Key Differences: Keysight E4980B vs. E4980BL Precision LCR Meters

Key Differences: Keysight E4980B vs. E4980BL Precision LCR Meters

I. Introduction: Understanding the E4980 Series’ Target Use Cases

Keysight’s E4980 series has long been the gold standard for precision impedance measurements, trusted by engineers in electronics manufacturing, material science, and component design. The E4980B Precision LCR Meter and its low-power variant, the E4980BL Precision LCR Meter, share a core focus on accuracy—but are optimized for distinct scenarios.

The E4980B caters to high-frequency, high-performance component testing (e.g., RF filters, power inductors), while the E4980BL is tailored for low-power applications (e.g., IoT sensors, wearable devices) where measurement signal amplitude must be minimized to avoid disrupting sensitive circuits. Understanding their key differences is critical for selecting the right tool for your impedance characterization needs.

II. Core Specification Comparison: At a Glance

Below is a detailed breakdown of the technical differences between the E4980B and E4980BL, highlighting the parameters that matter most for real-world testing:

III. Deep Dive into Key Functional Differences

1. Frequency Range & High-Frequency Capabilities

The most significant difference lies in high-frequency support. The E4980B can be upgraded to 1GHz (Option 001) or 3GHz (Option 002), making it ideal for testing RF/microwave components like:

• 5G base station filters (2.4GHz, 3.5GHz)

• High-frequency inductors for power amplifiers

• RF capacitors (e.g., MLCCs for GHz applications)

In contrast, the E4980BL is limited to 2MHz maximum frequency—no high-frequency upgrades are available. This makes it unsuitable for RF testing but perfectly adequate for low/medium-frequency components:

• Passive components for IoT devices (1kHz – 1MHz)

• Battery-powered sensor modules

• Audio equipment components

Real-World Example: A 5G component manufacturer uses the E4980B (Option 002) to test 3GHz bandpass filters, verifying impedance matching and insertion loss. For their low-power sensor division, they use the E4980BL to characterize 1MHz inductors without damaging the sensors’ low-voltage circuits.

2. Measurement Signal Level: Low-Power vs. High-Performance

The E4980BL’s standout feature is its ultra-low signal level range (100μVrms – 2Vrms)—100x lower than the E4980B’s minimum (10mVrms). This is critical for:

• Testing low-power semiconductors (e.g., CMOS sensors, MEMS devices) where high signal levels can activate junctions or distort measurements

• Characterizing battery-powered components (e.g., wearable device capacitors) that operate at <1mV signal levels

• Material science applications (e.g., thin-film dielectrics) where excessive signal amplitude can alter material properties

The E4980B’s higher minimum signal level (10mVrms) is designed for:

• High-accuracy testing of power components (e.g., industrial inductors, power supply capacitors)

• Components that require higher signal amplitudes to stabilize measurements (e.g., large-value resistors)

• Production line testing where speed and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) are prioritized

Technical Note: The E4980BL’s Low-Impedance Drive (LID) mode further reduces signal distortion by minimizing source impedance, making it ideal for testing sensitive low-impedance components (e.g., <10Ω sensors).

3. Measurement Accuracy & Speed

While both meters offer industry-leading precision, the E4980B edges out the E4980BL in two key areas:

• Accuracy: ±0.05% typical (1kHz – 1MHz) vs. ±0.08% for the E4980BL. This difference matters for critical applications like aerospace component testing or reference standard calibration.

• Speed: 0.6ms per measurement (Fast Mode) vs. 0.8ms for the E4980BL. For high-throughput production lines (e.g., testing 10,000 capacitors per hour), the E4980B’s speed reduces cycle time by ~25%.

The E4980BL’s slightly lower accuracy and speed are tradeoffs for its low-power optimization—reducing signal level increases noise, requiring longer integration times to maintain reliability.

4. Application-Specific Features

Both meters share core features like:

• 12 measurement parameters (Z, Y, R, X, L, C, D, Q, θ, Rs, Rp, G)

• GPIB/LAN/USB connectivity for automation

• Compatibility with Keysight’s BenchVue software for data analysis

• Optional test fixtures (e.g., 16047A for surface-mount components)

However, the E4980B offers exclusive high-frequency features:

• RF Input Protection: Option 003 adds ±25V DC protection for RF components prone to voltage spikes

• High-Speed Data Logging: Supports 10,000 samples/second for transient impedance analysis (e.g., power inductor saturation)

• Vector Network Analyzer (VNA) Integration: Can be paired with Keysight VNAs for combined impedance and S-parameter testing

The E4980BL includes low-power-specific tools:

• Battery Drain Simulation: Measures component impedance at actual operating voltages (down to 100μV)

• Low-Power Component Library: Pre-configured test setups for IoT sensors, wearables, and medical devices

• Noise Reduction Mode: Extends integration time to 10ms for ultra-low-signal measurements (SNR improvement of 10dB)

IV. Use Case Matching: Which Meter Should You Choose?

Choose the E4980B If:

✅ You test RF/microwave components (frequency >2MHz, up to 3GHz)

✅ High accuracy (±0.05% or better) is non-negotiable (e.g., aerospace, calibration labs)

✅ You need high-throughput production testing (speed >1,000 components/hour)

✅ Your components require higher signal levels (≥10mVrms) for stable measurements

✅ Example Industries: 5G/telecom, aerospace & defense, power electronics

Choose the E4980BL If:

✅ You test low-power/low-voltage components (signal level mVrms)

✅ Your DUTs are sensitive to high signal amplitudes (e.g., IoT sensors, wearables, MEMS)

✅ You work with low/medium-frequency components (≤2MHz)

✅ Energy efficiency is important (e.g., battery-powered test setups)

✅ Example Industries: Consumer electronics, medical devices, IoT, material science

V. Practical Considerations for Selection

1. Total Cost of Ownership (TCO):

◦ The E4980B (base model: ~15,000) is ~20% more expensive than the E4980BL (~12,500). High-frequency options (Option 001/002) add 3,000–5,000.

◦ For low-power applications, the E4980BL avoids the need for external attenuators (saving 500–1,000 in accessories).

1. Upgrade Path:

◦ The E4980B can be upgraded to higher frequencies post-purchase (Option 001/002), while the E4980BL has no high-frequency upgrade options.

◦ Both can add temperature compensation (Option 010) and advanced fixtures later.

1. Automation Compatibility:

◦ Both support Keysight’s IVI-C drivers and Python/Matlab APIs for integration into automated test systems (ATE).

◦ The E4980B’s faster measurement speed makes it better for ATE production lines, while the E4980BL’s low-power mode is easier to integrate with battery-testing setups.

VI. Conclusion: Making the Right Choice

The Keysight E4980B and E4980BL are both exceptional precision LCR meters—but they serve distinct purposes. The E4980B is a versatile workhorse for high-frequency, high-accuracy testing, ideal for RF/telecom and aerospace applications. The E4980BL is a specialized tool for low-power, low-signal components, perfect for IoT, wearables, and medical device development.

When selecting between them, focus on three key questions:

1. What is the maximum frequency of your components? (If >2MHz, choose E4980B)

2. What is the operating signal level of your DUTs? (If mVrms, choose E4980BL)

3. What is your priority: speed/accuracy or low-power compatibility?

By aligning the meter’s capabilities with your specific testing needs, you’ll ensure reliable, repeatable results while optimizing your budget. Both meters uphold Keysight’s reputation for quality, so you can trust that whichever you choose, you’re getting a tool that will grow with your testing requirements.