TSP #259 - HAROGIC SAE-20 Real-Time 20GHz Portable Spectrum Analyzer Review, Teardown & Experiments
11.9K views
24 hours ago
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
14.3K views
March 8, 2025 4:50 PM
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)
9.9K views
March 2, 2025 11:49 PM
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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TSP #256 - Mysteries of Optical HDMI Cables - Tutorial, Teardown & Analysis of Inexpensive Optics
47.3K views
January 29, 2025 2:32 PM
In this episode, Shahriar takes an in-depth look at the design and architecture of optical HDMI cables, which significantly extend the reach of traditional HDMI 2.0 twisted-pair copper links at a low cost.
The fundamentals of HDMI high-speed data transmission are explored, with a focus on the TMDS (Transition Minimized Differential Signaling) standard. The challenges of transitioning from twisted pairs to optical lanes are examined, highlighting the role of VCSELs and PIN photodiodes. Optical modules are analyzed in detail, emphasizing free-space optics and optical confinement techniques used with lasers and detectors. The received high-speed lane’s eye diagram is captured, and the VCSELs’ optical wavelength is confirmed to be 850 nm.
Additionally, the TX (driver) and RX (TIALA) chips are inspected under a microscope, revealing the VCSEL and photodetector arrays. The overall electronic architecture is then discussed in greater detail.
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TSP #255 - Terahertz Material & Dielectric Characterization - EM Labs 330GHz Fabry-Perot Resonator
19.7K views
January 19, 2025 5:25 PM
In this episode Shahriar takes a look at a terahertz characterization technique using a Fabry-Perot resonance chamber made by EM Labs:
https://www.emlabs.jp/en/1-8-fpr.php
The chamber is able to measure dielectric constant and loss tangent with remarkable accuracy and prevision, ideal for materials with tan δ (Df) of 0.01 or less. This tutorial and review video is organized as follows:
00:00 – Introductions
00:45 – Dielectric Constant theory, equations and practical importance
04:54 – Measurement techniques using S-Parameters and resonance chambers
08:16 – Fabry-Perot resonator techniques for accurate Dk & Df measurements
11:04 – THz measurement setup including Fabry-Perot resonator, Keysight Streamline VNA and VDI frequency extenders
13:36 – Design challenges and features of the EM Labs Fabry-Perot resonator
16:02 – Software setup, resonator calibration and preparations
19:22 – Preparing, aligning and measuring samples, organic PCB laminate and prepreg
23:19 – Measuring ultra-low loss materials in J-Band
24:21 – Analyzing anisotropic material properties as a function of orientation
26:27 – Concluding remarks
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