TSP #106 - Teardown & Repair of a Fluke PM6685R 4.5GHz Rubidium Frequency Counter
27.6K views
September 2, 2017 3:22 PM
In this episode Shahriar repair a Fluke PM6685R Rubidium Frequency Counter. The instrument shows highly unstable results and produces high-pitch noise when powered on. The high-frequency noises point to a problem with the DC-DC converter circuit in the power supply module. A close examination points to degraded capacitors. After all capacitors have been replaced, the noise issue is resolved. The instrument’s performance is then verified and calibrated against an external Rubidium reference. The agreement between the units is better than 10ppb.
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TSP #105 - Teardown & Repair of a SRS DS345 30MHz Synthesized Function Generator
28.1K views
August 14, 2017 12:42 AM
In this episode Shahriar investigates a peculiar problem with a SRS DS345 function generator. The instrument does not appear to produce the correct output signal frequency. After some investigation it becomes clear that a few of the display digits are not active which hide the actual frequency settings. The problem is traced to a broken resistor on the display driver. The schematic of the instrument shows that the resistor is responsible for strobing the affected seven-segment digit. After the repair, the instrument’s performance is verified including the OCXO accuracy.
The Signal Path
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TSP #104 - Siglent SSA3032X 9kHz - 3.2GHz Spectrum Analyzer / TG Review, Teardown & Experiment
64.9K views
August 13, 2017 6:11 PM
In this episode Shahriar presents a full teardown, analysis and review of the Siglent SSA3000X Series Spectrum Analyzer. Siglent’s SSA3000X family of spectrum analyzers offer a frequency range of 9 KHz to 2.1 GHz / 3.2 GHz. With their light weight, small size, and friendly user interface, the SSA3000s present a bright easy to read display, powerful and reliable automatic measurements, and plenty of impressive features. Applications are many, but include research and development, education, production, maintenance, and many more.
The review is organized as follows:
00:41 – Model comparison and overview.
03:56 – Full teardown and analysis of internal hardware.
17:38 – Initial performance assessment including tracking generator behavior.
29:50 – Antenna and diplexer measurements and characterization.
50:00 – Built-in applications overview and measurement personalities.
56:58 – PC interface software performance and overview.
The Signal Path
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TSP #103 - Teardown & Repair of an Agilent 53152A 46GHz Microwave Frequency Counter
38.7K views
July 4, 2017 8:32 PM
In this episode Shahriar investigates a faulty Agilent 53152A 46GHz frequency counter. The instrument does not power on and shows no sign of internal voltage presence. Teardown of the instrument reveals a large PCB where all analog and digital circuity is contained. The power supply module is a module components and upon measurements shows no activity.
The power supply is a simple switching architecture with functioning input rectifier and capacitor filter. By using an oscilloscope it is clear that the power supply PWM controller attempts to start. However, the main power supply pin shows unstable voltages indicating inadequate charge retention on the rectifying capacitor. Replacing the capacitor revives the startup condition and the power supply function returns. The PWM controller and main switching transistors are also replaced with new ones. After this repair the unit powers on and passes all self-tests. The unit can successfully measure signal frequencies and power.
The Signal Path
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TSP #102 - Overview of the Tektronix 5-Series 8-Channel 6.25GS/s 2GHz Mixed-Signal Oscilloscope
40K views
June 6, 2017 10:00 AM
In this short episode Shahriar demonstrates an overview of the new Tektronix MSO58 8-Channel 6.25GS/s 2GHz Mixed-Signal Oscilloscope with up to 64-Bits of digital channels. The scope features independent ADC, data acquisition and memory per channel as well as FlexChannel architecture which allows each channel to act as either a 2GHz analog channel or an 8-Bit digital channel. The scope also features a brand new GUI interface on an HD 15.6″ display with significant performance enhancement and touch interface optimizations. A full review of the instrument will be provided in the future.
The Signal Path
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