TSP #263 – Lakeshore M81 Synchronous Source Measure System (SSM) Review, Teardown & Experiments

July 31, 2025 No comments

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

June 28, 2025 No comments

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

May 11, 2025 One comment

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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TSP #261 – Sencore PA-81 Stereo Power Amplifier Analyzer Teardown, Repair & Experiments

April 26, 2025 No comments

-= Description coming soon! =-

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TCP #1 – Electricity to Liquid Oxygen – Tutorial on Pressure Swing Absorption & Stirling Cryocoolers

March 28, 2025 No comments

In this April 1st episode, The Signal Path enters a new era. We are rebranding to The Chemical Path! We are interested in designing a system which consumes only electricity and produces liquid oxygen. There are several fascinating physics and thermodynamic effects involved to achieve this.

This video dives into the various scientific phenomenon and explores the operation of pressure swing absorption oxygen concentrators, ultrasonic oxygen sensors and Stirling cryocoolers in details.

The demonstrated complete system consumes less than 400W while producing liquid oxygen at a steady pace. The beautiful blue liquid oxygen is verified to be paramagnetic and of course an aggressive oxidizer.

Many thanks to Ilya (https://xdevs.com/) and Ben (https://www.youtube.com/@AppliedScience) for their consulting and support.

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