content/hp3562a_4.rst

==========================================
 HP3562A Dynamic Signal Analyzer - Part 4
==========================================

:Author: David Douard
:Category: Electronics
:Tags: HP3562A, HP1345A, repair, test equipment, DSA
:series: HP 3562A
:series_index: 4

This is the part 4 of the series about my
`HP 3562A Digital Signal Analyzer <{filename}/hp3562a.rst>`_,
quickly describing the HP 1345A Digital Display unit as well as
the repair I had to do on it.


Display
=======

The display unit is a HP1345A Digital Display without the option 714
(wich adds a 4K x 16 bits Vector Memory), so it must driven by a
dedicated display controller (which is on the A38 memory board):

.. image:: {static}/images/hp3562a/a8_a17_display.png
   :alt: Block diagrams of the HP1345A A8 and A17 boards

The unit is a 6 inch monochrome display producing true vector graphics
with a resolution of 2048x2018 points. It can display up to 3226
inches of vectors at 60Hz. It also embeds a character generator.

It's a true vector display; vectors are drawn by moving the CRT beam
on the screen (it's not a pixel based display).

.. image:: {static}/images/hp3562a/hp1345a_raster_vector.png
   :alt: Picture of the raster vs. vector display principle

It can diplay:

- solid lines
- solid lines with intensified end points
- short dashed lines
- long dashed lines
- dots at end points

with 3 differents visible brightness levels. It also allows to specify
4 beam velocities:

- 0.13cm/µs
- 0.25cm/µs
- 0.38cm/µs
- 0.51cm/µs

Allowing more brightness control of the vectors.

.. image:: {static}/images/hp3562a/hp1345a.jpg
   :alt: Picture of the HP1345A vector display module


If not connected with a controller, it shows a test pattern for
adjustments.

.. image:: {static}/images/hp3562a/hp1345a_test_pattern.png
   :alt: Picture of the HP1345A test pattern

The unit looks like:

.. image:: {static}/images/hp3562a/hp1345a_side.jpg
   :alt: Picture of the HP1345A vector display module (side view)

.. image:: {static}/images/hp3562a/hp1345a_side2.jpg
   :alt: Picture of the HP1345A vector display module (side view)


.. image:: {static}/images/hp3562a/hp1345a_top.jpg
   :alt: Picture of the HP1345A vector display module (top view)


Adjustment and repair
---------------------

While the instrument was apart, I wanted to see if I can recalibrate
the display, especially try to adjust the overall brightness of the
CRT since mine is a bit dimm (I have to set the intensity knob FCW to
see the whole picture). I also wanted to improve a bit the focus and
precision of the lines.

So I took the display unit off the instrument, which is
straighforward, powered it using my benchpower supplies, and began to
read the adjustment procedure and turn the pots, when suddenly the
display shut off.

Using an ohmmeter, the diagnostic was easy: the +15v and -15v rails on
the A1 board were short. Fortunately, the schematic is available, so I
started to look for all decoupling capacitors (directly connected
between a power rail and the ground). It took me a little while before
identifing the real culprits, since the only solution to check them is
to desolder (at least one end): A1C45 and A1C48.

.. image:: {static}/images/hp3562a/hp1345a_dead_caps.jpg
   :alt: Picture of the 2 shorted tantalum capacitors


These 2 small (tantalum) caps near U3 were short. Not sure why they
died when I powered the display unit with my power supplies, maybe I
set them to a bit higher voltage then what the HP3562A generates.

I replaced them with the closer spare I found (4.7µF tantalum caps),
and the Display Unit was up and running again.

I knows these old tantalum caps are prone to fail, and I should
probably change them all, but I don't have enough spare for now.

After that, I could resume my adjustement procedure. And indeed there
is an adjustment that allowed me to improve noticebly the brightness
of the screen (the Intensity Cut-Off Level). Now I can run my HP3562A
without the intensity knob FCW.


Brief description
-----------------

.. image:: {static}/images/hp3562a/hp1345a_block_diagram.png
   :alt: General block diagram of the HP1345A display unit

.. image:: {static}/images/hp3562a/hp1345a_stroke_generator.png
   :alt: Block diagram of stroke generator of the HP1345A display unit


.. image:: {static}/images/hp3562a/hp1345a_ramp_generator.png
   :alt: Block diagram of the ramp generator of the HP1345A display unit


.. image:: {static}/images/hp3562a/hp1345a_vector_processor.png
   :alt: Block diagram of the vector processor of the HP1345A display unit

.. image:: {static}/images/hp3562a/hp1345a_vpc_architecture.png
   :alt: Block diagram of the VPC architecture of the HP1345A display unit