The Keysight E4980A and E4980AL are precision LCR meters built for impedance characterization of passive components and materials. The E4980A covers a test-frequency span of 20 Hz to 2 MHz, while the E4980AL is offered in three upper-frequency variants — 300 kHz (E4980AL-032), 500 kHz (E4980AL-052), and 1 MHz (E4980AL-102) — each also starting from 20 Hz. Throughout the series, measurements are made through a four-terminal pair connection, and results are reported in a broad selection of parameter pairs covering capacitance, inductance, resistance, impedance, and admittance.

An LCR meter applies a known AC test signal to a device under test and measures the resulting voltage and current to derive impedance and its related quantities. The E4980A/E4980AL report measurement parameters including Cp-D, Cp-Q, Cp-G, Cp-Rp, Cs-D, Cs-Q, Cs-Rs, Lp-D, Lp-Q, Lp-Rp, Ls-Rs, R-X, Z-θ, G-B, and Y-θ, with both parallel and series equivalent-circuit models available. A deviation measurement function can output the difference from a reference value or the percentage deviation, and a comparator with bin-sort capability can sort the primary parameter into nine BINs plus OUT_OF_BINS, AUX_BIN, and LOW_C_REJECT categories.

Brand Heritage

Keysight Technologies traces its test-and-measurement heritage to Hewlett-Packard, whose instrument business was spun out as Agilent Technologies in 1999. That measurement business was subsequently established as Keysight Technologies in 2014, the brand under which this product line is offered today.

Compare Other Models in This Series

The E4980A is the 20 Hz to 2 MHz frequency-range LCR meter, while the E4980AL is offered with upper frequency limits of 20 Hz to 300 kHz, 500 kHz, or 1 MHz, identified by the option suffixes -032, -052, and -102 respectively. All members of the series share the four-terminal pair measurement architecture, the same broad set of measurement parameters, and OPEN/SHORT/LOAD compensation.

Option availability differs between the two model lines. The Power and DC Bias Enhancement (Option 001) is installable on the E4980A but not on the E4980AL. DCR measurement is an installable option (Option 200) on the E4980A and is equipped by default on the E4980AL. The handler interface (Option 201) and scanner interface (Option 301) are installable on both.

Each model in the series below links to its own dedicated product page with condition-matched pricing. Choose the model whose upper frequency limit and installed options fit your application; the new unit you select is priced and described for its specific condition.

The E4980A is the broadest-frequency model in the family, covering the full 20 Hz to 2 MHz span. It is the model that accepts the Power and DC Bias Enhancement (Option 001) for test signals up to 20 Vrms and variable DC bias from –40 V to +40 V, and it supports DCR measurement when Option 200 is installed.

The principal difference across the family is the upper test-frequency limit: 2 MHz on the E4980A, 1 MHz on the E4980AL-102, 500 kHz on the E4980AL-052, and 300 kHz on the E4980AL-032, with every model sharing the same 20 Hz lower limit. The comparison table that follows lists each model's frequency range alongside its option compatibility.

Beyond frequency coverage, the models differ in which options they accept, as shown in the table: the Power and DC Bias Enhancement option is specific to the E4980A, whereas DCR measurement is built into the E4980AL by default and added via option on the E4980A. The handler and scanner interface options apply across both model lines.

Additional differences in specifications beyond the few shown above are not listed here — see each model's full specifications below.

Product Core & Specifications

Important: Discharge capacitors before connecting them to the UNKNOWN terminal or a test fixture to avoid damage to the instrument.

Important: DC resistance (Rdc) measurement function is available when either E4980A-001/200 or E4980AL-032/052/102 is installed.

Important: The Open Offset may become three times greater in the ranges of 40 to 70 kHz and 80 to 100 kHz due to residual response.

Usage tip: the series' relative accuracy is specified using Keysight 16048A/D/E test leads at cable lengths of 0 m, 1 m, 2 m, or 4 m.

ValueTronics supplies both new and used test and measurement equipment. New units ship factory-sealed, exactly as received from the manufacturer; every used unit is inspected and functionally verified in-house at our 20,000 sq ft secure facility in Elgin, Illinois before it ships. Our Test Architects can help you select the condition, calibration, and configuration that fit your application.

Please review the Manufacturer's Data Sheet to verify published specifications. Feedback on this webpage is always welcome — please reach out to your Test Architect at any time for questions or concerns. Thank you, we truly appreciate you being our customer.