Keysight
E4981A Capacitance Meter
Data Sheet
2





Warranted performance. Specifications include guard bands to account for the
expected statistical performance distribution, measurement uncertainties, and
changes in performance due to environmental conditions.
Supplemental information is intended to provide information that is helpful for
using the instrument but that is not guaranteed by the product warranty.
Describes performance that will be met by a minimum of 80% of all products. It is
not guaranteed by the product warranty.
A general descriptive term that does not imply a level of performance.
The available frequency is defined as follows.
E4981A-001: 120 Hz/1 kHz/1 MHz/1 MHz ± 1%/1 MHz ± 2%
E4981A-002: 120 Hz/1 kHz
The information regarding “Frequency 1 MHz/1 MHz ± 1%/1 MHz ± 2%”
in specifications, supplemental and general information in not valid for the
E4981A-002.
Cp-D, Cp-Q, Cp-Rp, Cp-G
Cs-D, Cs-Q, Cs-Rs
where
Cp: Capacitance value measured using the parallel equivalent circuit model
Cs: Capacitance value measured using the series equivalent circuit model
D: Dissipation factor
Q: Quality factor (inverse of D)
G: Equivalent parallel conductance measured using the parallel equivalent
circuit model
Rp: Equivalent parallel resistance measured using the parallel equivalent circuit
model
Rs: Equivalent series resistance measured using the series equivalent circuit
model







3


Frequency Allowable frequencies
120 Hz
1 kHz
1 MHz
0.98 MHz (1 MHz – 2%)
0.99 MHz (1 MHz – 1%)
1.01 MHz (1 MHz + 1%)
1.02 MHz (1 MHz + 2%)
Accuracy ±0.02%
Level
Range 0.1 V to 1 V
Resolution 0.01 V
Accuracy ±5%
Output mode Continuous or Synchronous
Source delay time1Range 0 to 1 s
Resolution 0.1 ms

1. Source delay time is effective when output mode is set to Synchronous mode.
4
Measurement signal frequency:
120 Hz
10 nF 22 nF 47 nF 100 nF
220 nF 470 nF 1 µF 2.2 µF
4.7 µF 10 µF 22 µF 47 µF
100 µF 220 µF 470 µF 1 mF
Measurement signal frequency:
1 kHz
100 pF 220 pF 470 pF 1 nF
2.2 nF 4.7 nF 10 nF 22 nF
47 nF 100 nF 220 nF 470 nF
1 µF 2.2 µF 4.7 µF 10 µF
22 µF 47 µF 100 µF
Measurement signal frequency:
1 MHz / 1 MHz ± 1% / 1 MHz ± 2%
1 pF 2.2 pF 4.7 pF 10 pF
22 pF 47 pF 100 pF 220 pF
470 pF 1 nF
For information on measurable range in each measurement mode, refer to “Available measurement
ranges” (Tables 2 through 4).
0 m, 1 m, 2 m
5 speeds measurement time mode N = 1, 2, 4, 6, 8
For information on the measurement time in each mode, refer to Table 15
“Measurement time.”
Auto, Hold
Range 1 to 256 measurements
Resolution 1





5
Range 0 to 1 s
Resolution 0.1 ms
 Internal trigger (Int), Manual trigger (Man), External trigger (Ext),
GPIB/USB/LAN trigger (Bus)

Table 1 shows the range of the measured value that can be displayed on the
screen.
Table 1. Allowable measured value display range
Parameter Measurement display range
Cs, Cp ±1.000000 aF to 999.9999 EF
D ±0.000001 to 9.999999
Q ±0.01 to 99999.99
Rs, Rp ±1.000000 aΩ to 999.9999 EΩ
G ±1.000000 aS to 999.9999 ES
∆% ±0.0001 % to 999.9999 %
a: 1 x 10-18, E: 1 x 1018

6

ranges
Tables 2 through 4 show recommended measurement ranges (recommended for
accurate measurement) and significant measurement ranges (ranges that do not
cause overload) for each measurement value under the condition D (dissipation
factor) ≤ 0.5.
Table 2. Measurable capacitance ranges when measurement frequency is 120 Hz
Measurement
range setting
Recommended
measurement range

range
10 nF 0 F to 15 nF 0 F to 15 nF
22 nF 15 nF to 33 nF 0 F to 33 nF
47 nF 33 nF to 68 nF 0 F to 68 nF
100 nF 68 nF to 150 nF 0 F to 150 nF
220 nF 150 nF to 330 nF 0 F to 330 nF
470 nF 330 nF to 680 nF 0 F to 680 nF
1 µF 680 nF to 1.5µF 0 F to 1.5 µF
2.2 µF 1.5 µF to 3.3 µF 0 F to 3.3 µF
4.7 µF 3.3 µF to 6.8 µF 0 F to 6.8 µF
10 µF 6.8 µF to 15 µF 0 F to 15 µF
22 µF 15 µF to 33 µF 0 F to 33 µF
47 µF 33 µF to 68 µF 0 F to 68 µF
100 µF 68 µF to 150 µF 0 F to 150 µF
220 µF 150 µF to 330 µF 0 F to 330 µF
470 µF 330 µF to 680 µF 0 F to 680 µF
1 mF 680 µF to 2 mF 0 F to 2 mF
7
Table 3. Measurable capacitance ranges when measurement frequency is 1 kHz
Measurement
range setting
Recommended
measurement range

range
100 pF 0 pF to 150 pF 0 F to 150 pF
220 pF 150 pF to 330 pF 0 F to 330 pF
470 pF 330 pF to 680 pF 0 F to 680 pF
1 nF 680 pF to 1.5 nF 0 F to 1.5 nF
2.2 nF 1.5 nF to 3.3 nF 0 F to 3.3 nF
4.7 nF 3.3 nF to 6.8 nF 0 F to 6.8 nF
10 nF 6.8 nF to 15 nF 0 F to 15 nF
22 nF 15 nF to 33 nF 0 F to 33 nF
47 nF 33 nF to 68 nF 0 F to 68 nF
100 nF 68 nF to 150 nF 0 F to 150 nF
220 nF 150 nF to 330 nF 0 F to 330 nF
470 nF 330 nF to 680 nF 0 F to 680 nF
1 µF 680 nF to 1.5 µF 0 F to 1.5 µF
2.2 µF 1.5 µF to 3.3µF 0 F to 3.3 µF
4.7 µF 3.3 µF to 6.8 µF 0 F to 6.8 µF
10 µF 6.8 µF to 15 µF 0 F to 15 µF
22 µF 15 µF to 33 µF 0 F to 33 µF
47 µF 33 µF to 68 µF 0 F to 68 µF
100 µF 68 µF to 200 µF 0 F to 200 µF


8
Table 4. Measurable capacitance ranges when measurement frequency is 1 MHz, 1 MHz ±1%,
1 MHz ±2%
Measurement
range setting
Recommended
measurement range

range
1 pF 0 F to 1.5 pF 0 F to 1.5 pF
2.2 pF 1.5 pF to 3.3 pF 0 F to 3.3 pF
4.7 pF 3.3 pF to 6.8 pF 0 F to 6.8 pF
10 pF 6.8 pF to 15 pF 0 F to 15 pF
22 pF 15 pF to 33 pF 0 F to 33 pF
47 pF 33 pF to 68 pF 0 F to 68 pF
100 pF 68 pF to 150 pF 0 F to 150 pF
220 pF 150 pF to 330 pF 0 F to 330 pF
470 pF 330 pF to 680 pF 0 F to 680 pF
1 nF 680 pF to 1.5 nF 0 F to 1.5 nF


9
The measurement accuracy is defined when all of the following conditions are met:
Warm-up time: 30 minutes or longer
Ambient temperature: 18 °C to 28 °C
Execution of OPEN Correction
Execution of Cable Correction for 1 MHz measurement
Measurement cable length: 0 m, 1 m, or 2 m (16048A/B/D)1
D (dissipation factor) ≤ 0.5

1. The outer conductor resistance of cable requires the following condition.
16048A/B: 62 mΩ or below
16048D: 90 mΩ or below
2. If you select a secondary measurement parameter other than D, calculate D.


Tables 8 through 13 show the measurement accuracy of Cp, Cs, and D when
D ≤ 0.1.
Table 14 shows the formula of the measurement accuracy of G, Rs, Q and Rn
when D ≤ 0.1.
When 0.1 < D ≤ 0.5, multiply the accuracy obtained in Tables 8 through 13 by the
coefficient in Table 5.
Table 5. Dissipation factor Coefficient
Parameter 
Cp, Cs, G, Rs21 + D2
D 1 + D
Table 6. Formula of the measurement accuracy of G, Rs, Q and Rp
Parameter Formula
Ge (G accuracy) (Ce/100) × 2 × π × f × Cx
Rse (Rs accuracy) (Ce/100) / (2 × π × f × Cx)
Qe (Q accuracy) ±Qx2 × De
1
+ Qx × De
Rpe (Rp accuracy) ±Rpx2 × Ge
1
+ Rpx × Ge
Ce: Cp or Cs accuracy [%]
f: Measurement frequency [Hz]
Cx: Measurement value of Cp or Cs [F]
Qx: Measurement value of Q
Rpx: Measurement value of Rp []
De: D accuracy [%]
10
When the ambient temperature exceeds the range of 18 °C to 28 °C, multiply
the accuracy obtained above by the coefficient shown in the table below.
Table 7. Temparature Coefficient

0 °C ≤ ambient temperature < 8 °C 3
8 °C ≤ ambient temperature < 18 °C 2
18 °C ≤ ambient temperature ≤ 28 °C 1
28 °C ≤ ambient temperature ≤ 38 °C 2
38 °C ≤ ambient temperature ≤ 45 °C 3







When an alternating current magnetic field is applied to the instrument. Multiply
the accuracy obtained in Tables 8 through 13.
1+B × (2+0.5 × K)
B: Magnetic flux density [Gauss]
Cx: Measured value of the capacitance (Cp or Cs),
Cr: A measurement range [F]
Vs: A measurement signal level [V].
In Tables 8 through 13, K is defined as follows:
Cx ≤ Cr: K = (1/Vs) × (Cr/Cx)
Cx > Cr: K = 1/Vs
where
Cx is measured value of the capacitance (Cp or Cs),
Cr is a measurement range and
Vs is a measurement signal level [V].
11

Table 8. Measurement accuracy of Cp, Cs (measurement frequency: 120 Hz)
Cp, Cs [%]
Measurement
time mode (N)
1 2 4 6 8
10 nF
22 nF
47 nF
100 nF
220 nF
470 nF
1 µF
2.2 µF
4.7 µF
10 µF
22 µF
47 µF
100 µF
0.055 + 0.030 × K 0.055 + 0.022 × K 0.055 + 0.018 × K 0.055 + 0.016 × K 0.055 + 0.015 × K
220 µF
470 µF
1 mF
0.4 + 0.060 × K 0.4 + 0.044 × K 0.4 + 0.036 × K 0.4 + 0.032 × K 0.4 + 0.030 × K
Table 9. Measurement accuracy of D (measurement frequency: 120 Hz)
D
Measurement
time mode (N)
1 2 4 6 8
10 nF
22 nF
47 nF
100 nF
220 nF
470 nF
1 µF
2.2 µF
4.7 µF
10 µF
22 µF
47 µF
100 µF
0.00035 + 0.00030 × K 0.00035 + 0.00022 × K 0.00035 + 0.00018 × K 0.00035 + 0.00016 × K 0.00035 + 0.00015 × K
220 µF
470 µF
1 mF
0.004 + 0.00060 × K 0.004 + 0.00044 × K 0.004 + 0.00036 × K 0.004 + 0.00032 × K 0.004 +0.00030 × K
12

Table 10. Measurement accuracy of Cp, Cs (measurement frequency: 1 kHz)
Cp, Cs [%]
Measurement
time mode (N)
1 2 4 6 8
100 pF 0.055 + 0.070 × K 0.055 + 0.047 × K 0.055 + 0.036 × K 0.055 + 0.033 × K 0.055 + 0.030 × K
220 pF 0.055 + 0.045 × K 0.055 + 0.032 × K 0.055 + 0.025 × K 0.055 + 0.022 × K 0.055 + 0.020 × K
470 pF
1 nF
2.2 nF
4.7 nF
10 nF
22 nF
47 nF
100 nF
220 nF
470 nF
1 µF
2.2 µF
4.7 µF
10 µF
0.055 + 0.030 × K 0.055 + 0.022 × K 0.055 + 0.018 × K 0.055 + 0.016 × K 0.055 + 0.015 × K
22 µF
47 µF
100 µF
0.4 + 0.060 × K 0.4 + 0.044 × K 0.4 + 0.036 × K 0.4 + 0.032 × K 0.4 + 0.030 × K
Table 11. Measurement accuracy of D (measurement frequency: 1 kHz)
D
Measurement
time mode (N)
1 2 4 6 8
100 pF 0.00035 + 0.00070 × K 0.00035 + 0.00047 × K 0.00035 + 0.00036 × K 0.00035 + 0.00033 × K 0.00035 + 0.00030 × K
220 pF 0.00035 + 0.00045 × K 0.00035 + 0.00032 × K 0.00035 + 0.00025 × K 0.00035 + 0.00022 × K 0.00035 + 0.00020 × K
470 pF
1 nF
2.2 nF
4.7 nF
10 nF
22 nF
47 nF
100 nF
220 nF
470 nF
1 µF
2.2 µF
4.7 µF
10 µF
0.00035 + 0.00030 × K 0.00035 + 0.00022 × K 0.00035 + 0.00018 × K 0.00035 + 0.00016 × K 0.00035 + 0.00015 × K
22 µF
47 µF
100 µF
0.004 + 0.00060 × K 0.004 + 0.00044 × K 0.004 + 0.00036 × K 0.004 + 0.00032 × K 0.004 + 0.00030 × K
13

Table 12. Measurement accuracy of Cp, Cs (measurement frequency: 1 MHz, 1 MHz ± 1%, 1 MHz ±2%)
Cp, Cs [%]
Measurement
time mode (N)
1 2 4 6 8
1 pF 0.055 + 0.070 × K 0.055 + 0.047 × K 0.055 + 0.036 × K 0.055 + 0.033 × K 0.055 + 0.030 × K
2.2 pF 0.055 + 0.045 × K 0.055 + 0.032 × K 0.055 + 0.025 × K 0.055 + 0.022 × K 0.055 + 0.020 × K
4.7 pF
10 pF
22 pF
47 pF
100 pF
220 pF
470 pF
1 nF
0.055 + 0.030 × K 0.055 + 0.022 × K 0.055 + 0.018 × K 0.055 + 0.016 × K 0.0 55 + 0.015 × K
Table 13. Measurement accuracy of D (measurement frequency: 1 MHz, 1 MHz ± 1%, 1 MHz ± 2%)
D
Measurement
time mode (N)
1 2 4 6 8
1 pF 0.00035 + 0.00070 × K 0.00035 + 0.00047 × K 0.00035 + 0.00036 × K 0.00035 + 0.00033 × K 0.00035 + 0.00030 × K
2.2 pF 0.00035 + 0.00045 × K 0.00035 + 0.00032 × K 0.00035 + 0.00025 × K 0.00035 + 0.00022 × K 0.00035 + 0.00020 × K
4.7 pF
10 pF
22 pF
47 pF
100 pF
220 pF
470 pF
1 nF
0.00035 + 0.00030 × K 0.00035 + 0.00022 × K 0.00035 + 0.00018 × K 0.00035 + 0.00016 × K 0.00035 + 0.00015 × K
14
Accuracy (D)
0
0.0001
0.0002
0.0003
0.0004
0.0005
0.0006
0.0007
0.0008
0.0009
0.001
Measurement value (Cp, Cs) [F]
1.0E-9 1.0E-8 1.0E-7 1.0E-6 1.0E-5 1.0E-4 1.0E-3
N = 8
N = 4
N = 1
Figure 1. Accuracy of D when measurement frequency is 120 Hz
(measurement range: 10 nF to 100 F / measurement signal level: 0.5 V)
Accuracy (Cp, Cs) [%]
0
0.02
0.04
0.06
0.08
0.1
0.12
0.14
0.16
0.18
0.2
1.0E-9 1.0E-8 1.0E-7 1.0E-6 1.0E-5 1.0E-4 1.0E-3
Measurement value (Cp, Cs) [F]
N = 1
N = 4
N = 8
Figure 2. Accuracy of Cp and Cs when measurement frequency is 120 Hz
(measurement range: 10 nF to 100 F / measurement signal level: 0.5 V)
15
Accuracy (D)
0.0042
0.0043
0.0044
0.0045
0.0046
0.0047
0.0048
0.0049
0.005
Measurement value (Cp, Cs) [F]
0.0001 0.001 0.01
N = 8
N = 4
N = 1
Figure 3. Accuracy of D when measurement frequency is 120 Hz
(measurement range: 220 F to 1 mF / measurement signal level: 1 V)
Accuracy (Cp, Cs) [%]
0
0.1
0.2
0.3
0.4
0.5
0.6
0.7
Measurement value (Cp, Cs) [F]
0.0001 0.001 0.01
N = 8
N = 4
N = 1
Accuracy of Cp and Cs when measurement frequency is 120 Hz (measurement signal level: 0.5 V)
Figure 4. Accuracy of Cp and Cs when measurement frequency is 120 Hz
(measurement range: 220 F to 1 mF / measurement signal level: 1 V)
16
Accuracy (D)
0
0.0002
0.0004
0.0006
0.0008
0.001
0.0012
0.0014
0.0016
0.0018
0.002
Measurement value (Cp, Cs) [F]
1.0E-11 1.0E-10 1.0E-9 1.0E-8 1.0E-7 1.0E-6 1.0E-5 1.0E-4
N = 8
N = 4
N = 1
Figure 5. Accuracy of D when measurement frequency is 1 kHz
(measurement range: 100 pF to 10 F / measurement signal level: 1 V)
Accuracy (Cp, Cs) [%]
0
0.05
0.1
0.15
0.2
0.25
Measurement value (Cp, Cs) [F]
1.0E-11 1.0E-10 1.0E-9 1.0E-8 1.0E-7 1.0E-6 1.0E-5 1.0E-4
N = 8
N = 4
N = 1
Figure 6. Accuracy of Cp and Cs when measurement frequency is 1 kHz
(measurement range: 100 pF to 10 F / measurement signal level: 1 V)
17
Accuracy (D)
0.0042
0.0043
0.0044
0.0045
0.0046
0.0047
0.0048
0.0049
0.005
Measurement value (Cp, Cs) [F]
0.00001 0.0001 0.001
N = 8
N = 4
N = 1
Accuracy (Cp, Cs) [%]
0.42
0.43
0.44
0.45
0.46
0.47
0.48
0.49
0.5
Measurement value (Cp, Cs) [F]
0.00001 0.0001 0.001
N = 8
N = 4
N = 1
Figure 8. Accuracy of Cp and Cs when measurement frequency is 1 kHz
(measurement range: 22 F to 100 F / measurement signal level: 1 V)
Figure 7. Accuracy of D when measurement frequency is 1 kHz
(measurement range: 22 F to 100 F / measurement signal level: 1 V)
18
Accuracy (Cp, Cs) [%]
0
0.05
0.1
0.15
0.2
0.25
Measurement value (Cp, Cs) [F]
1.0E-131.0E-12 1.0E-11 1.0E-10 1.0E-9 1.0E-8
N = 1
N = 4
N = 8
Figure 9. Accuracy of Cp and Cs when measurement frequency is 1 MHz
(measurement signal level: 1 V)
Accuracy (D)
0
0.0002
0.0004
0.0006
0.0008
0.001
0.0012
0.0014
0.0016
0.0018
0.002
Measurement value (Cp, Cs) [F]
1.0E-13 1.0E-12 1.0E-11 1.0E-10 1.0E-9 1.0E-8
N = 1
N = 4
N = 8
Figure 10. Accuracy of D when measurement frequency is 1 MHz
(measurement signal level: 1 V)
Sample calculation of measurement accuracy is described on page 31.
19

E XT _ T RIG
/IN D E X
/EOM
/READY FOR_TRIG
T1 T 2 T4 T5
T3
Figure 11. Timing chart and measurement time

Output impedance
Frequency: 120 Hz
SLC OFF ( ≥ 220 µF range)
SLC ON ( ≥ 220 µF range)
2.2 µF to 100 µF range
10 nF to 1 µF range
1.5 Ω (nom.)1
0.3 Ω (nom.)1
0.3 Ω (nom.)1
20 Ω (nom.)1
Frequency: 1 kHz
SLC OFF ( ≥ 22 µF range)
SLC ON ( ≥ 22 µF range)
220 nF to 10 µF range
100 pF to 100 nF range
1.5 Ω (nom.)1
0.5 Ω (nom.)1
0.3 Ω (nom.)1
20 Ω (nom.)1
Frequency: 1 MHz / 1 MHz ± 2% / 1 MHz ± 1% 20 Ω (nom.)1

1. This value is defined without an extension cable.
20
Table 14 shows the values of T1 – T5 when the following conditions are met:
Display update: Off
Synchronous source: On
Measurement range mode: Hold range mode (Hold)
Source delay time: 0 ms
Trigger delay time: 0 ms
Averaging factor: 1
SLC: Off
Measurement time mode (N): 1
Correction: On
Multi connection: On
LAN: Not connected
Table 14. Values of T1 – T5 (typical)
Measurement
frequency
Minimum
value
Typical
value
T1
Trigger pulse width N/A 1 s
T2
Trigger response
time of
/READY_FOR_TRIG,
/INDEX and /EOM
N/A 40 s
(T3 + T4)
Measurement
time
T3
Analog
measurement
time
120 Hz
1 kHz
1 MHz
10.0 ms
2.0 ms
1.3 ms
(T3 + T4)
Measurement
time
T4
Measurement
computation
time
N/A 1.0 ms
T5
Trigger wait time N/A 0 Sec
21
 Except in the case of the DISPLAY BLANK page, the time required to update the
display on each page (display time) is as follows (Table 15). When the screen is
changed, drawing time and switching time are added. The measurement display is
updated about every 100 ms.
Table 15. Display time
Item Time
MEAS DISPLAY page drawing time 10 ms
MEAS DISPLAY page (large) drawing time 10 ms
BIN No. DISPLAY page drawing time 10 ms
BIN COUNT DISPLAY page drawing time 10 ms
Measurement display switching time 35 ms
Table 16 shows the measurement time (T3 + T4) for each measurement time mode.
Table 16. Measurement time
Frequency Measurement time [ms]
120 Hz (N × 8.3 × Ave + 2.7) ± 0.5
1 kHz (N × 1.0 × Ave + 2.0) ± 0.5
1 MHz / 1 MHz ± 1% / 1 MHz ± 2% (N × 1.0 × (100/(100 + Fshift)) × Ave + 1.3) ± 0.5
Measurement time mode (N) = 1, 2, 4, 6, 8
Ave: Averaging factor
Fshift: Frequency shift setting

22
Table 17 shows the measurement data transfer time under the following
conditions. The measurement transfer time varies with the measurement
conditions and computer used.
Host computer: DELL PRECISION 390, 1.86 GHz/Windows XP
USB GPIB Interface Card: 82350A
USB GPIB Interface: E2078A
Display: ON
Measurement range mode: Hold range mode (Hold)
OPEN/SHORT/LOAD correction: OFF
Measurement signal monitor: OFF
BIN count function: OFF
Table 17. Measurement data transfer time (typical)
Interface Data
transfer
format
using :FETC? command
(one point measurement)
using :READ command
(one point measurement)
using data buffer memory
(1000 measurement points
(BUFFER3))
Comparator
ON [ms]
Comparator
OFF [ms]
Comparator
ON [ms]
Comparator
OFF [ms]
Comparator
ON [ms]
Comparator
OFF [ms]
GPIB
ASCII 1 1 3 3 202 186
ASCII Long 1 1 3 3 247 231
Binary 1 1 3 4 145 111
USB
ASCII 1 1 4 4 101 94
ASCII Long 1 1 4 4 121 114
Binary 1 1 4 4 43 33
LAN
ASCII 3 3 5 5 158 146
ASCII Long 3 3 6 6 193 181
Binary 5 5 7 7 105 79


23


Correction function OPEN/SHORT/LOAD Correction are available
The OFFSET Correction is available
MULTI Correction function OPEN/SHORT/LOAD Correction for 256 channels
The LOAD Correction standard value can be defined for each channel
Cable Correction funtion Cable Correction is available
Deviation measurement function Deviation from reference value and percentage of deviation from the reference value can be
outputted as the result
Comparator function BIN sort: The primary parameter can be sorted into 9 BINs, OUT_OF_BINS, AUX_BIN, and
LOWC_OR_NC. The secondary parameter can be sorted into High, In, and Low.
Limit setup: An absolute value, deviation value, and % deviation value can be used for setup
Bin count: Countable from 0 to 999999
Low C reject function Extremely low measured capacitance values can be automatically detected as measurement errors
Contact check function The contact check function is available on 120 Hz and 1 kHz
Single Level Compensation SLC function compensates the voltage drop by the resistance inside the E4981A and the
extension cable under the following frequencies and ranges
Measurement cable: 16048A or 16048D
When the measurement frequency is 120 Hz: 220 µF range, 470 µF range, 1 mF range
When the measurement frequency is 1 kHz: 22 µF range, 47 µF range, 100 µF range
1 10 100 10000
Cdut [uF]
–30
–25
–20
15
10
–5
0
5
10
V err [%]
Signal Level Error (120 Hz)
SLC:OFF
SLC:ON
D=0
D=0.2
D=0.5
0.1 1 10 100 1000
Cdut [uF]
–30
–25
–20
–15
–10
–5
0
5
10
Verr [%]
Signal Level Error (1 kHz)
SLC:ON
D=0
D=0.2
D=0.5
SLC:OFF
24

Measurement signal level
monitor function
Measurement voltage and measurement current can be monitored
Level monitor accuracy (typical): ± (3% + 1 mV)
Data buffer function Up to 1000 measurement results can be read out in batch
Save/recall function Up to 10 setup conditions can be written to/read from the built-in nonvolatile memory
Up to 10 setup conditions can be written to/read from the external USB memory
Auto recall function can be performed when the setting conditions are written to Register 9 in
the built-in non-volatile memory
Key lock function The front panel keys can be locked
GPIB interface Complies with IEEE488.1, 2 and SCPI
USB host port Universal serial bus jack, type-A (4 contact positions, contact 1 is on your left); female; for
connection to USB memory device only
Note: The following USB memory can be used.
Complies with USB 1.1; mass storage class, FAT16/FAT32 format; maximum consumption
current is below 500 mA
Recommended USB memory: 4 GB USB Flash memory (Keysight PN 1819-0637)
Use the prepared USB memory device exclusively for the E4981A; otherwise, other previously
saved data may be cleared. If you use a USB memory other than the recommended device, data
may not be saved or recalled normally.
Keysight will NOT be responsible for data loss in the USB memory caused by using the E4981A
USB interface port Universal serial bus jack, type mini-B (4 contact positions); complies with USBTMC-USB488 and
USB 2.0; female; for connection to the external controller.
USBTMC: Abbreviation for USB Test & Measurement Class
LAN interface 10/100 BaseT Ethernet, 8 pins; two speed options
Compliant with LXI standard (LAN eXtensions for Instrumentation): Version 1.2, Class C
Auto MDIX
Handler interface The input/output signals are negative logic and optically isolated open collector signals
Output signal: Bin1–Bin9, Out of Bins, Aux Bin, P-Hi, P-Lo, S-Reject, INDEX, EOM, Alarm, OVLD,
Low C Reject or No Contact, Ready_For_Trigger
Input signal: Keylock, Ext-Trigger
Scanner interface The input/output signals are negative logic and optically isolated open collector signals
Output signal: INDEX, EOM
Input signal: Ch0 – Ch7, Ch valid, Ext-Trigger
Measurement circuit protection The maximum discharge withstand voltage, where the internal circuit remains protected if a
charged capacitor is connected to the UNKNOWN terminal, is illustrated below.
NOTE: Discharge capacitors before connecting them to the UNKNOWN terminal or a test fixture.
Table 18. Maximum discharge withstand voltage (typical)
Maximum discharge withstand voltage Range of capacitance value C of DUT
1000 V C < 2 µF
2/C V C ≥ 2 µF
25
Figure 13. Maximum discharge withstand voltage (typical)
Voltage [V]
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
Capacitance [F]
1 p 10 p 100 p 1 n 10 n 100 n 1 µ 10 µ 100 µ
26

Power source
Voltage 90 VAC to 264 VAC
Frequency 47 Hz to 63 Hz
Power consumption Maximum 150 VA
Operating environment
Temperature 0 °C to 45 °C
Humidity (≤ 40 °C, no condensation) 15% to 85% RH
Altitude 0 m to 2000 m
Storage environment
Temperature –20 °C to 70 °C
Humidity (≤ 65 °C, no condensation) 0% to 90% RH
Altitude 0 m to 4572 m
Other
Weight 4.3 kg (nominal)
Display LCD, 320 x 240 (pixel), RGB color
Outer dimensions 370 (width) x 105 (height) x 405 (depth) mm (nominal)
27
367.43
27 22 22 22 40.155.15
27.28 27.53
103.76
55.01
40.1
338.57 14.4314.43
Figure 14. Dimensions (front view, with handle and bumper, in millimeters, nominal)
319.08
27 22 22 22 30.355.15
17.99 21.79
87.72
32.02
367.43
41.67 24.7558.1
42.64 31
15.5
28.05
52.35
10.39 113.8570.07 71.03
17.63 332.17
41.65
37.65
36.72
101.58
40.43
39.38
17.63
Figure 16. Dimensions (rear view, with handle and bumper, in millimeters, nominal)
Figure 15. Dimensions (front view, without handle and bumper, in millimeters, nominal)
28
319.08
41.62 24.851.54
88.28
36.04 31
15.5
24.04
47.44
10.37 107.3863.47 71.03
32.87
28.37
32.71
31.24
30.1
401.95
79.76
141.49
103.78
55.03
101.58
373.96
19.72
50.9
88.28
10.45347.8515.65
21.91 21.92
45.72
84.43
Figure 19. Dimensions (side view, without handle and bumper, in millimeters, nominal)
Figure 18. Dimensions (side view, with handle and bumper, in millimeters, nominal)
Figure 17. Dimensions (rear view, without handle and bumper, in millimeters, nominal)
29
EMC
European Council Directive
2004/108/EC
IEC 61326-1:1997 +A1:1998 +A2:2000
EN 61326-1:1997 +A1:1998 +A2:2001
CISPR 11:1997 +A1:1999 +A2:2002
EN 55011:1998 +A1:1999 +A2:2002
Group 1, Class A
IEC 61000-4-2:1995 +A1:1998 +A2:2001
EN 61000-4-2:1995 +A1:1998 +A2:2001
4 kV CD / 8 kV AD
IEC 61000-4-3:1995 +A1:1998 +A2:2001
EN 61000-4-3:1996 +A1:1998 +A2:2001
3 V/m, 80-1000 MHz, 80% AM
IEC 61000-4-4:1995 +A1:2001 +A2:2001
EN 61000-4-4:1995 +A1:2001 +A2:2001
1 kV power / 0.5 kV Signal
IEC 61000-4-5:1995 +A1:2001
EN 61000-4-5:1995 +A1:2001
0.5 kV Normal / 1 kV Common
IEC 61000-4-6:1996 +A1:2001
EN 61000-4-6:1996 +A1:2001
3 V, 0.15-80 MHz, 80% AM
IEC 61000-4-11:1994 +A1:2001
EN 61000-4-11:1994 +A1:2001
100% 1cycle
This ISM device complies with Canadian ICES-001:1998.
Cet appareil ISM est conforme à la norme NMB-001 du Canada.
AS/NZS 2064.1 Group 1, Class A
Safety
European Council Directive
73/23/EEC, 93/68/EEC
IEC 61010-1:2001
EN 61010-1:2001
Measurement Category I
Pollution Degree 2
Indoor Use
IEC60825-1:1994 Class 1 LED
CAN/CSA C22.2 61010-1-04 Measurement Category I
Pollution Degree 2
Indoor Use
WEEE
European Council Directive
2002/96/EC
30



 Measurement signal frequency: 1 kHz
Measurement signal level: 0.5 V
Measurement range: 10 nF
Measurement time mode: N = 1
Ambient temperature: 28 °C


The following is an example for calculating the accuracy of Cp (or Cs) and D,
assuming that measured result of Cp (or Cs) is 8.00000 nF and measured result of
D is 0.01000.
From Table 7, the equation to calculate the accuracy of Cp (or Cs) is
0.055 + 0.030 × K
and the equation to calculate the accuracy of D is
0.00035 + 0.00030 × K
The measurement signal level is 0.5, the measurement range is 10 nF, and the
measured result of Cp (or Cs) is 8.00000 nF. Therefore,
K = (1/0.5) × (10/8.00000) = 2.5
Substitute this result into the equation. As a result, the accuracy of Cp (or Cs) is
0.055 + 0.030 × 2.5 = 0.13%
and the accuracy of D is
0.00035 + 0.00030 × 2.5 = 0.0011
Therefore, the true Cp (or Cs) value exists within
8.00000 ± (8.00000 × 0.13/100) = 8.00000 ± 0.0104 nF
that is,
7.9896 nF to 8.0104 nF
and the true D value exists within
0.01000 ± 0.0011
that is,
0.0089 to 0.0111
31
The following is an example for calculating the accuracy of Cp (or Cs) and Q,
assuming that measured result of Cp (or Cs) is 8.00000 nF and measured result of
Q is 20.0.
The accuracy of Cp (or Cs) is the same as that in the example of Cp-D.
From Table 8, the equation to calculate the accuracy of D is
0.00035 + 0.00030 × K
Substitute K = 2.5 (same as Cp-D) into this equation.
The accuracy of D is
0.00035 + 0.00030 × 2.5 = 0.0011
Then, substitute the obtained D accuracy into Equation 1. The accuracy of Q is
±(20.0)2 × 0.0011/(1
+ 20.0 × 0.0011) = ±0.44/(1
+ 0.022)
that is,
–0.43 to 0.45
Therefore, the true Q value exists within the range of
19.57 to 20.45


32
The following is an example for calculating the accuracy of Cp and G, assuming
that measured result of Cp is 8.00000 nF and measured result of G is 1.00000 µS.
The accuracy of Cp is the same as that in the example of Cp-D.
From Table 11, the equation to calculate the accuracy of G is
(3.5 + 2.0 × K) × Cx
Substitute K = 2.5 (same as Cp-D) and 8.00000 nF of the measured Cp result into
this equation.
The accuracy of G is
(3.5 + 2.0 × 2.5) × 8.00000 = 68 nS (0.068 µS)
Therefore, the true G value exists within
1.00000 ± 0.068 µS
that is,
0.932 µS to 1.068 µS


33
The following is an example for calculating the accuracy of Cp and Rp,
assuming that measured result of Cp is 8.00000 nF and measured result of
Rp is 2.00000 MΩ.
The accuracy of Cp is the same as that in the example of Cp-D.
From Table 11 the equation to calculate the accuracy of G is
(3.5 + 2.0 × K) × Cx
Substitute K = 2.5 (same as Cp-D) and 8.00000 nF of the measured Cp result into
this equation.
The accuracy of G is
(3.5 + 2.0 × 2.5) × 8.00000 = 68 nS
Then, substitute the obtained G accuracy into Equation 2. The accuracy of Rp is
± (2 × 106)2 × 68 × 10–9/(1
+ 2 × 106 × 68 × 10–9) = ±0.272 × 106/(1
+ 0.136)
that is,
–0.23944 MΩ to 0.31481 MΩ
Therefore, the true Rp value exists within
1.76056 MΩ to 2.31481 MΩ


34


The following is an example for calculating the accuracy of Cp and Rs, assuming
that measured result of Cs is 8.00000 nF and measured result of Rs is 4.00000 kΩ.
Because the Cs accuracy is
D = 2 × π × Freq × Cs × Rp = 2 × π × 103 × 8 × 10–9 × 4 × 103 = 0.2 > 0.1
multiply 0.13% (the result obtained for Cs-D) by 1 + D2.
The result is
0.13 × (1 + 0.22) = 0.1352%
From Table 11 the equation to calculate the accuracy of Rs is
(90 + 50 × K)/Cx
Substitute K = 2.5 (same as Cs-D) and 8.00000 nF of the measured Cs result into
this equation.
The accuracy of G is
(90 + 50 × 2.5)/8.00000 = 26.875 Ω
Because D > 0.1, multiply the result by 1 + D2 as in the case of Cs. The final
result is 27.95 Ω.
Therefore, the true Cs value exists within
8.00000 ± (8.00000 × 0.1352/100) = 8.00000 ± 0.01082 nF
that is,
7.98918 nF to 8.01082 nF
and the true Rs value exists within
4.00000 ± 0.02795 kΩ
that is,
3.97205 to 4.02795 kΩ
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