PCS Series IET LABS

PCS Series Programmable Capacitance Decade Box – IET Labs

Automated and Precise Capacitance Simulation for Calibration and Testing

The PCS Series Programmable Capacitance Decade Box from IET Labs offers a flexible and accurate solution for a wide range of automated capacitance simulation needs. Designed for laboratory, production, and field calibration environments, the PCS Series provides programmable control of capacitance values, enabling high-speed, reliable testing across a wide range of applications.

Available in two main models, PCS-300 and PCS-301, the series delivers precise performance with resolution down to 100 pF and a wide capacitance range from 0 to 100 µF. The PCS-301 provides enhanced precision with an accuracy of 1% + 3 pF, ideal for more demanding test environments. Switching is fast and silent, with response times as low as 4 ms per step, making it suitable for integration into fast-paced automated systems.

Each PCS unit is designed with carefully selected capacitor types to ensure optimal performance across its full range, including mica, polystyrene, polycarbonate, polyester, and polarized tantalum capacitors. This results in minimal residual impedance and excellent overall stability and reliability.

With GPIB and RS232 interfaces, the PCS Series supports full SCPI command sets and can be controlled easily through common lab software platforms. Whether for quality assurance, automated calibration stations, or electronic development labs, the PCS Series provides the capability and flexibility required for professional capacitance simulation.

Features

Key Benefits

• Programmable wide-range capacitance: 0 to 100 µF

• 6-decade resolution down to 100 pF

• Fast switching time: less than 4 ms

• High repeatability for automated systems

• RS232 and GPIB (IEEE-488.2) remote control interfaces

• Compact, rack-mountable design

• Supports SCPI 1994.0 command set for easy integration

• Durable component selection for consistent performance

• Built-in protection for safe operation

Applications

• Automated test systems

• Capacitance meter calibration

• LCR meter verification

• R&D and component analysis

• Production quality control

• Educational electronics labs

Specifications

• Model options: PCS-300 and PCS-301

• Capacitance range: 0 to 100 µF

• Resolution: 100 pF per step

• Accuracy:

  • PCS-300: ±4% + 5 pF

  • PCS-301: ±1% + 3 pF

• Number of decades: 6

• Switching time:

  • <4 ms per step

  • <7 ms for higher precision models

• Residual impedance: approx. 7 pF (typical)

• Max load:

  • 100 V for lower capacitance

  • 20 V for 10–100 µF range

• Capacitor types:

  • 100–900 pF: Mica

  • 0.001–0.009 µF: Polystyrene

  • 0.01–0.9 µF: Polycarbonate

  • 1–9 µF: Polyester

  • 10–90 µF: Polarized tantalum

• Communication interfaces:

  • IEEE-488.2 (GPIB) with 24-pin connector

  • RS232 (25-pin male DTE), baud rates 300–115200 bps

• Control protocol: SCPI 1994.0

• Configuration: Bench-top or optional rack-mount

The PCS Series is the ideal choice for engineers and metrologists needing programmable and stable capacitance values in an efficient and automated format.