FAQ: Is it possible to measure the capacitance of piezo elements and converters ranging from 2.00 to 4.00 nF? And the electrical insulation?

The TRZ® Analyzer estimate piezo elements and converters capacitance at resonance condition only, it is the C0 parameter from the BVD equivalent circuit shown in the screenshot below. The TRZ® Software is not able to determine the capacitance at arbitrary frequencies. For the typical capacitance test at 1 kHz, we recommend using a LCR multimeter.

Capacitance C0 of Butterworth-Van Dyke equivalent circuit determined by TRZ Analyzer.

Capacitance C0 of Butterworth-Van Dyke equivalent circuit determined by TRZ® Analyzer.

The TRZ® Analyzer accessory, PiezoHolder, may be helpful to measure capacitance using a LCR multimeter (see image below) because it avoids scratching the silver electrodes surface.

PiezoHolder (TRZ Analyzer accessory) being used to capacitance measurement.

PiezoHolder (TRZ Analyzer accessory) being used to capacitance measurement.

The TRZ® Analyzer applies only low voltage; therefore, it is not suitable to evaluate electrical insulation. For this purpose, we recommend the use of a HV insulation tester.

Learn more about TRZ® Analyzer.