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What is non-linearity?

Non-linearity as such is either an unwanted feature of linear passive components caused by non-linear elements within the bulk of these components, or, a desired and useful feature of some semiconductor devices. What is actually the ever-present non-linearity? Generally speaking, is it a change in the component impedance which depends on the level or polarity of biasing, or, its change in the time, expressed in the general form of the Ohm's law as a voltage versus current relationship in the time domain.

Device Linearity Tester

Tester LTC 1010
  • 10 kHz driving signal, amplitude: self-adjusting,
    from 0.01 to 10 V
  • DC bias from 0.1 to 10 V
  • Component impedance range: from 10mW to 100W
  • Maximum measurement rate: 30 times per second
  • IFEE 488 Interface
  • I/O Handler
  • High-speed auto-ranging feature
  • Third harmonic threshold level <-140 dB
  • Advanced screening technique
  • Evaluation of non-linearity variations in time domain

Non-linearities and LTC 1010 in practice

The range of practical applications of LTC 1010 is very wide, being preferably focused on:

  • 100% production testing of electronic components
  • Development of new components
  • Quality and reliability testing of contacts
  • Non-linearity research
  • Selection of components for audio applications
  • Material and chemical analysis

The most common application area of LTC 1010 is that of reliability assessment of passive components. Defective or degraded components are not only less reliable, but they also show non-linearities caused by the inhomogeneous and time-fluctuating current density, which in turn is due to defects. Measurements of non-linearities have been successfully used to assess the quality and reliability of the components, listed below.

  • Thin and thick-film resistors
  • Ceramic capacitors
  • Tantalum and Niobium capacitors
  • Aluminium capacitors
  • Testing of interconnection in general of any mechanical/electromechanical switching system
  • Adjustable potentiometers and trimmers
  • Printed Circuit Board testing
  • Unipolar, under DC bias operated semiconductor devices

Scripts to download:

[PDF] LTC 1010 - Low Impedance Non-linearity tester (223 kB)

[PDF] LTC 1010 - Aplication cards (1 MB)

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