TSP #256 - Thermal Camera Cooled to -196C! Cryogenic HgCdTe (MCT) Long-Wave Infrared Detector Magic
15.3K views
August 19, 2025 9:21 PM
In this video Shahriar dives into the amazing science & engineering of cryogenically cooled thermal cameras. This particular model, Inframetrics 760 Imaging Radiometer, was manufactured in the 1990’s and leverages a range of clever engineering techniques. It includes a miniaturized Stirling engine cryocooler, galvanometer based mirrors for 2D field scanning as well as a low-noise Mercury-Cadmium-Tellurite (HgCdTe) MCT detector sensitive in the 4-15um wavelength.
Teardown of the unit along with a detailed theory of operation is presented. The semiconductor profile and properties of MCT detectors are also discussed. Furthermore, a different thermal camera using a Joule-Thomson cryocooler and high-pressure (3000 PSI) Argon source is also shown.
After reverse engineering the critical detector interfaces, an experiment is devised to measure the thermal signature of a resistor. The setup includes a triangle wave driving a resistor to generate a time varying thermal source, Lakeshore M81 source-measure lock-in amplifier and chopper in front of the MCT detector and BLDC motor driver for running the cryocooler. The measurement demonstrates the functionality & sensitivity of the detector to capture black body radiation.
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TNP #54 - How Much Does YouTube Pay The Signal Path? Also Oscilloscope Giveaway Time!
15K views
August 2, 2025 10:10 PM
In this episode Shahriar shares the total ad revenue of The Signal Path since its inception in May 2011.
There is also another oscilloscope giveaway! This time it will be a Siglent SDS1000X HD, 4-Channel Oscilloscope. The winner will be randomly selected in one month.
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TSP #263 - Lakeshore M81 Synchronous Source Measure System (SSM) Review, Teardown & Experiments
15.1K views
July 31, 2025 2:11 PM
In this episode Shahriar reviews the newly released Lakeshore M81 Synchronous Source Measure System. This unique product combines three key metrology techniques into one: source/measure capability, high-dynamic range remote-heads and lock-in capability while maintaining both DC and AC modes. In my view, this is an entirely new instrumentation category:
https://www.lakeshore.com/products/product-detail/m81/the-m81-ssm-instrument
This review is organized as follows:
00:00:00 – Introductions
00:00:35 – Why is the M81 system a new type of instrumentation category?
00:04:51 – Instrument overview, font/back panels, module interfaces
00:07:42 – Complete teardown of all modules & mainframe
00:21:05 – AC & DC performance verifications, detailed GUI overview, mainframe usability
00:36:31 – Full BJT characterization, IV trace, thermal effects, MeasureLINK platform, sequencing measurements, scripting capabilities
00:46:28 – AC voltage & current linearity, THD & spurious performance verifications
00:51:48 – Lock-in capability, characterization of RC circuit phase response, harmonic measurement, DC + AC capabilities
00:59:37 – Ultrasonic liquid level measurement setup, lock-in phase tracking, MeasureLINK plotting over time
01:02:28 – Lock-in with externally modulate signals, photovoltaic effect of a glass-package diode, chopper signal synchronization
01:06:59 – Additional possible experiments, Lakeshore white papers
01:07:50 – Recommendations & concluding remarks
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TSP #263 - The Greatest RF Show on Earth! IEEE Microwave Symposium Exhibition, San Francisco 2025
17.9K views
June 27, 2025 11:56 PM
In this episode Shahriar visits the Industry Exhibition during the IMS Microwave Week held in San Francisco CA this year:
https://ims-ieee.org/2025ExhibitorInformation
Although it is impossible to capture everything at this amazing event, here is a look at some of new products and components from 16 of the vendors at the show:
00:00 – Introductions
00:26 – R&S: https://rohde-schwarz.com
12:29 – Samtec Glass Core: https://www.samtec.com/gct
14:08 – Keysight: https://keysight.com
24:36 – MPI Corp: https://mpi-corporation.com
28:04 – Zurich Instruments: https://www.zhinst.com
29:32 – Z-Communications: https://www.zcomm.com
31:31 – Focus Microwave: https://focus-microwaves.com
36:05 – Siglent: https://siglentna.com
38:07 – Leap Wave: https://leapwavetech.com
39:46 – Spinner: https://www.spinner-group.com
42:00 – Eravant: https://eravant.com
43:48 – Signal Hound: https://signalhound.com
47:02 – Dassault: https://www.3ds.com/products/simulia/ivcad-suite
48:24 – VDI: https://vadiodes.com
52:20 – TransSiP: https://www.transsip.com
54:10 – Microsanj: https://microsanj.com
55:21 – Closing remarks
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TSP 262 - Tesla Model Y Indoor Cabin Radar Teardown & Deep Analysis of SoC, Package, Antennas & PCB
66.3K views
May 11, 2025 4:52 PM
In this episode Shahriar takes a close look at the Tesla Model Y Indoor Cabin 60GHz radar module. This deep analysis video covers a lot of ground starting with the mechanical design of the module. The primary PCB is studied with attention to power management, vehicle interfaces, choice of radar SoC chipset, antenna design, isolation & RF routing.
The PCB is further examined using X-Ray fluorescence to confirm the use of silver immersion as a surface finish. Furthermore, leveraging Raman spectroscopy the material composition of the radar radome is also examined. The radar chipset package is also analyzed by using an x-ray image.
The main TI radar SoC is removed from the packaged and after studying the block diagram of the integrated circuits, the bare die is examined under a high power microscope for a silicon design reverse engineering.
I hope to see you at the IEEE IMS & RFIC event in San Francisco, California, USA this year in June 15th, 2025:
https://ims-ieee.org/
And here is a teaser to my Technical Lecture at the IEEE RFIC Conference:
https://rfic-ieee.org/technical-program/technical-lectures?date=2025-06-15
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