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TSP #30 - Agilent 53131A Universal Counter Upgrade OPT-030 Analysis and Experiments
In this episode, Shahriar upgrades an Agilent 53131A Universal Counter with the OPT-030 which extends its frequency range from 225MHz to 3GHz. The upgrade kit is a replica PCB intended to emulate the behavior of the original Agilent branded option.
The PCB is examined carefully with attention to microwave layout techniques along the signal path. The datasheet of all the parts are reviewed and the reverse-engineered block diagram of the PCB is presented. The expected behavior of the PCB is then measured in both small-signal and large-signal operation using an active 3GHz probe. The PCB is then installed inside the unit and the functionality of the instrument is verified within its specifications. All the documents presented in the video can be found at The Signal Path Blog.
The Signal Path Blog
http://www.TheSignalPath.com
...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=21_9Dspzu_w
The PCB is examined carefully with attention to microwave layout techniques along the signal path. The datasheet of all the parts are reviewed and the reverse-engineered block diagram of the PCB is presented. The expected behavior of the PCB is then measured in both small-signal and large-signal operation using an active 3GHz probe. The PCB is then installed inside the unit and the functionality of the instrument is verified within its specifications. All the documents presented in the video can be found at The Signal Path Blog.
The Signal Path Blog
http://www.TheSignalPath.com
...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=21_9Dspzu_w
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TSP #
tsp-107-tutorial-teardown-experiments
In this episode Shahriar goes over the operation and principle theory behind Lock-in Amplifiers. The SRS SR530 is one of the most iconic lock-in amplifiers ever made and since it offers two channels it can be used to perform very interesting experiments across many domains. After reviewing the block diagram and equations governing the theory of operation, a brief instrument teardown is presented.
Two unique and interesting experiments are also presented. In the first experiment the instrument is used to measure the speed of light. This is accomplished by measuring the wavelength of sound at 20kHz using a pair of speakers and a function generator. The distance between the speakers can be carefully adjusted and the relative signal strength from each lock-in channel is measured and thus the wavelength can also be measured.
In the second experiment the sensitivity of a red LED to blue laser light is measured. Due to the semiconductor composition of the red LED as well as its red plastic casing, the responsibility of the LED to blue light is extremely low. A chopper is therefore used to lock the light to the lock-in amplifier's reference input. The measured induced current is measured down to very low optical level in the order of hundreds of fempto (10^-15)
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rzzliN_vTKs
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tsp-136-tutorial-on-programming-a
In this episode Shahriar demonstrates the capabilities of a Waveshare 7.5-Inch tricolor e-Paper display. By combining the display with a Raspberry Pi Zero, the SPI interface of the mini-computer can be used to program and configure the e-Paper display using Python scripts. Furthermore, the Python script takes advantage of the available API of a few website to provide relevant information such as the current date, calendar, task list with due-dates as well as the current weather and weather forecast all in a clean user interface.
The complete Python code is presented and analyzed and the principle operation of the display is also presented. Do not forget to check Applied Science's video on this topic as well:
https://youtu.be/MsbiO8EAsGw
Finally, the individual pixels are examined under the microscope while the screen undergoes a refresh which demonstrated how various colors are displayed.
The complete code can be downloaded here:
http://www.TheSignalpath.com/uploads/ePaper_Frame.zip
You can also buy the e-Paper display here:
https://amzn.to/2BtCuW8
Raspberry Pi Zero kit here:
https://amzn.to/2DV7LDE
If you are interested in using an ESP WiFi module with Arduino to interface with the e-Paper display, it can be found here:
https://amzn.to/2Kv874k
You can chose any picture frame to complete the project. The Task Manager and Weather APIs can be found here:
https://www.ToDoist.com
https://openweathermap.org
Some inspiration for this project:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OW4GYmzWOb8
The Signal Path
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www.Patreon.com/TheSignalPath
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mr6Lt0gKjsI
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TSP #
tsp-6-rigol-dp1116a-and-dp1308a-6
In this episode (Part 6/6) Shahriar reviews the brand new Rigol DP1116A and DP1308A programmable power supplies. Furthermore, the power supply features are compared against an Agilent dual output power supply.
"DP1308A & DP1116A are high-performance programmable linear DC power supply. They have excellent features including timed outputs and tracking capabilities; extremely clean ripple and noise, comprehensive over-voltage, over current, over-temperature protection, a large and clear user interface, super performance specifications,and multiple standard interfaces. The DP1308A & DP1116A meet the requirements of various forms desktop and integrated system testing. DP1308A & DP1116A are widely used in research and development, education, industrial control, mobile communication, and product testing, etc."
The MSRP for both products is $849. Rigol offers a 30 day no-questions-asked return policy and a 3 year warranty. They also provide an excellent local technical support out of tropical Cleveland, Ohio.
...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AxY-a221Ljs
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TSP #
tsp-168-teardown-repair-of-an-agilent
In this episode Shahriar repairs an Agilent E8257D PSG Analog Signal Generator generously loaned by AllTest. Please visit their website for all your measurement, calibration and service needs:
sales@alltest.net
https://alltestchambers.net
https://alltest.net
The instrument does provide an RF output signal. However, there is also a large DC offset voltage present at the output RF port which changes depending the frequency band. The DC voltage is present even when the output RF signal is disabled. Furthermore, the OCXO of the instrument is defective and does not produce a 10MHz output signal.
The block diagram of the PSG is examined in details with emphasis on the final attenuator, coupler and doubler RF decks. Interestingly enough the output offset is traced all the way back to the Modulator Filter block. The teardown of the module reveals a series of PIN diode switches and after some investigation the fault is traced to a damaged PIN diode on the sub-3.2GHz path. Since the diode can't be easily replaced, the control voltage to the diode is disabled instead which removed the DC offset problem.
The OCXO teardown reveals that during a prior repair, the oscillator module has been damages and torn off the PCB. New pins are added to the oscillator module which returns the crystal back to working condition. The performance of the PSG is verified using a spectrum analyzer and frequency counter.
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www.Patreon.com/TheSignalPath
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GaaA46r7DUk
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TSP #
tsp-173-teardown-repair-analysis-of-a
www.TheSignalPath.com
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www.Patreon.com/TheSignalPath
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q9i2NsX4Hak
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TSP #
tsp-229-stanford-research-ds360-ultra
In this episode Shahriar takes a look at a faulty SRS DS360 ultra-low distortion function generator. This instrument is capable of producing pure sinusoids with better than -110dB of THD!
Although the unit powers on, changing the frequency or output signal does not result in any internal relay switching and the instrument does not produce any output signal.
The block diagram of the instrument as well as the theory of operation is described before the teardown. The teardown also shows the two board design and the interface between the digital/analog boards. The fault is finally traced to a broken optoisolator IC between the two boards. Without this interface IC none of the configuration parameters from the digital board arrive to the analog subsection. The faulty part is replaced and the unit is restored. The difficult measurement of the THD is also presented using an SRS SR830 DSP lock-in amplifier.
www.TheSignalPath.com
www.YouTube.com/TheSignalPath
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...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dCuHWP-_mBc
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TSP #
tsp-215-r-s-nrp-triple-diode,-nrq6
In this episode Shahriar looks at the ecosystem of R&S power sensors & power meter. In particular, the NRP Triple-Diode Path Power Sensor & the unique NRQ6 Frequency Selective Power Sensor:
https://www.rohde-schwarz.com/us/products/test-and-measurement/rf-and-microwave-power-sensors/rs-nrpxxs-sn-sn-v-three-path-diode-power-sensors_63493-99587.html
https://www.rohde-schwarz.com/us/products/test-and-measurement/rf-and-microwave-power-sensors/rs-nrq6-frequency-selective-power-sensor_63493-533642.html
The R&S NRX Power Meter can be used to interface with a wide range of power sensors as well:
https://www.rohde-schwarz.com/us/products/test-and-measurement/power-meter-base-units/rs-nrx-power-meter_63493-533644.html
This review is organized as follows:
00:00 – Introductions.
00:40 – NRP40SN 3-Path Diode Power Sensor hardware overview.
01:21 – Triple-Diode sensor architecture, benefits, principle of operation.
05:59 – Experiment setup, AM modulation glitch, web interface design, power measurements, high-sampling rate, trigger setup, trace view, R&S Power Viewer windows software.
16:17 – NRQ6 Frequency Selective Power Sensor hardware overview.
17:10 – NRQ architecture, principle of operation, advantages & disadvantages, DSP functions.
21:51 – Experiment setup, multi-frequency signal generation & interference, blocker signals.
23:33 – Web GUI interface, Signal Check function, auto-set, IF BW setup, I/Q, trace view, attenuation & averaging, blocker signal impact, catching frequency hopping events, ACLR measurements, additional features.
37:19 – NRX Power Meter overview & teardown.
40:49 – Experiment setup, input VSWR & power amplifier output power measurement.
40:01 – NRX GUI, multi-sensor measurement, sensor setups & measurement features.
45:48 – Concluding remarks.
www.TheSignalPath.com
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qaN1f8G--zc
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TSP #
tsp-142-teardown-repair-of-an-agilent
In this episode Shahriar repairs an Agilent N9020A MAX Spectrum Analyzer. The instrument is well equipped with real-time capability and direct I/Q input ports on the front panel. The instrument does not show the correct signal levels and fails internal calibration.
After a brief teardown, the block diagram of the instrument is carefully examined for potential failure points. It is determined that front-end switch and mechanical attenuator is likely faulty. Teardown of the unit reveals significant damage to the attenuator due to some high-power at the input. Unfortunately, this also implies that the front-end RF selector and pre-amplifier modules are also damaged. In the second repair video, the front-end module is disassembled and damage to the dies can be observed.
Luckily, a relatively inexpensive front-end (SSLAM) unit is sourced from eBay and the repair is completed. The performance of the unit is verified after the repair and the front-end I/Q input functionality is demonstrated.
The Signal Path
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www.Patreon.com/TheSignalPath
...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9D94ghpdqM
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TSP #
tsp-6-rigol-dp1116a-and-dp1308a-5
In this episode (Part 5/6) Shahriar reviews the brand new Rigol DP1116A and DP1308A programmable power supplies. Furthermore, the power supply features are compared against an Agilent dual output power supply.
"DP1308A & DP1116A are high-performance programmable linear DC power supply. They have excellent features including timed outputs and tracking capabilities; extremely clean ripple and noise, comprehensive over-voltage, over current, over-temperature protection, a large and clear user interface, super performance specifications,and multiple standard interfaces. The DP1308A & DP1116A meet the requirements of various forms desktop and integrated system testing. DP1308A & DP1116A are widely used in research and development, education, industrial control, mobile communication, and product testing, etc."
The MSRP for both products is $849. Rigol offers a 30 day no-questions-asked return policy and a 3 year warranty. They also provide an excellent local technical support out of tropical Cleveland, Ohio.
...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OVyHhRhoDWU
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