YouTube Feed

The Signal Path 120K

TSP #242 - Sanko GH60 6GHz Handheld Vector Signal Generator Review, Teardown & Experiments

The Signal Path 9.8K views March 24, 2024 10:50 PM

522 37

In this episode Shahriar shows an extensive review of the Sanko (BirdRF) GH60 GeneHawk handheld vector signal generator which operates from 10MHz – 6GHz. With up to 100MHz of modulation bandwidth (licensed) the unit has good potential for a portable wide-band communication signal generator:

https://www.sankorf.com/products/portable-signal-generator-gh60

This review is organized as follows:

00:00 – Introductions, unit overview, operating system & GUI initial impressions
02:33 – Detailed teardown, construction, RF & baseband board analysis
19:16 – Frequency accuracy and stability measurements
20:31 – Output power measurement, power linearity and minimum output power
24:28 – CW signal analysis, noise-floor, harmonic behavior and spurious tones
27:15 – Phase noise characterization, spurs and far-out noise floor
28:41 – Two-tone generator, TOI (OIP3), image rejection, LO rejection, intermodulation tones
31:13 – Pulse generation, minimum pulse behavior
33:36 – Linear frequency generation measurements & characteristics
34:58 – FM, AM & PM capabilities and characterization methods, multi-modulation options
37:22 – Frequency sweep behavior and limitations
40:07 – Custom digital modulation, EVM measurements, I/Q & magnitude error, equalization
43:05 – Real-time AWGN performance and measurements
44:00 – Other software features, up-coming API and waveform standards
44:44 – Concluding remarks

Please consider supporting The Signal Path:
https://www.TheSignalPath.com/Donate
https://www.Patreon.com/TheSignalPath

Other links:
https://www.TheSignalPath.com
https://www.Twitter.com/TheSignalPath
...

TSP #241 - Ametek Jofra CTC-140A (-17C TO +140C) Dry Block Calibrator Repair & Teardown

The Signal Path 6.9K views March 15, 2024 11:29 PM

622 44

-= Description coming soon! =-

Please consider supporting The Signal Path:
https://www.TheSignalPath.com/Donate
https://www.Patreon.com/TheSignalPath

Other links:
https://www.TheSignalPath.com
https://www.Twitter.com/TheSignalPath
...

TSP #240 - Rohde & Schwarz 70GHz, 75dB Electromechanical Step Attenuator Teardown & Failure Analysis

The Signal Path 14.6K views March 9, 2024 4:44 PM

870 45

In this episode Shahriar takes a look at a very high-end step attenuator designed by Rohde & Schwarz for their FSU family spectrum analyzers which cover over 67GHz of sweep frequency.

The attenuator teardown and architecture is thoroughly presented with focus on how the high-frequency performance is maintained in a moving environment. Furthermore, the individual attenuator pads are examined under the microscope for their construction and design where the 5dB pad failure can also be observed.

Please consider supporting The Signal Path:
https://www.TheSignalPath.com/Donate
https://www.Patreon.com/TheSignalPath

Other links:
https://www.TheSignalPath.com
https://www.Twitter.com/TheSignalPath
...

TNP #47 - SHF 100CP 20GHz Broadband GaAs FET Amplifier Teardown & Experiments

The Signal Path 16.6K views March 2, 2024 5:31 PM

1K 79

-= Description coming soon! =-

Please consider supporting The Signal Path:
https://www.TheSignalPath.com/Donate
https://www.Patreon.com/TheSignalPath

Other links:
https://www.TheSignalPath.com
https://www.Twitter.com/TheSignalPath
...

TSP #239 - SJL Instruments 6GHz GigaWave Sampling Oscilloscope Review, Teardown & Experiments

The Signal Path 20.2K views February 28, 2024 6:55 PM

866 52

In this episode Shahriar review the new sampling oscilloscope from SJL Instruments. Our GigaWave™ digital sampling oscilloscopes offer 12-bit vertical resolution, 1-ps time resolution, and 6 GHz analog bandwidth, all in a tiny 4” form factor:

https://www.sjl-instruments.com/

This review is organized as follows:

00:00 - Introductions
00:34 - Sampling scope & real-time scope theory and comparison
04:13 - CDF versus PDF method of waveform reconstruction
06:12 - Teardown & circuit analysis
09:35 - Input return loss characteristics and channel isolation
10:36 - GUI overview, capturing a fast pulse, comparison with Keysight DCA-X, built-in measurements, dot and vector mode
19:09 - Eye diagram measurements, ISI measurements, multi-channel view
24:15 - Multi-tone capture, FFT functions
25:09 - Concluding remarks

Please consider supporting The Signal Path:
https://www.TheSignalPath.com/Donate
https://www.Patreon.com/TheSignalPath

Other links:
https://www.TheSignalPath.com
https://www.Twitter.com/TheSignalPath
...

TSP #238 - Rohde & Schwarz FE170SR D-Band (110 - 170GHz) Sub-THz Frontend Overview & Experiments

The Signal Path 23.4K views January 26, 2024 10:23 PM

848 67

In this episode Shahriar takes a close look at the Rohde & Schwarz FE170SR which is the world's first fully abstracted D-Band front-end module. Intended for early sub-terahertz 6G research, the fully integrated module is capable of seamlessly interfacing with both spectrum analyzers and oscilloscopes - only a 10MHz reference is needed!

https://www.rohde-schwarz.com/us/products/test-and-measurement/frontends-and-converter/rs-fe170sr-frontend_334208.html

The video goes over the history and evolution of external mixers and front-ends to better capture the uniqueness of the FE170SR. The internal block diagram and theory of operation of the instrument is also presented. Experiments show detailed measurement techniques using the FE170SR and the RTP oscilloscope. The integration of the FE170SR with R&S VSE is also presented through demodulation of broadband QAM signals at a carrier of 145GHz.

Furthermore, the newly released R&S Thermal Power Sensor at D-Band is also shown in the video:

https://www.rohde-schwarz.com/us/products/test-and-measurement/rf-and-microwave-power-sensors/rs-nrpxxt-tn-twg-thermal-power-sensors_63493-197529.html

Please consider supporting The Signal Path:
https://www.TheSignalPath.com/Donate
https://www.Patreon.com/TheSignalPath

Other links:
https://www.TheSignalPath.com
https://www.Twitter.com/TheSignalPath
...

TNP #46 - Torbal AD60 Precision Balance (0.001g) Repair, Teardown & Experiments

The Signal Path 13.5K views January 11, 2024 12:16 AM

1.4K 72

In this episode Shahriar takes a look at a Torbal precision scale capable of resolving 0.001g! Unfortunately the unit shows an error of "Unload" when powered on. The teardown of the unit as well as the principle operation is described. The teardown also reveals the problem with the scale mechanism which is a broken link. The repair correct the problem and the scale shows excellent accuracy with calibrated weights. The live evaporation of Acetone is also shown using the precision balance.

Please consider supporting The Signal Path:
https://www.TheSignalPath.com/Donate
https://www.Patreon.com/TheSignalPath

Other links:
https://www.TheSignalPath.com
https://www.Twitter.com/TheSignalPath
...

TNP #45 - Tektronix TekVPI TPA-BNC (TekProbe Converter) Adapter Repair & Teardown

The Signal Path 9.3K views January 3, 2024 11:29 PM

660 25

In this episode Shahriar upgrades the internal firmware of a TPA-BNC TekVPI adapter. The teardown of the adapter is presented and the internal architecture described. The firmware is copied from a newer unit to the faulty one and the adapter can now detect a wide range of probes.

Please consider supporting The Signal Path:
https://www.TheSignalPath.com/Donate
https://www.Patreon.com/TheSignalPath

Other links:
https://www.TheSignalPath.com
https://www.Twitter.com/TheSignalPath
...

TSP #237 - Rohde & Schwarz LCX200 Precision 10MHz LCR Meter Review, Tutorial, Teardown & Experiments

The Signal Path 22.2K views December 21, 2023 4:15 PM

859 84

In this episode Shahriar presents a detailed review of the Rohde & Schwarz LCX200 LCR meter. The new LCR platform from Rohde & Schwarz can operate up to 10MHz with a basic accuracy of ±0.05% for impedance measurements:

https://www.rohde-schwarz.com/us/products/test-and-measurement/lcr-meters-and-impedance-analyzers/rs-lcx-lcr-meter_63493-1172288.html

With capabilities such as binning, logging and sweeps, there is a lot to talk about! This review is organized as follows:

00:00 – Introductions
00:46 – Instrument overview, front & back panels
02:57 – Test fixtures and fixture teardown
04:28 – Detailed teardown, architecture, sub-component overview
11:23 – Remote interface, GUI overview, measurement parameters, fixture compensation
15:14 – Capacitor standard measurement, parameters setup, incident voltage, LowZ mode, auto-ranging
19:43 – Capacitor impairment measurements, Cs/Rs/Cp/Rp comparison, DC resistance & leakage measurements
21:44 – In-circuit measurements considerations, active device impacts
22:49 – Variable capacitor measurements, logging & plotting performance
25:37 – LC resonance measurements, frequency sweep capabilities, SRF detection, data export & post processing
29:22 – PN junction varactor measurements, DC bias sweep, active device characterization
31:35 – Variable inductor measurements, current stimulus capabilities, quality factor measurements
32:59 – Transformer fixture & transformer characterization, number of turns, mutual inductance and transformer verifications
35:02 – Surface mount device measurements, setup for binning and statistical measurements, triggering
37:05 – External DC bias voltage setup, internal voltage readout, 40V capability
38:57 – Concluding remarks & future improvements

Please consider supporting The Signal Path:
https://www.TheSignalPath.com/Donate
https://www.Patreon.com/TheSignalPath

Other links:
https://www.TheSignalPath.com
https://www.Twitter.com/TheSignalPath
...

TNP #44 - AT&T 938A LED Optical Loss Set Repair, Teardown & Experiments

The Signal Path 8.1K views December 14, 2023 9:29 PM

718 25

In this episode Shahriar takes a look an AT&T optical loss set which is equipped LED sources 875nm & 1300nm. The unit has been storage for over a decade with heavily leaked batteries.
After the cleanup, the unit powers on and is able to measure optical power as well as generate light from the LED source. The accuracy of the photodetector is verified against a calibrated optical meter. The wavelength of the 875nm LED source is also measured using a spectrometer.

Please consider supporting The Signal Path:
https://www.TheSignalPath.com/Donate
https://www.Patreon.com/TheSignalPath

Other links:
https://www.TheSignalPath.com
https://www.Twitter.com/TheSignalPath
...

TSP #236 - A 77GHz Automotive Radar Module Measurement, Reverse Engineering & RFIC/Antenna Analysis

The Signal Path 85K views November 30, 2023 11:00 PM

2.8K 151

In this episode Shahriar takes a detailed look at two different automotive 77GHz radar modules. Each module design is presented along with the overall architecture and functional blocks.

The working module measurements are presented with discussions on how to capture an FMCW waveform at mm-wave frequencies. The teardown of the faulty module reveals the overall synthetic aperture design, antenna placement and design considerations and the digital backend processing. A close look at the Infineon 77GHz RFICs are also presented.

Please consider supporting The Signal Path:
https://www.TheSignalPath.com/Donate
https://www.Patreon.com/TheSignalPath

Other links:
https://www.TheSignalPath.com
https://www.Twitter.com/TheSignalPath
...

TSP #235 - Stanford Research SR650 Dual Programmable Filter HP/LP Repair, Teardown & Experiments

The Signal Path 12.9K views November 25, 2023 12:49 PM

846 52

In this episode Shahriar repairs an SRS SR650 dual programmable filter. The unit powers on with nearly all the front-panel LEDs illuminated but does not respond to any buttons. Schematic and internal measurements show a lack of activity on any of the main processor pins which is traced to a faulty inverter IC responsible for clock generation. The main SRAM IC is also missing and needs to be replaced.
Additional analysis of the circuits and modifications are also presented. However, the unit develops a new problem due to very high thermal dissipation of the 5V regular and full bridge rectifier. A new rectifier is installed and the faulty 5V regular is also replaced. The QuantAsylum QA403 Audio Analyzer is used to characterized the filter and ensure both the high-pass and low-pass filter sections are functional.

Please consider supporting The Signal Path:
https://www.TheSignalPath.com/Donate
https://www.Patreon.com/TheSignalPath

Other links:
https://www.TheSignalPath.com
https://www.Twitter.com/TheSignalPath
...