Given that there is variation with frequency regarding the reported component value, what is a reliable way to determine the actual value? The following is some data from the measurement of a particular air core inductor:
f(Hz), R, L(uH)
3, 0.377, 693
10, 0.381, 908
30, 0.379, 905
100, 0.389, 903
300, 0.385, 908
1k, 0.434, 907
3k, 0.859, 905
10k, 5.3, 883
Rse (measured with a DMM): 0.39R
I suppose one can make an informed guess based on the measured series resistance. My meter has 0.01R resolution, but I think that most DIYers' DMMs would read that as 0.4R.
90% = 0.36
95% = 0.38
100% = 0.4
105% = 0.42
110% = 0.44
If one were to tabulate the data as I did, one can visually identify similar data (5 sets; 10Hz to 1kHz) and derive an average for those points. (At 3Hz, the L value begins to deviate and at 3kHz and 10kHz the R value deviates from the central grouping).
Based on this approach, one derives a value of 0.394R, 906.2uH (averaged; 10Hz to 1kHz)
I suspect that this problem is typical only for inductors and not so much for capacitors (my reference 1.003uF capacitor displayed the same value -1uF- all along its curve). Without a ohmmeter at hand, one might not have a basis for judging the (probable) correct value.
What to do?