TNP #55 - Lab Upkeep Time! Agilent 3458A 8.5 Digit Multimeter & MSO9404A 4GHz, 20GS/s Scope Repairs
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In this quick episode Shahriar performs some regular lab maintenance. Two instrument need attention. The Agilent 3458A is reporting a Nonvolatile Memory Error & and the Agilent MSO9404A is reporting a dead CMOS battery.
Both problems are easily addressed by changing the battery backup. In the case of the 3458A, the calibration content has to be re-programed into the new NVRAM ICs.
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TSP #266 - Agilent 6GHz MXG Vector Signal Generator (N5182A) Teardown, Repair & Frac-N PLL Analysis
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In this episode Shahriar repairs an Agilent N5182A MXG Vector Signal Generator. The instrument produces the correct output signal for some set frequencies but reports a Fractional-N Unlock error for others while the output signal completely disappears. The instrument also fails many self-test checks.
The block diagram of the unit is described in details with a measurement strategy to analyze every element of the PLL loop. The band-pass filter banks are isolated and measured with a Siglent network analyzer and are shown to be fully functional. The VCO output amplifiers & doubler are also fully functional and tested using a Siglent spectrum analyzer. The PLL loop is then "overwritten" and manually adjusting the VCO control voltage demonstrates that the oscillator can cover its entire designed tuning range. The fractional-N divider also appears functional for the appropriate input frequency ranges. Finally, although the GaAs phase detector appear functional, it is possible for such a component to slowly degrade where the phase detection gain changes significantly. This custom Agilent part is sourced from a donor board and the instrument now functions across all frequency ranges and passes all self-tests.
The phase noise performance of the unit is verified against the datasheet using an Agilent E5052B signal analyzer with cross-correlation capability.
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TSP #265 - Thermal Camera Cooled to -196C! Cryogenic HgCdTe (MCT) Long-Wave Infrared Detector Magic
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In this video Shahriar dives into the amazing science & engineering of cryogenically cooled thermal cameras. This particular model, Inframetrics 760 Imaging Radiometer, was manufactured in the 1990's and leverages a range of clever engineering techniques. It includes a miniaturized Stirling engine cryocooler, galvanometer based mirrors for 2D field scanning as well as a low-noise Mercury-Cadmium-Tellurite (HgCdTe) MCT detector sensitive in the 4-15um wavelength.
Teardown of the unit along with a detailed theory of operation is presented. The semiconductor profile and properties of MCT detectors are also discussed. Furthermore, a different thermal camera using a Joule-Thomson cryocooler and high-pressure (3000 PSI) Argon source is also shown.
After reverse engineering the critical detector interfaces, an experiment is devised to measure the thermal signature of a resistor. The setup includes a triangle wave driving a resistor to generate a time varying thermal source, Lakeshore M81 source-measure lock-in amplifier and chopper in front of the MCT detector and BLDC motor driver for running the cryocooler. The measurement demonstrates the functionality & sensitivity of the detector to capture black body radiation.
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TNP #54 - How Much Money Does YouTube Pay The Signal Path? Also Oscilloscope Giveaway Time!
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In this episode Shahriar shares the total ad revenue of The Signal Path since its inception in May 2011.
There is also another oscilloscope giveaway! This time it will be a Siglent SDS1000X HD, 4-Channel Oscilloscope. The winner will be randomly selected in one month.
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TSP #264 - Lakeshore M81 Synchronous Source Measure System (SSM) Review, Teardown & Experiments
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In this episode Shahriar reviews the newly released Lakeshore M81 Synchronous Source Measure System. This unique product combines three key metrology techniques into one: source/measure capability, high-dynamic range remote-heads and lock-in capability while maintaining both DC and AC modes. In my view, this is an entirely new instrumentation category:
https://www.lakeshore.com/products/product-detail/m81/the-m81-ssm-instrument
This review is organized as follows:
00:00:00 - Introductions
00:00:35 - Why is the M81 system a new type of instrumentation category?
00:04:51 - Instrument overview, font/back panels, module interfaces
00:07:42 - Complete teardown of all modules & mainframe
00:21:05 - AC & DC performance verifications, detailed GUI overview, mainframe usability
00:36:31 - Full BJT characterization, IV trace, thermal effects, MeasureLINK platform, sequencing measurements, scripting capabilities
00:46:28 - AC voltage & current linearity, THD & spurious performance verifications
00:51:48 - Lock-in capability, characterization of RC circuit phase response, harmonic measurement, DC + AC capabilities
00:59:37 - Ultrasonic liquid level measurement setup, lock-in phase tracking, MeasureLINK plotting over time
01:02:28 - Lock-in with externally modulate signals, photovoltaic effect of a glass-package diode, chopper signal synchronization
01:06:59 - Additional possible experiments, Lakeshore white papers
01:07:50 - Recommendations & concluding remarks
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TSP #263 - The Greatest RF Show on Earth! IEEE Microwave Symposium Exhibition, San Francisco 2025
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In this episode Shahriar visits the Industry Exhibition during the IMS Microwave Week held in San Francisco CA this year:
https://ims-ieee.org/2025ExhibitorInformation
Although it is impossible to capture everything at this amazing event, here is a look at some of new products and components from 16 of the vendors at the show:
00:00 - Introductions
00:26 - R&S: https://rohde-schwarz.com
12:29 - Samtec Glass Core: https://www.samtec.com/gct
14:08 - Keysight: https://keysight.com
24:36 - MPI Corp: https://mpi-corporation.com
28:04 - Zurich Instruments: https://www.zhinst.com
29:32 - Z-Communications: https://www.zcomm.com
31:31 - Focus Microwave: https://focus-microwaves.com
36:05 - Siglent: https://siglentna.com
38:07 - Leap Wave: https://leapwavetech.com
39:46 - Spinner: https://www.spinner-group.com
42:00 - Eravant: https://eravant.com
43:48 - Signal Hound: https://signalhound.com
47:02 - Dassault: https://www.3ds.com/products/simulia/ivcad-suite
48:24 - VDI: https://vadiodes.com
52:20 - TransSiP: https://www.transsip.com
54:10 - Microsanj: https://microsanj.com
55:21 - Closing remarks
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TSP #262 - Tesla Model Y Indoor Cabin Radar Teardown & Deep Analysis of SoC, Package, Antennas & PCB
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In this episode Shahriar takes a close look at the Tesla Model Y Indoor Cabin 60GHz radar module. This deep analysis video covers a lot of ground starting with the mechanical design of the module. The primary PCB is studied with attention to power management, vehicle interfaces, choice of radar SoC chipset, antenna design, isolation & RF routing.
The PCB is further examined using X-Ray fluorescence to confirm the use of silver immersion as a surface finish. Furthermore, leveraging Raman spectroscopy the material composition of the radar radome is also examined. The radar chipset package is also analyzed by using an x-ray image.
The main TI radar SoC is removed from the packaged and after studying the block diagram of the integrated circuits, the bare die is examined under a high power microscope for a silicon design reverse engineering.
I hope to see you at the IEEE IMS & RFIC event in San Francisco, California, USA this year in June 15th, 2025:
https://ims-ieee.org/
And here is a teaser to my Technical Lecture at the IEEE RFIC Conference:
https://rfic-ieee.org/technical-program/technical-lectures?date=2025-06-15
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TSP #261 - Sencore PA-81 Stereo Power Amplifier Analyzer Teardown, Repair & Experiments
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-= Description coming soon! =-
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TCP #1 - From Electricity to Liquid Oxygen! Magic of Thermodynamics, Cryocoolers & Oxygen Capture
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In this April 1st episode, The Signal Path enters a new era. We are rebranding to The Chemical Path! We are interested in designing a system which consumes only electricity and produces liquid oxygen. There are several fascinating physics and thermodynamic effects involved to achieve this.
This video dives into the various scientific phenomenon and explores the operation of pressure swing absorption oxygen concentrators, ultrasonic oxygen sensors and Stirling cryocoolers in details.
The demonstrated complete system consumes less than 400W while producing liquid oxygen at a steady pace. The beautiful blue liquid oxygen is verified to be paramagnetic and of course an aggressive oxidizer.
Many thanks to Ilya (https://xdevs.com/) and Ben (https://www.youtube.com/@AppliedScience) for their consulting and support.
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TSP #259 - HAROGIC SAE-200 Real-Time 20GHz Portable Spectrum Analyzer Review, Teardown & Experiments
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In this episode Shahriar takes a detailed look at the "pocket-sized" HAROGIC real-time 20GHz spectrum analyzer. With its 100MHz of analysis bandwidth and FPGA based signal processing, it is both powered and operates from USB-C ports:
https://rf-instruments.eu/products/sa-series/sae-200/
This review is organized as follows:
00:00 - Introductions
00:36 - Instrument overview, ports and interfaces
02:09 - Performance metrics & data-sheet details
05:39 - Complete teardown with analysis of all RF & digital boards
18:23 - Overall instrument architecture, signal & data paths
19:14 - GUI overview, purity, phase noise measurement, front-end & dynamic range
25:17 - Spurious tone, spectral purity & harmonic rejection in sweep modes
28:18 - Third order intercept, input linearity, IM3 measurement & optimization
32:10 - Real-Time mode, frequency hopping detection, plot persistence & spectrogram
35:58 - AM modulation, pulse/power detection & triggering modes
39:25 - I/Q streaming mode, modulation analysis, power versus time & I/Q versus time
47:49 - Additional features & API interface benefits
48:31 - Concluding remarks
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TSP #258 - TEGAM AVM-2000 100nV - 1000V Null Detector / Nanovoltmeter Repair, Teardown & Experiments
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In this episode Shahriar takes a look at a faulty PPM (TEGAM) Null Detector. With its massive dynamic range (10 orders of magnitude!) this instrument is capable of nano-Volt range measurements. Unfortunately the unit is faulty and does not display or measure anything at the input.
The unit requires a battery for operation (6V Lead-Acid) which can be bypassed by using a 7.4V LiPo battery. The unit powers on and the power supply section is fully functional. Detailed block diagrams and schematic analysis of the unit is discussed during the video.
The analog front-end is also verified to be functional through internal measurements and although there is digital communication between the various internal modules, the ADC only transmits a fixed (faulty) data sequence to the front-panel. The fault is traced to be a corrupted firmware which the manufacture does not agree to share.
Thanks to a helpful internet friend, firmware from a working unit is extracted and compared with the faulty instrument. It becomes clear that the corrupted FLASH memory is responsible. After transferring the calibration coefficients to the modified new firmware the unit comes back to life! Several measurements showcase the units capabilities and functionality.
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TSP #257 - Siglent SNA5000A 8.5GHz 4-Port VNA Mixer & TDR Application Review & Experiments (II)
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In this episode Shahriar continues the review of the Siglent SNA5000A series vector network analyzer. You can also watch the Part 1 review & teardown of this instrument:
https://youtu.be/6vHX0moZUFg
The Siglent SNA5000A continues to receive new features and upgrades:
https://siglentna.com/vector-network-analyzer/sna5000a/
This review is organized as follows:
00:00 - Introductions
02:12 - Scaler Mixer Measurement application & setup
07:33 - Mixer s-parameter & power calibration routines
11:14 - I/Q down & up-converter frequency response characterization
16:01 - Power sweeps and conversation gain implications
19:32 - Frequency doubler measurement setup & characterization
23:07 - TDR measurement application, setup & calibration
26:24 - Characterization of a SATA backplane differential channel
29:13 - Eye diagram plots, data-rate, PRBS & mask setup
32:23 - Equalization, pre-emphasis, jitter & CTLE
36:10 - Concluding remarks
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