Smart Tweezers LCR-meter: the History of Evolution
Now You Can Purchase Smart Tweezers Spare Parts
Smart Tweezers Pre-production Prototype
Prototypes of Smart Tweezers have been designed back in early 2000s. One of the latest pre-production demo units had a hand-carved housing and hand-made tweezer-type probes. The design was using Atmel AT90S4433 8-bit Microcontroller with 4K bytes of In-System programmable flash memory. This is a high-performance and low-power AVR�� 8-bit RISC Architecture processor. The unit was powered by AA alcaline battery
It is obvious that in the course of the design evolution the components also evolved quickly so that in about 2003 Smart Tweezers finaly were looking somewhat close to what it is today. The latest pre-production units have been nanufactured using 3D printing.
Smart Tweezers Pre-production 3D Printed Housing
Smart Tweezers ST-1
ST-1 is the first commercially released model of Smart Tweezers in 2004. This model had rubber insulated handles, an LCD display and moulded plastic body.
Smart Tweezers ST-2
In model ST-2 significant improvements had been achieved in both accuracy and mechanical design. Replaceable tweezer tips had been introduced as well as a better insulation of the handles released in 2007. Initially it was a ROHS complient device but due to LCD soldering problems we eventually changed the display.
Inductive Charger STIC Kit
In 2009 an Inductive Charging Kit, the STIC, (Smart Tweezers with Inductive Charger) was introduced in order to address a problem of housing damage due to multiple replacement of batteries. When the button batteries were discharged, the device needed to be opened; this caused the plastic to wear and not close as tightly; the screws could also be damaged. This model was more expensive but was widely accepted on assembly lines.
Instead of replaceable batteries, users could replace them with a NiMH cell with inductive charger. When the device was placed on the cradle, a light would show that the device was charging. This upgrade was simple to do and extended the life of the ST-2 and ST-3 devices.
Smart Tweezers STIC, Top view, Green Rechargeable NiMH Battery Smart Tweezers STIC, Bottom view, NiMH Battery and Ferromagnetic Core of Inductive Charger PCB
Smart Tweezers ST-5
In 2011 the latest model ST-5 had been released featuring even better basic accuracy of 0.2% for R and 0.5% for LC. The higher accuracy was available due to a change from a 2-wire Kelvin connection from the tweezers to a 4-wire connection. The ST-5 was Li-Ion rechargeable batteries and micro-USB charging. This model offered users replaceable, Swiss-made precision tips, and a 4-way joystick-like navigation. Features included offset subtraction and component sorting. This model came with a hard-shelled carrying case, charging cable, and was calibrated to NIST standards with traceable calibration certificate.
Smart Tweezers ST-5 Quick Reference
Smart Tweezers ST-3 model and ST-5 comparison
LCR-Reader
In 2013, Siborg released the first look at the LCR-Reader. This device was created as a lower-cost alternative to Smart Tweezers models, mostly aimed at customers who wanted a device like Smart Tweezers but without the higher price while not sacrificing the easy-of-use or basic accuracy.This model was also first to debut a new look; a slimmer build than the ST-5, and only 1 oz., nearly half the weight. It also has a bright OLED display compared to the older LCD display. This design was eventually adopted for the ST-5S model.
Here is the Manual and the Quickstart Guides.
Smart Tweezers ST-5S
In 2014 Siborg released the Smart Tweezers ST-5S. This device was an updated take on the ST-5, with mostly the same features and functions but an updated look akin to the LCR-Reader. Here is the Manual and the Quick Reference for this model.Smart Tweezers ST-5S Quickstart Guide
Smart Tweezers with Bluetooth
In 2016, Siborg announced the availability of Smart Tweezers ST5S-BT, a Smart Tweezers ST-5S device with the added ability to remotely record measurement values in real time. The device connects using a USB dongle (required to connect to computers) or using dedicated apps for iOS and Android. Depending on which communication software you use to receive the data can be saved into a file or database for processing later or used a quick reference. The ability to automatically record measurements is a time-saver for those who require their measurements to be recorded for quality control.Smart Tweezers with Bluetooth, the ST5S-BT, allows users to record measurement results as they happen. Smart Tweezers with Bluetooth Dongle; the dongle is required to connect to computer. Free Tera Term Screen accepting data; the data is sent in a string of comma separated values that represent what is shown on the Smart Tweezers' screen at time of measurement
Smart LED Test Tweezers
Siborg began offering the LED Test Tweezers in November 2015. This device uses tweezer-probes to measure LEDs and other components. With the included cable, LED Test Tweezers can connect to most multimeters and be used as tweezer probes. The phosphor-gold tips are able to grasp and hold small components, and a ring-light around the device confirms a connection. The Smart LED Test Tweezers measure LEDs with a current rating of 12VDC and variable current ratings of 20, 10 and 5 mA.2nd Generation Smart Tweezers with Bluetooth ST5S-BT2
The 2nd generation Smart Tweezers ST5S-BT2 were made available from Siborg in Spring 2017. This model utilizes the same features and functions on Smart Tweezers ST-5S and the original Bluetooth model with the added ability to send and receive data to/from the device.This model allows users to set up the device remotely to match previous measurement specifications. The ST5S-BT only allowed the device to send measurement data to the receiving software. ST5S-BT2 lets users create a measurement profile with the required specifications; the receiving software will automtaically determine if the component meets these specifications and grants a pass or fail. This ability is ultimately favourable for production lines where time is a factor.
The ST5S-BT2 has dedicated software for PC, iOS and Android and works with most receiving software including National Institute's LabView and free software such as TeraTerm. Using available USB Bluetooth receivers, the Bluetooth Smart Tweezers devices can be integrated into custom user environments. The receiver is based on FTDI bridge and creates a virtual RS232 serial port, allowing for easy connection.