In this episode Shahriar repairs an Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter. The instrument shows a flickering screen and does not boot. The teardown of the unit is presented along with a general instrument architecture. The power supply is verified for functionality and the instrument simply comes back to life on its own! It most likely has had a poor internal connection which is resolved after reassembly.
Two modules are also presented, a dual-input InGaAs power sensor module as well as a dual Fabry-Perrot laser module. The teardown and analysis of both are presented along with wavelength and spectrum measurements.
In this episode Shahriar repairs an IFR (Marconi) 5GHz programmable attenuator capable of reaching a maximum of 130dB attenuation in 1dB steps. The Instrument does not power on and a teardown reveals some missing components inside. After replacing the missing component, the instrument powers on but the S-Parameters show that the mechanical attenuators have serious contact problems. Finally after cleaning the attenuator contacts, the instrument is fully operational. The unit is used to measure the performance of the Keysight MXR at very low input signal powers.
In this episode Shahriar describes the subtle internal operation of the Keysight E4980A precision LCR meter. This 0.05% grade instrument offers measurement frequency range between 20Hz – 2MHz with a wide range of advanced functions such as binning, internal DC source, internal bias control as well as extreme dynamic range across the entire frequency span.
Several test fixtures are presented with accompanying measurements. Lastly, a simple parallel plate capacitor is measured to demonstrate the effect of various dilectric materials on the total capacitance.
In this episode Shahriar repairs a R&S FSV40 spectrum analyzer which despite passing all self-tests and alignments, shows all inputs signals heavily attenuated. The instrument block diagram is reviewed as well as a quick teardown. The problem is traced to a faulty front-panel connector which unfortunately doesn't make for an exciting repair. Nevertheless, the connector is repaired and the instrument returns to normal operation.
Thank you AllTest for providing this instrument for repair! You may see various products and services offerings from AllTest here:
Alltest Instruments: https://alltest.net/
Provides: Refurbished benchtop test & measurement instrumentation, service, and calibration. Types of equipment include but are not limited to oscilloscopes, network analyzer, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, multimeters, etc.
Alltest Chambers: https://alltestchambers.com/
Provides: Refurbished environmental test chambers, service, and calibration. Types of equipment include but are not limited to hot, cold, shock, altitude, liquid, HALT/HASS, temperature forcing, etc.
Brerro Technical Consultants: https://brerro.tech/
Provides: Expert consultation creating low cost solutions related to R&D, engineering, manufacturing, QA/QC, and compliance. Solutions include but are not limited to EMI/EMC testing, SMT and PCB applications, MIL-461 compliance systems, MIL-810 compliance systems, DO-160 compliance systems, manufacturing equipment and systems.
In this episode Shahriar takes a look at a GW-Instek programmable AC/DC source with 1kVA, 200V capability. The instrument is ideal for power applications since it offers customized waveforms as well as AC+DC output. The unit shows COMMUNICATION ERROR 2 when powered which indicates an internal module-to-module fault. An X-Ray of the main processor board shows the various power supply planes and isolated sub-components communicating through optocouplers. The power supply design is reverse engineered and the fault is traced to a set of bad operational amplifiers. All broken components are replaced which restores the unit's functionality. The instrument is then tested to show some of its capabilities.
The Signal Path (TSP) is a science & electrical engineering video blog for industry professionals, researchers & students. TSP is a not-for-profit website dedicated to provide free education spanning a wide range of electrical engineering & science topics. Equipment reviews, tutorials and repair videos are posted regularly.
