In this episode Shahriar reviews the very unique SAF Spectrum Compact V-Band portable spectrum analyzer. These battery powered devices do not require external down-converters, and a particularly useful tool for any field engineer performing microwave equipment installation, link troubleshooting, site planning and maintenance. The analyzers utilize a resistive touch screen, allowing the engineer to wear gloves when using the device. The Spectrum Compact can be used for high precision detection of existing interference on installed paths or available radio channels. Data logging of all spectrum scans is available with the Spectrum Compact device, and enhanced data processing and analysis are provided by SAF Tehnika designed PC software for your laptop.The instrument teardown reveals a multi-board design and each module's functionality and design is presented. The unit is then used in several experiments to track and analyze various V-Band RF signals. The review is organized as follows: 01:00 - Overview and model comparison 03:16 - Instrument design, overview power-on benefits 05:23 - Instrument GUI overview 09:56 - Full teardown and analysis of all modules 19:22 - Experiments with various unknown V-Band RF signals 29:43 - PC software overview and capabilities 31:30 - Concluding remarks You can visit the manufacturer website here: http://www.saftehnika.com/en/spectrumanalyzer The Signal Path www.TheSignalPath.com www.YouTube.com/TheSignalPath www.Patreon.com/TheSignalPath ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o50-aLbdzsw

In this world exclusive episode, Shahriar takes a close look at the all new Tektronix Real-Time USB Spectrum Analyzer. The RSA306 has an RF bandwidth from 9kHz to 6.2GHz with a real-time analysis window of 40MHz. While being entirely powered form a single USB 3.0 interface, it provides a 100% Probably of Intercept for any signal event of at least 100us in duration. The RSA306 is compact, lightweight and shock resistant. At the same time Tektronix has made its Signal-Vu PC software with 17 measurement capabilities free and significantly reduced the price of other Signal-Vu advanced applications! The SFDR, linearity, noise floor and phase noise of the instrument are all measured and presented. The unit is then used to capture and analyze an intermittent RF interference, analyze and demodulate an RF FM signal using an antenna as well as demodulation a 256-QAM signal with -65Bm of total power. The Signal Path http://www.TheSignalPath.com ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GDcuRTOCj_s

In this episode Shahriar attempts to repair an Anritsu MG3700A Vector Signal Generator. The instrument does not fully power on and suffers from several problems. The digital IF board as well as the main computer are presented. The power-on fault is traced to a faulty fuse on the 5V power supply which feeds the main CPU board. A new fuse enables the instrument to fully boot. The unit also exhibits a failure for all signals above 3GHz. The instrument is equipped with a super hetrodyne mixer board which covers 3GHz - 6GHz output range. This RF board is examined and explored in details alongside the block diagram of the unit. The fault is traced to a unidentifiable component (potentially PIN diode switches). Bypassing these components allows the instrument to generate sufficient power. However, the repair must stop here for now until these parts can be identified. www.TheSignalPath.com www.YouTube.com/TheSignalPath​​​ www.Patreon.com/TheSignalPath ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VAiyqMESqPU

In this short episode Shahriar repairs a more affordable instrument! This BK Precision LCR meter does not power up despite looking almost new. The teardown of the unit reveals several damaged components. Without any schematic and obscure part numbers some circuit configurations have to be reverse engineered. One of the main failed components is a TI DC-DC converter IC whose datahseet is examined during the repair. The damaged components are replaced and the unit powers on normally. The performance of the instrument is verified using a HP LCR meter. The demonstrated Soldering Iron Stand can be found here: http://goo.gl/FHNJY1 The Signal Path www.TheSignalPath.com www.YouTube.com/TheSignalPath www.Patreon.com/TheSignalPath ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h6Ih8eKkwYE