What instrument is used to measure inductance?
Measuring inductance is a common task in electronic engineering and circuit design. Inductor is an important component in the circuit, and its measurement accuracy directly affects the performance of the circuit. This article will introduce the commonly used instruments and their characteristics for measuring inductance, and attach a structured data comparison to help readers quickly choose the appropriate tool.
1. Commonly used instruments for measuring inductance

The following are the main instruments for measuring inductance and their functional characteristics:
| Instrument name | Measuring range | Accuracy | Applicable scenarios |
|---|---|---|---|
| LCR table | 1nH-100H | ±0.1% | High-precision measurement |
| digital bridge | 1μH-10kH | ±0.5% | Laboratory and R&D |
| Multimeter (with inductor function) | 1mH-10H | ±2% | Routine maintenance and inspection |
| Oscilloscope (matched with signal source) | 10nH-1H | ±5% | Dynamic circuit analysis |
2. How to choose the appropriate inductance measuring instrument
When selecting an inductance measurement instrument, consider the following factors:
1.Measuring range:Select the instrument based on the magnitude of the inductance to be measured. For example, measuring nH-level inductors requires a high-precision LCR meter.
2.Accuracy requirements: The laboratory environment usually requires an accuracy of ±0.1%, while an error of ±2% is acceptable for daily maintenance.
3.Frequency characteristics: Some instruments only support low-frequency measurement, and high-frequency inductors require special equipment.
4.budget: LCR meters and digital bridges are more expensive, while multimeters are more economical.
3. Recommendations for popular inductance measuring instruments
According to hot topics and user discussions across the Internet in the past 10 days, the following instruments have attracted much attention:
| Instrument model | brand | Popular index | reference price |
|---|---|---|---|
| KEYSIGHT E4980A | Keysight | ★★★★★ | ¥15,000+ |
| GW INSTEK LCR-800G | GW Instek | ★★★★☆ | ¥8,000+ |
| Fluke 117 | Fluke | ★★★☆☆ | ¥1,500+ |
4. Precautions when measuring inductance
1.Calibrate instruments: The instrument needs to be calibrated before measurement, especially in high-precision scenarios.
2.environmental interference: Avoid strong magnetic fields or high-frequency signals from interfering with measurement results.
3.Contact resistance: The resistance of the test lead may affect the measurement of small inductance, so low-resistance wires need to be selected.
4.frequency selection: The inductance value may change at different frequencies and needs to be tested according to the actual application frequency.
5. Summary
To measure inductance, you need to choose the appropriate instrument according to actual needs. LCR meters and digital bridges are suitable for high-precision scenarios, while multimeters are more suitable for daily use. Recently popular instruments such as KEYSIGHT E4980A and GW INSTEK LCR-800G are widely recommended for their performance and reliability. The accuracy and efficiency of inductance measurements can be ensured by proper selection of tools and attention to measurement details.
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