Smart Tweezers®

A simpler way of testing SMD Components

Smart Tweezers multimeter with 0.2% basic accuracy and wide range of features

® Smart Tweezers and Colibri are registered trademarks of Advance Devices, Inc.

Simplifying Component Testing and PCB Debugging

Smart Tweezers® are a hand held LCR meter that provides users with a simplified method of identifying and evaluation Surface Mount Devices and troubleshooting complex electronic systems. The unique deign combines a set of precision gold-plated tweezers and a powerful, yet small, digital LCR-meter in a lightweight device. Powered by a Li-Ion battery, Smart Tweezers® can identify the type of component and measure for Inductance, Resistance, Capacitance and ESR values with no set-up.

One-Touch Identification

Smart Tweezers® automatically identifies components with just a touch; grasp a component between the tweezer probes and the device will do the rest. Smart Tweezers® will identify the type of component and best test parameters to use and measure with a 0.2% basic accuracy.

Wide Range of Measurements

Smart Tweezers® offers fully automatic and manual testing for L, C, R, Z and ESR values. The device is also capable of measuring secondary values D, Q and ESR parameters.

Test range and Test Signal Levels

Smart Tweezers® will automatically select the best test range and test signal levels; users are also able to manually set the test frequency.
100 Hz, 120 Hz, 1 kHz, 10 kHz

Compact Design

Smart Tweezers® are ultimately compact. The 1 oz. device is slightly larger than a pen, making it virtually undetectable in a pocket or bag. The bright OLED display provides high-contrast readability, even in low light situations.

Trade Shows

Del Mar Electronics and Manufacturing 2022
Del Mar Electronics & Manufacturing Show in San Diego, CA from May 4th-5th, 2022
EDS Summit Logo
EDS Summit 2022 at the Mirage in Las Vegas, NV, from May 10-12, 2022
I2MTC 2022 logo
I2MTC 2022: IEEE International Instrumentation & Measurement Technoogy Conference in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada from May 16-19, 2022
IEDM 2019
IEDM 2019 in San Francisco, California from December 7-11 at booth #20
Nepcon 2019
Nepcon Vietnam, September 11-13 2019
Nepcon Korea
Nepcon Korea in Seoul from May 15 - 17, 2019
Nepcon South China 2019
Nepcon South China, April 24-26, 2019
Taitronics 2015
Taitronics in Taipei, October 6-9 2015.

Testing Surface Mount Devices

Electronic manufacturing has begun using Surface Mount Technology, where small components (referred to as Surface Mount Devices or SMDs) are mounted directly to a PCB, opposed to the older through-hole method, where wire leads were threaded through holes on the PCB. SMDs are generally very small and may or may not have wire leads or other distinguishing characteristics, making them more difficult to tell apart from one another. This may lead to lost component values, or confusion between components. Smart Tweezers® offer users an easier way to sort and identify these components, as well as perform on-board measurements and debugging. The gold-plated tips are Swiss made by IDEAL-TEK S.A. and provide a reliable contact on even the smallest component (to a 0201 size), either loose or mounted. Smart Tweezers® are also able to test conventional components that may have wire leads that are too short to fit in test terminals.

Smart Tweezers LCR ESR meter Kelvin Probe Connector

Fully Automatic Evaluations

Measurements are done faster using Smart Tweezers®™. The automatic identification function eliminates unnecessary trial and error, thus saving time. When in contact with an SMD, Smart Tweezers® automatically determine the type of component, determines the proper measurement range and test frequency, and measures for L, C or R with parallel and series mode. The evaluation results are then instantaneously available on the display, as well as the component type, test parameters and more detailed component analysis such as Z and ESR values. The bright OLED display instantly shows the values, the component type and test parameters used, as well as a more detailed component analysis, such as Z and ESR values.


Smart Tweezers gold-plated tweezer probes

Lightweight and Ergonomic

Smart Tweezers® are easy to use with just one hand, and without the need to set-up between measurements, users can focus on the task at hand. The unique design that combines a set of tweezers and the multimeter in one device makes sorting, testing and troubleshooting become more efficient and cost effective. By only requiring one hand, unlike other multimeters that require both hands to work the wire leads, Smart Tweezers® leaves the other hand free for other tasks such as taking notes. The handles on the device are a 4-wire connection and shielded to assure low capacitance and resistance offset while measuring.


Smart Tweezers FeaturesSmart Tweezers Display

Wide Spectrum of Additional Features

  • 0.1% Basic Accuracy
  • One-handed operation
  • Li-Ion battery with
  • Smart Tweezers® LCR meter test various component types, including secondary components for Dissipation Factor (D), Quality Factor (Q) as well as other functions that result in a more detailed component analysis.
  • The built-in Equivalent Series Resistance (ESR) mode helps better understand the inherent resistance, a behavior typically found in capacitors across selected frequencies.
  • A Diode mode allows Smart Tweezers® to test diode polarity and indicates if it is short.
  • A Continuity detector sounds a beeper for resistance that reads below the set thresholds. This function also allows users to easily seek out a shorted conductor within a circuit.
  • Manual modes allows the user to test for specific parameters such as L, C, R, Z or ESR. this more also improves component type identification for in-circuit testing.
  • Variable test signal output from 0.25 to 1.0 Vrms allow test precision for different situations, such as in-circuit evaluations and loose leaded ceramic capacitors..
  • Visible and audible tolerance modes for performing component sorting.
  • A Math Null function allows users to store pre-measured offsets and improve measurement accuracy.

Smart Tweezers controls and screens

Controlling the Device

Smart Tweezers® are controlled using a joystick navigational button. The joystick movement allows users to easily change basic settings from the home screen by pressing directionally. Left and right changes the measurement mode (A, L, C, R); up and down controls the test frequency. Users can also press the joystick to enter the extensive menus. Within the menus, users can set specific parameters for tasks such as setting offset values, holds, and more.


Smart Tweezers Bluetooth

Siborg offers a Bluetooth enabled model of Smart Tweezers®. Based on the ST-5S model, the Bluetooth enabled ST5S-BT2 remotely records measurements in real-time, and send and received measurement data. users can now set specific parameters for component measurements. Data can either be saved to a file or database for later use. The device offers the same features and 0.2% basic accuracy of ST-5S with the added Bluetooth functionality.


Specifications

Physical Specifications
Operating Temperature:0 °C to +50 °C
Storage Temperature:-40 °C to +70 °C
Relative Humidity:0 % to 90 % (0 °C to 35 °C)
0 % to 70 % (35 °C to 55 °C)
Altitude Operating: 0-2000 meters
Battery Type:3.7 V LiPO rechargeable 150 mAh
Typical Charge Time:2.5 Hours
Electromagnetic Compatibility
(EMC):
Susceptibility and Emission: CE 89/336, FCC 15 part B
Size:14.0 x 2.5 x 3.0 cm (3.94 x 0.9 x 1.5 in)
Weight: 53 grams (0.11lb)
Warranty:1 year
Basic Specifications
Measured Parameters:L, C, R, ESR, D, Q
Measuring Frequencies: 100 Hz, 120 Hz, 1 kHz, 10 kHz
Measurement rate:1 time per second
Resistance:0.05 Ohms to 9.9 MOhms
Capacitance:0.5 pF to 4,999 µF
Inductance:0.5 µH to 999 mH
Dissipation Factor:0.001 to 1000
Accuracy SpecificationsAccuracy is specified at 18°C to 28°C (64°F to 82°F), with relative humidity to 90%.
Resistance:
Accuracy:0.2% in range 100 R to 10 K, 0.5% in range 1 R to 1 M
Capacitance:
Accuracy:0.2% in range 10 nF to 10 µF, 0.5% in range 100 pF to 1 mF
Inductance:
Accuracy:0.2% in range 10 mH to 100 mH, 0.5% in range 100 µH to 1H

Products

Smart Tweezers with Bluetooth

Smart Tweezers® with Bluetooth

Smart Tweezers® ST5S-BT2 is able to record measurement data and receive settings over a Bluetooth connection. Works with PC and dedicated iOS and Android apps.


LCR-Reader-MPA multi purpose multimeter

LCR-Reader-MPA

LCR-Reader-MPA is a multipurpose LCR-Reader with a 0.1% basic accuracy, 100 kHz test frequency and a vast selection of test modes including an oscilloscope mode and more.

LCR-Reader-MPAL Low Frequency device also available with frequencies from 100 Hz to 10 kHz.


LCR-Reader LCR-Meter

LCR-Reader LCR-Meter

Lower cost-model in the Smart Tweezers® line; with less features and NIST traceable calibration certificate.
LCR-Reader Pro version with extra accessories.


Smart LED Tester Multifunction Electronics Tester

Smart LED Tester: Multifunction Electronics Tester

Tests LEDs and components. Offers variable current ratings and 12 VDC output. Special cable connects to multimeters.


LCR-Reader Probe Connector

LCR-Reader Kelvin Probe Connector

LCR-Reader Kelvin Probe Connector performs full PCB probing and larger component measurements with a shielded two-wire connection and multiple probe attachments.


SMD Multimeter Test Tweezers

SMD Multimeter Test Tweezers

SMD Multimeter Test Tweezers offer tweezer functionality to most multimeters. The tweezers offer greater precision while measuring small components either mounted on a PCB or loose.


Other Parts and Accessories

The LCR-Reader Store has a wide selection of accessories and parts for Smart Tweezer sand LCR-Reader

Offset Calibration Board

Offset Calibration Board

Dummy PCB to help find the parasitic values between the tips

Smart Tweezers Task Kits

Task Kits

Bundled devices with accessories; for Smart Tweezers® and LCR-Reader

Smart Tweezers Bent Tweezer Probes

Bent Tips

Ergonomic bent tips for Smart Tweezers® and LCR-Reader

Pin Probes for Kelvin Probe Connector

Pin Probes

Fine and Extra Fine Pin Probes for Kelvin Probe Connector

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is Smart Tweezers® mostly for?

    Smart Tweezers® are an unrivaled tool for identification and measurement of surface mount device (SMD) components. just imagine a bunch of devices with or without labels sitting on your desk. ST can identify these with just one touch, speeding up the identification process hundreds of times.

  • Yes, if you know the circuit and understand how it works. Previous models of Smart Tweezers® have been able to test voltage, but this feature is not available on the newest ST-5S or LCR-Reader models.

  • By measuring a voltage drop across a resistor Vr (resistor value R can also be measured using ST) the current through the resistor is easily calculated using Ir=Vr/R. The newer models of Smart Tweezers® do offer continuity and diode testing.

  • The parasitic probe capacitance depends o the distance between the tips, it will be different for different measured component sizes. To obtain the value of the capacitance of the Smart Tweezers®' probes, do the following:

    1. Select manual L, C or R measurement mode, using the navigation button or MODE menu
    2. Enable the HOLD mode in the menu
    3. Obtain offset value by measuring a component or by nulling test leads (see manual for examples)
    4. Enter the NULL menu and select SET
  • Smart Tweezers® do not require any calibration. Every single Smart Tweezers® is calibrated upon assembly using a special calibration stand. This stand is annually certified by JOLA Instruments Inc. Each ST-5S device comes with an NIST and NRC traceable certificate.

  • Users can set the turn-off time by selecting SYSTEM>DISPLAY>TIME-OUT in the menu.

  • There are two main reasons as to why the battery may drain quickly.

    1. The device was recently used using the 10 kHz test frequency. When this setting is used, the device may be constantly measuring the parasitic capacitance between the tips. To avoid draining the battery, reset the device to "Auto" after measurements.
    2. The tips were recently changed and there is a piece of debris caught between the tips and the arms. Simply remove the tips and clean both the arms and tips with isopropyl alcohol; reattach and assure that the device is no longer measuring anything.
  • Users can purchase spare parts, accessories and other devices from the LCR-Reader Store.

    Users can determine their device type and require parts using the Smart Tweezers® Catalogue.

    Follow our Online repair guide.

  • The tips are made of gold-plated stainless steel and the gold tends to wear out with time. The life span depends on the number of touches and the quality of the surfaces being touched. A rough estimate with a moderate intensity of Smart Tweezers® use would be 2-3 years. Typical contact resistance of Smart Tweezers® tips is about 20 mOhms. It can be as high for 1 Ohm for heavily used devices.

  • Smart Tweezers® users can change the screen orientation by entering the DISPLAY menu and selecting "left" or "right" handed.

Contact

Questions or comments? We'd love to hear from you!

Our Address

24 Comberemere Crescent, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada N2L 5B1

Email Us

smarttweezers@siborg.com

Phone & Fax

Phone: +1-519-888-9906
Fax: +1-519-725-9522

Loading
Your message has been sent. Thank you!