Smart Tweezers LCR-meter: the History of Evolution

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 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.

---

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.

---

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.