TSP #196 – Tutorial & Experiments on Tunable Semiconductor Lasers & Wavelength Locking Methods

July 11, 2021 No comments

In this video Shahriar dives into the world of tuneable semiconductor lasers. First, a Santec TSL-200 source is presented and repaired. The performance of the instrument is verified using a multi-wavelength meter. A DFB gold box laser module is then presented along with a demonstration showing the sensitivity of the laser diode to temperature variations. The entire wavelength locking mechanism of the DFB laser is presented in details along with the principle operation of an Etalon wavelength interferometer. The teardown of the module shows all its inner workings.
The LightSquare product and its teardown is also shown which includes a diffraction wavelength measurement system. Finally the operation of the TSL-200 tuneable semiconductor laser is presented which uses a tuneable external cavity Fabry-Perot laser. Finally the teardown of the multi-wavelength meter is shown along with the operation of the Michelson Interferometer inside.

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TSP #195 – Teardown, Repair & Experiments with an Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter & Laser Modules

June 26, 2021 No comments

In this episode Shahriar repairs an Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter. The instrument shows a flickering screen and does not boot. The teardown of the unit is presented along with a general instrument architecture. The power supply is verified for functionality and the instrument simply comes back to life on its own! It most likely has had a poor internal connection which is resolved after reassembly.
Two modules are also presented, a dual-input InGaAs power sensor module as well as a dual Fabry-Perrot laser module. The teardown and analysis of both are presented along with wavelength and spectrum measurements.

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TSP #194 – Teardown, Repair & Experiments with a Marconi 2186 130dB 5GHz Programmable Attenuator

June 13, 2021 No comments

In this episode Shahriar repairs an IFR (Marconi) 5GHz programmable attenuator capable of reaching a maximum of 130dB attenuation in 1dB steps. The Instrument does not power on and a teardown reveals some missing components inside. After replacing the missing component, the instrument powers on but the S-Parameters show that the mechanical attenuators have serious contact problems. Finally after cleaning the attenuator contacts, the instrument is fully operational. The unit is used to measure the performance of the Keysight MXR at very low input signal powers.

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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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