Curve tracers can display a variety of ovals ranging from flat lines (at various slopes) to circles.  The results depend upon the settings of the curve tracer and the characteristics of the capacitor.  Curve tracers can be best used if you have a known good part and want to see if another part matches the good part under the conditions of the applied voltages and measured currents.  If the displayed waveform doesn't match, the parts are different.  Determining that a single part is good is more difficult.  For a capacitor, you would expect smooth curves or straight lines without bends or kinks.  Curve discontinuities would indicate a voltage breakdown, possibly because of reverse polarity problems.  You can use the curve tracer's higher voltage ranges to intentionally break down caps, and may be surprised how high a voltage a capacitor will take (for short times) without breaking down.

Is there a particular test that you are trying to perform on the ceramic capacitor?  My co-worker's favorite question is "What is the problem that we are trying to solve?"

Later,
Carl



Carl B. Van Wormer, P.E., AE7GD
Senior Hardware Engineer
Cipher Engineering LLC
    21195 NW Evergreen Pkwy Ste 209
    Hillsboro, OR  97124-7167
    503-617-7447x303
    [log in to unmask]     http://cipherengineering.com


-----Original Message-----
From: TechNet [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Victor Hernandez
Sent: Friday, August 19, 2016 7:10 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [TN] Techtronic 576 Curve Tracer

Fellow TechNetters:

   Has anyone out there have experience in using the above stated tester to check a ceramic package capacitor.   All comments suggestion welcomed.  I believe the screen would display an odd oval shape.....

Victor,