The Agilent E4980A is a precision LCR meter that measures impedance and related component parameters across a test frequency span of 20 Hz to 2 MHz. The E4980AL designation covers the low-frequency configurations of the same instrument — 20 Hz to 300 kHz, 500 kHz, or 1 MHz — and is used only for ordering and shipment; the unit itself is labeled E4980A. The instrument is fully compliant to the LXI Class C specification.

As an impedance measurement instrument, the E4980A characterizes capacitors, inductors, and resistive components by reporting parameters such as capacitance, inductance, resistance, reactance, impedance, admittance, conductance, susceptance, and dissipation or quality factor. Its built-in comparator sorts a primary parameter into nine bins plus out-of-bin and auxiliary categories, with a secondary parameter classified HIGH, IN, or LOW, supporting component sorting and pass/fail evaluation. A 201-point list sweep allows a sequence of measurement points to be evaluated automatically.

ValueTronics stocks this equipment directly from our own 20,000-square-foot secure warehouse at 1675 Cambridge Drive in Elgin, Illinois. Every pre-owned unit is inspected and functionally verified in-house before it ships, while new units leave factory-sealed exactly as received from the manufacturer. That combination of real inventory and hands-on verification is what distinguishes a ValueTronics purchase.

Brand Heritage

Agilent Technologies began as the test-and-measurement arm of Hewlett-Packard, which spun the business off as Agilent Technologies in 1999. In 2014, Agilent's electronic measurement business was established as Keysight Technologies, the brand under which this product line is supported today.

Compare Other Models in This Series

The E4980A and E4980AL share a single hardware platform built around precision four-terminal-pair impedance measurement. The E4980A is the full-range model covering 20 Hz to 2 MHz, while the E4980AL is the ordering designation applied to frequency-limited configurations — 20 Hz to 1 MHz, 500 kHz, or 300 kHz. Because the physical unit is labeled E4980A in every case, the family is best understood as one meter offered at several upper-frequency limits.

Across the family the core measurement parameters, four-terminal-pair terminals, compensation functions, and interface set remain common; the configurations differ chiefly in maximum test frequency and in which options can be installed.

Each configuration linked below is its own product page with pre-owned-matched pricing. Select the model whose frequency range and installed options match your application, and review that page's specifications and availability for the pre-owned unit you intend to order.

The E4980A, as the full 20 Hz to 2 MHz model, is the configuration that accepts the Power and DC Bias enhancement (Option 001), the bias current interface (Option 002), and the entry/standard model options — capabilities the frequency-limited configurations do not accept per the installable-options table.

The primary difference across the family is the upper test-frequency limit: 2 MHz for the E4980A, and 1 MHz, 500 kHz, or 300 kHz for the E4980AL frequency options 100, 050, and 030 respectively. The comparison table below lists each configuration's frequency range alongside its ordering and product model numbers.

Option availability also differs by configuration. The installable-options table shows that the Power and DC Bias enhancement, bias current interface, and entry/standard model options apply only to the 2 MHz model, while DC resistance measurement is supplied by default on the frequency-limited units. The handler and scanner interfaces are installable across all configurations.

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: Front-panel UNKNOWN terminal maximum rating: 42 V Peak Max Output, 10 VDC Max, Measurement Category CAT I.

Important: Use the recommended USB memory device exclusively for the E4980A; otherwise previously saved data may be cleared. If a USB memory other than the recommended device is used, data may not be saved or recalled normally. Agilent Technologies will NOT be responsible for data loss in the USB memory caused by using the E4980A.

Recommended pairing: the Agilent 16047A/B/D/E test fixtures are the cable/fixture set referenced for the meter's specified four-terminal-pair measurements.

About this Pre-Owned unit

This pre-owned unit is inspected and functionally verified in-house before it ships and is backed by our pre-owned warranty. To confirm its exact condition, firmware revision, installed options, or included accessories for your application before ordering, contact our Test Architects.

• Backed by a ValueTronics warranty.
• Functional verification included.
• Standard Calibration Upgrade Options: No Calibration Required, NIST Traceable, Z540.1 or ISO 17025 with Data, Z540.3 Guardbanding with Data.
• Note that unnecessary accessories may not be included (contact Test Architect to confirm).

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.