TSP #240 – Rohde & Schwarz 70GHz, 75dB Electromechanical Step Attenuator Teardown & Failure Analysis

March 9, 2024 No comments

In this episode Shahriar takes a look at a very high-end step attenuator designed by Rohde & Schwarz for their FSU family spectrum analyzers which cover over 67GHz of sweep frequency.

The attenuator teardown and architecture is thoroughly presented with focus on how the high-frequency performance is maintained in a moving environment. Furthermore, the individual attenuator pads are examined under the microscope for their construction and design where the 5dB pad failure can also be observed.

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TNP #47 – SHF 100CP 20GHz Broadband GaAs FET Amplifier Teardown & Experiments

March 2, 2024 No comments

-= Description coming soon! =-

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TSP #239 – SJL Instruments 6GHz GigaWave Sampling Oscilloscope Review, Teardown & Experiments

February 28, 2024 One comment

In this episode Shahriar review the new sampling oscilloscope from SJL Instruments. Our GigaWave™ digital sampling oscilloscopes offer 12-bit vertical resolution, 1-ps time resolution, and 6 GHz analog bandwidth, all in a tiny 4” form factor:

https://www.sjl-instruments.com/

This review is organized as follows:

00:00 – Introductions
00:34 – Sampling scope & real-time scope theory and comparison
04:13 – CDF versus PDF method of waveform reconstruction
06:12 – Teardown & circuit analysis
09:35 – Input return loss characteristics and channel isolation
10:36 – GUI overview, capturing a fast pulse, comparison with Keysight DCA-X, built-in measurements, dot and vector mode
19:09 – Eye diagram measurements, ISI measurements, multi-channel view
24:15 – Multi-tone capture, FFT functions
25:09 – Concluding remarks

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TSP #238 – Rohde & Schwarz FE170SR D-Band (110 – 170GHz) Sub-THz Frontend Overview & Experiments

January 26, 2024 No comments

In this episode Shahriar takes a close look at the Rohde & Schwarz FE170SR which is the world’s first fully abstracted D-Band front-end module. Intended for early sub-terahertz 6G research, the fully integrated module is capable of seamlessly interfacing with both spectrum analyzers and oscilloscopes – only a 10MHz reference is needed!

https://www.rohde-schwarz.com/us/products/test-and-measurement/frontends-and-converter/rs-fe170sr-frontend_334208.html

The video goes over the history and evolution of external mixers and front-ends to better capture the uniqueness of the FE170SR. The internal block diagram and theory of operation of the instrument is also presented. Experiments show detailed measurement techniques using the FE170SR and the RTP oscilloscope. The integration of the FE170SR with R&S VSE is also presented through demodulation of broadband QAM signals at a carrier of 145GHz.

Furthermore, the newly released R&S Thermal Power Sensor at D-Band is also shown in the video:

https://www.rohde-schwarz.com/us/products/test-and-measurement/rf-and-microwave-power-sensors/rs-nrpxxt-tn-twg-thermal-power-sensors_63493-197529.html

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TNP #46 – Torbal AD60 Precision Balance (0.001g) Repair, Teardown & Experiments

January 10, 2024 No comments

In this episode Shahriar takes a look at a Torbal precision scale capable of resolving 0.001g! Unfortunately the unit shows an error of “Unload” when powered on. The teardown of the unit as well as the principle operation is described. The teardown also reveals the problem with the scale mechanism which is a broken link. The repair correct the problem and the scale shows excellent accuracy with calibrated weights. The live evaporation of Acetone is also shown using the precision balance.

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