TSP #220 - Infineon 24GHz Doppler Radar Module Detailed Reverse Engineering & ASIC Analysis
65.1K views
January 15, 2023 3:47 PM
In this episode Shahriar takes a close look at the Infineon 24GHz doppler radar module in the spirit of the upcoming IEEE ISSCC 2023 Conference:
https://www.isscc.org/
The 24GHz radar module block diagram and its principle of operation is presented in details as well as the X-Ray of the PCB. Various design techniques and architectures are also explained. The RFIC ASIC is then extracted from the QFN package and examined under the microscope. The internal ASIC elements are correlated to the block diagram with discussions about various mm-wave layout techniques & high-frequency circuit design.
http://www.TheSignalPath.com
http://www.YouTube.com/TheSignalPath
http://www.Patreon.com/TheSignalPath
TNP #27 - Design of a Custom Control Board & Software for a Broken NordicTrack S15i Exercise Bike
15.3K views
January 7, 2023 12:08 AM
In this episode Shahriar resurrects a broken NoridTrack S15i stationary exercise bike. The brain of the bike resides inside a custom Android table at the front console of the unit. The software & hardware of the bike are not publicly available and a replacement unit costs upwards of $1000.
Despite the consumer-unfriendly approach of NordicTrack, it would be a huge waste to dispose of the bike. Instead, we will design a custom hardware and software to control the bike’s resistance as well as read RPM numbers to calculate wattage and calories. Although much simpler than the original hardware, the new system is sufficient to use the bike and achieve a satisfactory exercise routine.
http://www.TheSignalPath.com
http://www.YouTube.com/TheSignalPath
http://www.Patreon.com/TheSignalPath
TNP #26 - Magic of Mechanical Timekeeping & Measuring the Accuracy of a Raymond-Weil Skeleton Watch
13.1K views
December 24, 2022 9:01 PM
In this episode Shahriar takes a look at the Raymond-Weil Blue Skeleton Freelancer wristwatch. The watch runs a little too fast. But before measuring its accuracy the internal structure of the watch as well as a few unique imaging of the watch mechanism are presented.
The teardown, theory of operation & measurements using a Multifunction Time Grapher No. 1000 is also presented. By using an external speaker in the place of the watch, the 8GHz oscillation of the watch can be emulated. It appears that the wristwatch runs 1mHz too fast resulting in gaining of about 12 seconds per day.
Make sure you check out @WristwatchRevival also!
http://www.TheSignalPath.com
http://www.YouTube.com/TheSignalPath
http://www.Patreon.com/TheSignalPath
TSP #219 - Agilent 81101A 50MHz 20Vpp Pulse Generator Teardown & Repair
19.5K views
December 18, 2022 7:17 PM
In this episode Shahriar takes a close look at an Agilent pulse generator which does not produce any output signal. The generator has an output ON/OFF function which can disconnect the unit using a microwave relay. The output spectrum of the faulty unit shows the presence of the desired spectrum and residue of the square wave signal.
The teardown shows that the output relay is not being engaged with the output is enabled. The fault is traced to the relay switch transistor (NPN) which does not respond to the control signal. The replacement NPN corrects the problem and the unit produces the correct output. The unit’s maximum output swing as well as frequency accuracy are verified using a R&S MXO-4 Series & a Rubidium frequency counter.
http://www.TheSignalPath.com
http://www.YouTube.com/TheSignalPath
http://www.Patreon.com/TheSignalPath
TNP #25 - Keysight E36313A Triple Output Programmable DC Power Supply Teardown & Repair
22.3K views
December 11, 2022 5:56 PM
In this episode Shahriar repairs a broken Keysight E36313A with a blown fuse and burnt smell coming from the unit. The teardown shows the dual-board design of the unit as well as the large toroidal transformer. The magic smoke has escaped from a dual Schottky diode power device with a Vf = 0.45V at If = 5A. The replacement eBay component is first verified to meet the specifications and installed in the power supply. The Keysight unit is then tested at a few output voltages and current to ensure proper functionality.
http://www.TheSignalPath.com
http://www.YouTube.com/TheSignalPath
http://www.Patreon.com/TheSignalPath
