TNP #49 - Keysight 34420A 7.5 Digit Nano Volt / Micro Ohm Meter Teardown, Repair & Verification
In this quick episode Shahriar repairs an HP 34420A. This 7.5 Digit meter is specialized for making low voltage & low resistance measurements. In 4W mode, it can provide excellent resistance measurements in the micro-Ohm range.
This unit does not make any measurements on Channel 1 while Channel 2 reports the correct readings. An overview of the front-end schematics points to the likely culprit: the solid-state relays responsible for channel switching. After replacing the components the instruments returns to normal. Despite its age and the this repair, voltage and resistance measurements are remarkably close to their ideal values as compared with voltage & resistance calibrator instruments.
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TSP #248 - Zurich Instruments MFIA Impedance Analyzer (Z = 1mΩ - 1TΩ) Review, Teardown & Experiments
In this episode Shahriar reviews the Zurich Instruments MFIA Impedance analyzer. The unit is capable of measuring impedances from 1mΩ to 1TΩ and across a frequency range of 1mHz to 5MHz while providing a basic accuracy of 0.05%. However, this instrument is much more than just an Impedance Analyzer, it is build on a lock-in amplifier architecture with sophisticated capabilities and features:
https://www.zhinst.com/americas/en/products/mfia-impedance-analyzer
The review is organized as follows:
00:00:00 - Introductions
00:00:39 - Digital lock-in fundamental theory of operation
00:06:00 - Block diagrams, LCR capabilities, performance metrics
00:14:29 - MFIA I/O and interface overview
00:15:48 - Detailed teardown, circuit components, design architecture
00:21:57 - GUI introduction, software flow, API capabilities
00:24:51 - MFITF Impedance Fixture details
00:25:38 - Calibration & initial measurement setup, numeric display
00:30:41 - Frequency sweep, self-resonance, plotting functions
00:34:07 - High-Q filter measurements, phase & impedance analysis
00:36:07 - Varactor CV characteristic measurements, bias & signal sweep
00:39:32 - Trend sweeps, temperature measurements, statistical plots
00:43:52 - Threshold Unit, generating waveforms, AUX IOs, DAQ capabilities
00:49:18 - Lock-in amplifier overview & signal flow diagrams
00:51:23 - Ultra-sound radar, spectrum view, digitizer, AUX routing
01:00:48 - Zurich Instruments product ecosystem overview
01:01:48 - Concluding remarks
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TSP #247 - World's Largest Microwave Industry Exhibition - IEEE Microwave Symposium, Washington 2024
In this episode Shahriar visits the Industry Trade Show at IMS Microwave Week held in Washington DC this year. Although it is impossible to capture everything at this amazing event, here is a look at some of new products and components from 25 of the vendors at the show.
00:00 - Introductions
00:53 - R&S: https://rohde-schwarz.com
09:55 - Keysight: https://keysight.com
15:23 - Signal Hound: https://signalhound.com
18:24 - Millibox: https://millibox.org
19:46 - MPI Corp: https://mpi-corporation.com
21:56 - Junkosha: https://junkosha.com
23:38 - AARONIA: https://aaronia.com
26:17 - Focus Microwave: https://focus-microwaves.com
28:54 - VDI: https://vadiodes.com
31:56 - MI-Wave: https://miwv.com
34:32 - Flann: https://flann.com
36:06 - Eravant: https://eravant.com
37:28 - Tabor Electronics: https://taborelec.com
38:39 - Swiss-to-12: https://swissto12.com
40:25 - Maury Microwave: https://maurymw.com
43:58 - Copper Mountain: https://coppermountaintech.com
45:21 - Microsanj: https://microsanj.com
47:05 - eV Technologies: https://ev-technologies.com
48:35 - Siglent: https://siglentna.com
50:29 - Tektronix: https://tek.com
52:54 - UNI-T: https://uni-trend.com
54:02 - GGB PicoProbe: https://ggb.com
54:44 - Presidio: https://presidiocomponents.com
56:14 - RF-Lambda: https://rflambda.com
57:41 - IronWood: https://ironwoodelectronics.com
58:51 - Closing remarks
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TNP #48 - Multi-Stage Turbomolecular Pump (Turbo-Pump) Theory of Operation, Assembly & Experiment
In this episode Shahriar tries to get a multi-stage Turbo Pump running. The unit comprises cylinder-based rouging pump into two stages of turbo pumps. The entire system is described with various interlock and controller mechanisms. The top blades of each pump are also shown.
The pump reached 10^-6 Torr fairly quickly but will likely need additional cleaning and long runtime to achieve anything below 10^-7 Torr.
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TSP #246 - High-Voltage Amplification, Signal Generation, Power Supply Design Tutorial & Experiments
In this episode Shahriar dives into the world of high-voltage circuit design. In order to appreciate the engineering involved in the design of a 40kV amplifier, various design techniques for power supplies and their applications are presented. This tutorial is organized as follows:
00:00 - Introductions
00:29 - Amplifier design specifications and challenges
03:18 - Typical high-voltage generation using transformers and its limitations
06:41 - Open-loop transformer high-voltage power supply for discharge tube use-cases
10:18 - Inaccurate HV power supply making precision isolation measurements with Fluke 1587 FC
12:39 - Stanford Research PS350 high-voltage DC power supply design and measurements
21:44 - Vitrek V74 HiPot safety tester design, applications and example breakdown measurement
27:01 - Architecture of a high-voltage amplifier circuit, circuit diagram and theory of operation
32:43 - Teardown & analysis of the Trek Model 20/20B +/- 20kV amplifier instrument
42:02 - Linearity and waveform measurements of the high-voltage amplifier instrument
46:26 - Making ultra-high voltage time-domain measurements using a capacitive divider
48:45 - Discharge tube response as a function of AC frequency & high-power sparks
50:12 - Concluding remarks
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TSP #245 - The Signal Path Philosophy, Future & You Won't Believe What Happens Next Clickbait!
Thank you all who support the channel, you make it all possible. And of course thanks to everyone who has watched and benefitted from my content.
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TSP #244 - Agilent 3458A 8.5-Digit Multimeter Repair, Teardown & IC Analysis (April 2024)
In this episode Shahriar repairs a faulty Agilent 3458A. These highly desirable multimeters have continued to climb in price in the past few years. The last time The Signal Path has repaired one of these units was back in 2018.
This instrument generates several errors both during power up as well as Auto Cal procedure. The error points to a failure in the OHMS measurement mode. Detailed instrument block diagram and schematics are examined. Measurements also show incorrect DC current sourcing during OHMS measurements and the associated circuits are closely analyzed. The problem is traced to a quad-comparator IC. Replacement corrects all problems during ACAL. The battery backup of the SRAM ICs are also replaced to eliminate non-volatile errors. The IC of the comparator chip is also extracted and examined under the microscope.
The repaired instrument performance is verified by using voltage, current and resistance standards.
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TSP #243 - Agilent FieldFox N9912A 4GHz Handheld RF Analyzer Repair & Teardown
In this episode Shahriar repairs an Agilent N9912A which flags several error messages after bootup. The instrument reports hardware time-outs and occasionally ADC clock source unlock condition. The second error is much more useful in debugging the unit.
The block diagram of the instrument is presented and several potential failures anticipated.
The teardown of the unit and analysis is also presented. After some troubleshooting, it becomes clear that the primary 30MHz TCXO has a broken internal connection. The unit is disassembled and new pins installed. After putting the TCXO back into the unit, the instrument return to full functionality. A few quick experiments verify that the FieldFox performs both CAT and SA modes correctly.
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TSP #242 - Sanko GH60 6GHz Handheld Vector Signal Generator Review, Teardown & Experiments
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
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TSP #241 - Ametek Jofra CTC-140A (-17C TO +140C) Dry Block Calibrator Repair & Teardown
In this episode Shahriar takes a look at a faulty dry block calibrator from Ametek. These Jofra series temperature calibrators are widely used for thermostat validation as well as material analysis. This particular unit does not cool down or warm up but seems otherwise functional.
A brief set of measurements shows that one of the Peltier elements is damaged and should be replaced. A replacement is located and the temperature well is re-sealed. The unit is functional and the minimum temperature performance is verified.
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TSP #240 - Rohde & Schwarz 70GHz, 75dB Electromechanical Step Attenuator Teardown & Failure Analysis
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.
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TNP #47 - SHF 100CP 20GHz Broadband GaAs FET Amplifier Teardown & Experiments
In this episode Shahriar takes a close look at a 20GHz GaAs amplifier module intended for 40Gb/s optical applications. Despite being marked as "broken", initial measurements show the amplifier to be functional A teardown of the module is presented alongside detailed performance verifications and measurements.
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