Mode
1000 Ω999.9 Ω0.5% + 2 digits Series
100 Ω99.99 Ω0.5% + 2 digits Series
10 Ω9.999 Ω0.7% + 2 digits Series
1 Ω.9999 Ω2% + 2 digits Series
* = Models 879B & 880 only, ** = Model 880 only
40,000-Count Dual-Display Handheld LCR Meters
Models 878B, 879B and 880
8 www.bkprecision.com
v052316
DCR (880)
Range Max Display Accuracy
20 MΩ20.000 MΩ2 %+20 digits
4 MΩ3.9999 MΩ1%+10 digits
400 kΩ399.99 kΩ0.5%+5 digits
40 kΩ39.999 kΩ0.1%+2 digits
4 kΩ3.9999 kΩ0.1%+2 digits
400 Ω399.99 Ω0.1%+2 digits
40 Ω39.999 Ω0.1%+2 digits
4 Ω3.9999 Ω0.5%+10 digits
0.4 Ω0.3999 Ω2%+20 digits
Specifications (cont.)
Notes: Equivalent series resistance (ESR) accuracy for the 880 is calculated according to the following formula:
Rse = ±
X
x
x
Ø
e
where Xx is the measured impedance,
2πfL
x
or
, and
Ø
e
is the phase angle accuracy,
θ
e
x .
1
2πfC
x
π
180
