MEMORANDUM

FROM: EECE 380 Lab Group L2B5

TO: Dr. Michelson and Lab TAs

DATE: March 16, 2014

SUBJECT: Spectrum Analyzer Second Weekly Memo

On March 12^th, we had our second tutorial on spectrum analyzer project. The main topics covered were voltage controlled oscillator (VCO), RF Amplifier, mixers, and how to use the tracking generator. The most important step was to put everything together (e.g. Mixer – VCO – BPF).

First things first, we learned the concept of VCO. For example, what are the main features and applications of VCO, some electrical specifications are also stated in the tutorial. The purpose of the first lab activity was to familiarize ourselves with the VCO. Starting off by testing the VCO with the spectrum analyzer; set the Vcc to 12V DC, and set the current limit on power supply; use the DC power supply for Vtune.

The next component of this tutorial was the RF Amplifier, a type of electronic amplifier used to convert a low-power radio-frequency signal into a larger signal of significant power. We learned some key features and applications of the RF amplifier; for example, it is wideband, and the frequency is from 0.05 to 500MHz. Moreover, some electrical specifications are also stated in the chart. The second lab activity was about the RF amplifier. We start off by testing the amplifier with an RF source and spectrum analyzer. Set the Vcc to 15V DC, and set the current limit on power supply; next, set the RF input to -40dBm and frequency to 100MHz. After the setup, we measured the gain of the amplifier at various frequencies, and determined what range is safe input power level according to the data sheet.

We will continue to finish up the lab activities next week, which is to put everything together. We will test the mixer using the VCO as LO, and observe the output with the spectrum analyzer. Next, we will notice the role of the filter in selecting the output of the mixer when it is connected to 10.7MHz band pass filter. Finally, set the RF to 50MHz and determine the VCO output we need to down convert the RF into the band of the band pass filter.

Sincerely,

EECE 380 L2B5

MEMORANDUM

FROM: EECE 380 Lab Group L2B5

TO: Dr. Michelson and Lab TAs

DATE: March 8, 2014

SUBJECT: Spectrum Analyzer First Weekly Memo

We have moved on to our second project in this week, the spectrum analyzer. During the first lab on Friday, the TA gave us the first tutorial to familiarize ourselves with various lab equipment and the goals of this project. A spectrum analyzer measures the magnitude of an input signal according to its frequency. We also understood the main setting parameters on spectrum analyzer screen; for example, the axes, units, and how to adjust the machine. Another main component of this lab is the RF connectors. There are a variety of connectors based on different frequency, bandwidth, sizes, power levels; the main ones we will be using for this project is BNC, N and SMA connectors

After the TA introduced the main tasks and challenges of this project, we moved on to the first lab activity. We connected the RF source to the spectrum analyzer and adjusted the maximum output and input power levels. Then, we measured CW signals of different levels and frequencies, explored saving traces, and used markers to perform measurements. The primary aim of this lab activity is to get to know the spectrum analyzer which is the core of this project. During next week, we will continue finishing up the first lab activity and move onto the next lab

At this preliminary stage of the second project, our group will maintain the attributes that we did well in the first project, and improve our weaknesses. Due to that we are quite tight on time for this project; we will have a clear weekly schedule of what needs to be completed and a to-do list for the following week. The weekly leader is in charge of group meetings and writing memo. We will make sure that we keep everything organized and finish this project perfectly.

Sincerely,

EECE 380 L2B5

MEMORANDUM

FROM: EECE 380 Lab Group L2B5

TO: Dr. Michelson and Lab TAs

DATE: January 26, 2014

SUBJECT: First Week Summary

This week, we have begun progress on our first lab assignment; the satellite-based M2M SCADA System Project. We began by investigating the Q4000 modem, which provides communication from our device to the satellite. The first task was to downloaded and installed IAR software to write and compile our code. The second task was to send an email from the Quake modem to the group email account. Due to our limited time with the programs, we encountered some problems with the loading process. Specifically, uploaded the program from QCT to the device, we wrongly selected “Load” option instead of “Load Application”. This confusion set the team back an hour and a half before we resolved the problem. It should also be noted that we were unable to use the prolific cable to connect successfully with the computers that run on Windows 8.

On Friday, we finished the first lab and started our second lab assignment, which used a 12-bit analog-to-digital converter (ADC) in the modem and changed the output voltage. We also found the bug that made us restart the laptop after a few times of loading the code on the device. We plan to finish this early next week.

At this preliminary stage of our project, we have set up some fundamental rules which will ensure the project goes smoothly throughout the term:

• The group meetings, for instance, we will meet twice a week during our scheduled lab time to finish our lab assignments

• We will also arrange meetings to work on the project; the meeting time is to be determined by group leader, and the meeting place is either in MCLD 306 or a quiet study room

In next week, our group will continue working on the lab assignment. Each team member will also do some researches on project-related materials.

Sincerely,

EECE 380 L2B5