The FNIRSI LC1020E is a portable LCR meter that measures resistance, capacitance and inductance at test frequencies from approximately 100 Hz to 100 kHz. It also displays parameters including ESR, Q and D factors, impedance and phase angle, and supports four-wire Kelvin measurement.
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The manufacturer specifies a best accuracy of ±0.05% under ideal conditions and in certain ranges. The meter has five test frequencies, three test voltage levels, a color display and a built-in battery with a capacity of approximately 3,000 mAh.
What is an LCR meter used for?
LCR refers to inductance, capacitance and resistance. A standard multimeter typically measures resistance and sometimes capacitance. An LCR meter tests a component with an AC signal at a selected frequency, helping assess how a capacitor or inductor behaves under different conditions.
The LC1020E displays both a primary and a secondary parameter. For a capacitor, for example, the equivalent series resistance (ESR) can be useful alongside capacitance when diagnosing capacitors in power supplies. The meter also supports impedance, phase angle, quality factor Q and dissipation factor D measurements. Together, these provide a broader picture of a component’s losses and behavior than its nominal value alone.
Test frequencies and voltage
Five test frequencies are available, ranging from approximately 100 Hz to 100 kHz. A higher frequency can be useful for small capacitors or when assessing components used in switched-mode power supplies. Around 1 kHz can be a starting point for general measurements, while electrolytic capacitors are also often assessed at lower frequencies. The choice should suit the component and the conditions under which results will be compared.
The meter also offers three test voltage levels. When measuring on a circuit board, a lower voltage can help limit the conduction of semiconductor junctions, but it does not guarantee a correct result. Components connected in parallel can affect the reading; if the result is ambiguous, disconnect the component from the circuit.
Before measuring, switch off the circuit, disconnect it from the power supply and safely discharge its capacitors. Any voltage present can endanger both the user and the meter.
Accuracy and four-wire measurement
The ±0.05% figure is the manufacturer’s stated best accuracy, not a guarantee for every measurement. Results depend on the range and conditions; particularly near the limits of a range, check the appropriate frequency and applicable accuracy.
According to descriptions of independent tests using reference resistors, capacitors and decade standards, the meter achieved good results, although the last displayed digits fluctuated in some ranges. Reading stability therefore matters when interpreting a result, not just the number of digits on the display.
The LC1020E supports four-wire connections using Kelvin clips. For low-resistance measurements, this helps separate voltage sensing from the test-current path, reducing the influence of lead and contact resistance. In a two-wire measurement, cable resistance can be comparable to the value being measured. A Kelvin connection reduces this problem, but does not eliminate every source of error.
Inputs, display and component sorting
The meter has 3- and 5-pin test inputs for direct connection of components. Small resistors, capacitors and inductors can be connected without long leads, whose parasitic capacitance and inductance can affect results, especially at higher frequencies.
The 2.8-inch color TFT display shows two parameters at once. According to user reviews, the interface is relatively intuitive, which can make repeated measurements easier.
Automatic identification of the basic R, L or C component type helps when sorting unmarked parts. A sorting mode is also available for checking or matching larger numbers of components.
Power and key specifications
The built-in battery has a capacity of approximately 3,000 mAh, allowing the meter to be used away from the workbench. It charges via USB-C.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Basic measurements | Resistance, capacitance, inductance |
| Additional parameters | ESR, Q, D, impedance, phase angle |
| Best stated accuracy | ±0.05% under specific conditions and in specific ranges |
| Test frequencies | Five, approximately 100 Hz to 100 kHz |
| Test voltage | Three levels |
| Connections | 3- and 5-pin inputs; four-wire Kelvin measurement supported |
| Display | 2.8-inch color TFT; displays two parameters |
| Battery | Approximately 3,000 mAh; USB-C charging |
Who is the LC1020E suitable for?
The LC1020E makes sense for hobby and repair work where capacitors, inductors and resistors need more detailed characterization than a standard multimeter can provide. It is useful, for example, for checking capacitor ESR, measuring low resistances or sorting larger numbers of components.
If you only need to measure resistance and occasionally capacitance, a good multimeter may be enough. The LC1020E’s main advantage is its combination of multiple test frequencies, secondary parameters and Kelvin measurement support. Its ±0.05% accuracy figure should be read in light of its conditions, not treated as applicable to every range.
