APPROVAL SHEET

This is to certify that we have supervised the preparation of and read the thesis
paper prepared by Edgardo C. Bedrijo Jr., Mario C. Borromeo Jr., Jestoni V.
Imperial, Genel S. Pornillos entitled Improved Digital Inductance, Capacitance, and
Frequency Meter and that the said paper has been submitted for final examination by the
Oral Examination Committee.

ENGR. EDGARDO N. MARTINEZ JR.

Academe Adviser

As members of the Oral Examination Committee, we certify that we have

examined this paper and hereby recommend that it be accepted as fulfilment of the thesis
requirement for the Degree Bachelor of Science in Electronics Engineering.
____________________________
ENGR. SHEILDON GO
Panel 1

_______________________________
ENGR. Ma. ESPER G. CERVANTES
Panel 2

____________________________________
ENGR. JAMES FRANCIS B. AGUILAR
Committee Chair
This thesis paper is hereby approved and accepted by the College of Engineering
and Architecture as fulfillment of the thesis requirement for the Degree Bachelor of
Science in Electronics Engineering.

Leon B. Palmiano IV
Dean, Engineering and Architecture

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The researchers extend their deepest gratitude and sincerest appreciation to the
following person who in one way or another contributed in the completion of their
project:
Engr. Edgardo N. Martinez Jr., Adviser, who had been with them from beginning
until end of the project, for his continual guidance and support that pushed the researcher
to give their best;
Sir Emmanuel Ventura, EE lab coordinator, and Julip Cesar Vega, EE lab Student
Assistant, for lending the components needed and allowing them to use laboratory
equipment;
ECE mentors for their important inputs in this project;
Engr. James Francis Aguilar, Engr. Roy Tipones, Engr. Maria Esper Cervantes,
Engr. Francis German Nano, Engr. Sheildon Go, panelists, for their comments and
suggestions that improved this study;
Tyrone, Carina, Jeffrey, Jomerey, Jonathan, Arjay, and Jett, their classmates, for
their unending support and belief to the researchers;
Their countless friends for the inspiration and boost that gave the authors strength
to continue;
Their beloved families, for their unconditional love, moral and financial support
that motivated the authors to strive for excellence; and above all, to the Lord Almighty
for His blessings and guidance.

Ed, Mario, Genel, & Ton

3

ABSTRACT

This study constructed a device that measures the inductance, capacitance, and
frequency of a specific component and circuit. It has a measurement range of 100uH to
1H for inductance, 560pF to 100uF for capacitance, and up to 1 MHz for frequency
measurement. It measures less than five percentage error of the components value. This
study aimed to lessen the time to find and calculate the value of inductors, capacitors, and
frequency of a circuit. The device is based on the LCF Meter made by Aguilar (et al.) of
BS ECE batch 2006 of this university and aimed to improve it. This can also be a good
alternative to expensive commercially available LCF meters. The study focused on
measuring non-polarized capacitor such as film, mylar, and ceramic capacitors and
different kinds of inductor such as resistor type and power inductors. It also measures
frequency of sine, triangular and square waves. After several tests, the device showed
accuracy and reliability on measuring inductance, capacitance, and frequency on each
specific range. As compared to the LCF Meter made by Aguilar (et al.), this device is
more reliable and has a higher measurement range. As compared to the commercially
available LCF meters, this device is cheaper. This device can now be a good and reliable
alternative as a LCF meter. The use and functionality of the device can compete to
commercially available LCF Meters.

Keyword: LCF Meter

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TITLE PAGE..............................................................................................................................
APPROVAL SHEET.................................................................................................................
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT........................................................................................................
ABSTRACT.............................................................................................................................
TABLE OF CONTENTS..........................................................................................................
LIST OF TABLES...................................................................................................................
LIST OF FIGURES................................................................................................................
I. INTRODUCTION.................................................................................................................
II. REVIEW LITERATURE.....................................................................................................
Related Literature.......................................................................................................
Related Studies...........................................................................................................
III. IMPROVED DIGITAL LCF METER................................................................................
Abstract......................................................................................................................
Introduction................................................................................................................
Methodology............................................................................................................

Conceptual Framework........................................................................................
Design Discussion...............................................................................................
Software Design...................................................................................................
Circuit Design......................................................................................................
Data Gathering.....................................................................................................
Analysis and Interpretation..................................................................................
Reliability of the Results.....................................................................................
IV. CONCLUSION.................................................................................................................
V. RECOMMENDATION.....................................................................................................
REFERENCES........................................................................................................................
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APPENDIX..............................................................................................................................
A. Source Code........................................................................................................
B. Schematic Circuit................................................................................................
C. Physical Layout..................................................................................................
D. Bill of Materials.................................................................................................
E. Data sheets..........................................................................................................
F. Grading Sheets....................................................................................................
G. Curriculum Vitae.................................................................................................

LIST OF TABLES
TABLE 3.1 Inductance Measurement of Digital LCF Meter by Aguilar (et.al)
vs.Improved Digital LCF Meter..............................................................................................
TABLE 3.2 Capacitance Measurement of Digital LCF Meter by Aguilar (et al.) vs.
Improved Digital LCF Meter...................................................................................................
TABLE 3.3 Frequency Measurements on Sine Waves of Digital LCF Meter by Aguilar (et
al.) vs. Improved Digital LCF Meter.......................................................................................
TABLE 3.4 Frequency Measurements on Triangular Waves of Digital LCF Meter by
Aguilar (et al.) vs. Improved Digital LCF Meter.....................................................................
TABLE 3.5 Frequency Measurements on Square Waves of Digital LCF Meter by Aguilar
(et al.) vs. Improved Digital LCF Meter................................................................................

LIST OF FIGURES
FIGURE 3.1 Phases of Water Flow Method............................................................................
FIGURE 3.2 Conceptual framework.......................................................................................
FIGURE 3.3 Block Diagram of the Project.............................................................................
FIGURE 3.4 Software Workflow............................................................................................
FIGURE 3.5 Power Supply Circuit.........................................................................................
FIGURE 3.6 Colpitts Oscillator..............................................................................................
FIGURE 3.7 Comparator Circuit.............................................................................................
FIGURE 3.8 Microcontroller Circuit......................................................................................
FIGURE 3.9 Alphanumeric LCD............................................................................................
FIGURE 3.10 Inductance Measurement of Digital LCF Meter by Aguilar (et al.) vs.
Improved Digital LCF Meter...................................................................................................
FIGURE 3.11 Capacitance Measurements of Digital LCF Meter by Aguilar (et.al) vs.
Improved Digital LCF Meter...................................................................................................
FIGURE 3.12 Frequency Measurements on Sine Waves of Digital LCF Meter by Aguilar
(et al.) vs. Improved Digital LCF Meter..................................................................................
FIGURE 3.13 Frequency Measurements on Triangular Waves of Digital LCF Meter by
Aguilar (et al.) vs. Improved Digital LCF Meter.....................................................................
FIGURE 3.14 Frequency Measurements on Square Waves of Digital LCF Meter by
Aguilar (et al.) vs. Improved Digital LCF Meter ....................................................................
FIGURE 3.15 Cost of Different LCF Meter............................................................................