Test Equipment

DSO3000 Update

Submitted by ben on Fri, 02/11/2011 - 09:25
Contents: 
Agilent DSO3xxxA
Subjects: 
Tools
Reverse Engineering

I have written Python tools to interface with the Agilent DSO3000-series oscilloscopes. This is an update of my previous work. As long as PyUSB is available, this should be cross-platform. Command-line and console programs are included, along with a DSO3000 class you can use to make automated data-collection scripts. There is now a screenshot program which uses PIL. Read more »

Tracking Generator

Submitted by ben on Sat, 11/06/2010 - 00:03
Contents: 
Tektronix 492
Subjects: 
Tools
RF

This is a tracking generator for the Tektronix 492 based on KE5FX's design. It takes the place of a TR-503 tracking generator but has a different architecture. The design is essentially the same as KE5FX's, but uses attenuator/amplifier pairs instead of isolators and has a different PLL circuit for generating the 110MHz LO. Read more »

DAC Test

Submitted by ben on Mon, 10/18/2010 - 17:18
Contents: 
Function Generator
Subjects: 
FPGA

I built this board to test the DAC and antialiasing filters for my function generator. It plugs into the Digilent XC3S1600E board (no longer sold, but this will probably work). The DAC is driven by the FPGA at 200MSa/s.

PCB Layout Read more »

Function Generator

Submitted by ben on Mon, 10/18/2010 - 16:41
Contents: 
Function Generator
Subjects: 
FPGA
Tools

This is an 80MHz function generator inspired by the Agilent 33250A. It supports waveforms up to 64k samples with 14-bit output resolution. The output level is only 1Vpp. Read more »

USB-492

Submitted by ben on Thu, 08/26/2010 - 14:42
Contents: 
Tektronix 492
Subjects: 
Tools
RF

Tektronix 492 USB Interface

I have a Tektronix 492 without GPIB. This project adds USB connectivity to the Tek 492. It can download a full sweep in about 200ms. It can't read any configuration from the instrument, so it's not a real replacement for GPIB, but it would be possible to emulate the control code and duplicate the front panel controls on the computer. Read more »

Interfacing to the DSO3000

Submitted by ben on Thu, 08/26/2010 - 14:39
Contents: 
Agilent DSO3xxxA
Subjects: 
Tools
Reverse Engineering

The DSO3000 series oscilloscopes from Agilent are low-cost (as digital scopes go) digital storage oscilloscopes. They are actually rebadged Rigol DS5000 series scopes. There are four scopes in the series with different bandwidths:

  • DSO3062A
  • DSO3102A
  • DSO3152A
  • DSO3202A

I have the DSO3102A, so all this information is based on that model. I expect the others to be identical except for slight differences in firmware and the front-end electronics. Read more »

Tektronix 492 First Mixer

Submitted by ben on Thu, 08/26/2010 - 13:00
Read more »
Subjects: 
Tools
Reverse Engineering
RF
Contents: 
Tektronix 492

Mixer Diode Failure

Tektronix 492

Submitted by ben on Thu, 08/26/2010 - 12:54
Contents: 
Tektronix 492
Subjects: 
Tools
RF

I bought a Tek 492 on eBay. This is a 50kHz-18GHz spectrum analyzer which was made by Tektronix in the early 1980's. There were a few major changes which can be distinguished by serial number. I have a mid-model (41000) unit made in 1981. Read more »

Subscribe to Test Equipment