TSP #193 – Tutorial & Experiments with Keysight E4980A 20Hz – 2MHz Precision LCR Meter

June 5, 2021 No comments

In this episode Shahriar describes the subtle internal operation of the Keysight E4980A precision LCR meter. This 0.05% grade instrument offers measurement frequency range between 20Hz – 2MHz with a wide range of advanced functions such as binning, internal DC source, internal bias control as well as extreme dynamic range across the entire frequency span.
Several test fixtures are presented with accompanying measurements. Lastly, a simple parallel plate capacitor is measured to demonstrate the effect of various dilectric materials on the total capacitance.

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TSP #192 – Teardown & Repair of a Rohde & Schwarz FSV40 9kHz – 40GHz Spectrum Analyzer

May 29, 2021 No comments

In this episode Shahriar repairs a R&S FSV40 spectrum analyzer which despite passing all self-tests and alignments, shows all inputs signals heavily attenuated. The instrument block diagram is reviewed as well as a quick teardown. The problem is traced to a faulty front-panel connector which unfortunately doesn’t make for an exciting repair. Nevertheless, the connector is repaired and the instrument returns to normal operation.

Thank you AllTest for providing this instrument for repair! You may see various products and services offerings from AllTest here:

Alltest Instruments: https://alltest.net/
Provides: Refurbished benchtop test & measurement instrumentation, service, and calibration. Types of equipment include but are not limited to oscilloscopes, network analyzer, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, multimeters, etc.

Alltest Chambers: https://alltestchambers.com/
Provides: Refurbished environmental test chambers, service, and calibration. Types of equipment include but are not limited to hot, cold, shock, altitude, liquid, HALT/HASS, temperature forcing, etc.

Brerro Technical Consultants: https://brerro.tech/
Provides: Expert consultation creating low cost solutions related to R&D, engineering, manufacturing, QA/QC, and compliance. Solutions include but are not limited to EMI/EMC testing, SMT and PCB applications, MIL-461 compliance systems, MIL-810 compliance systems, DO-160 compliance systems, manufacturing equipment and systems.

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TSP #191 – Teardown, Repair & Experiments with a GW-Instek APS-1102 Programmable AC/DC Power Source

May 26, 2021 No comments

In this episode Shahriar takes a look at a GW-Instek programmable AC/DC source with 1kVA, 200V capability. The instrument is ideal for power applications since it offers customized waveforms as well as AC+DC output. The unit shows COMMUNICATION ERROR 2 when powered which indicates an internal module-to-module fault. An X-Ray of the main processor board shows the various power supply planes and isolated sub-components communicating through optocouplers. The power supply design is reverse engineered and the fault is traced to a set of bad operational amplifiers. All broken components are replaced which restores the unit’s functionality. The instrument is then tested to show some of its capabilities.

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TSP #190 – Siglent SSG5060X-V 9kHz – 6GHz RF Vector Signal Generator Review, Teardown & Experiments

May 23, 2021 No comments

In this episode Shahriar presents a detailed review of the Siglent SSG5000X Series RF Vector Signal Generator.

https://www.siglenteu.com/rf-generators/ssg5000x-series/

The SSG5000X series of signal generators can generate analog and vector signals, and have a frequency range of 9 kHz to 4 GHz/6 GHz. They feature good performance in phase noise, spectral purity, bandwidth, EVM, output power. The internal IQ modulation generator and waveform playback function make it easy to create even the most complex signal types. The review is organized at follows:

00:00 – Introductions
00:49 – Instrument front and rear panel features
04:03 – Detailed teardown, analysis and instrument architecture
17:53 – Brief instrument GUI overview
19:32 – Synthesizer phase noise measurements and analysis
22:51 – External power sensor support, power leveling and flatness compensation
30:43 – Pulse generation capabilities and external amplifier characterization
37:54 – Multi-tone generation, limitations and performance
43:47 – Internal ARB, I/Q generation, RF EVM performance and remote GUI access
50:45 – Differential I/Q baseband output performance and configuration
51:50 – External I/Q input support and performance
53:29 – Additional features overview, AWGN, I/Q control, etc.
55:05 – Concluding remarks

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TSP #189 – Teardown, Salvage & Experiments with an Agilent 8515A 26.5GHz S-Parameter Test Set

May 2, 2021 No comments

In this episode Shahriar investigates what can be salvaged from an old HP 8515A 26.5GHz S-Parameter Test Set. After an overview of the instrument, various parts are removed and described in details. Several measurements show the benefit and functionality of the salvages components.

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