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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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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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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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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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/

You can also find an on-going discussion about the instrument here:

https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/pocket-sized-6-ghz-1-tss-et-scope

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

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