diff -r 9d2c5ded6441 -r 89689c6e9cf4 content/hp8904a_2.rst --- /dev/null Thu Jan 01 00:00:00 1970 +0000 +++ b/content/hp8904a_2.rst Thu Mar 10 22:30:42 2016 +0100 @@ -0,0 +1,69 @@ +======================================================== + HP8904A Multifunction Synthetizer Repair: 10MHz output +======================================================== + +:Author: David Douard +:Date: 2016-03-06 +:Category: Electronics +:Tags: HP8904A, repair, test equipment, signal generator + +After having `fixed the PSU of one of my HP8904A`_ signal generator, I +discovered that the other unit had its 10MHz reference output +dead flat. + +I've disassembled the main logic board, but unfortunately, the +schematic of this later A2 board (as it is referenced in the servce +manual) is notavailable in any available HP's manual... + +The board I have is the second revision: + +.. image:: {filename}images/hp8904a/A2_top.jpg + :alt: The logic board (A2) of the HP8904A signal generator. + +And the bottom side of the PCB: + +.. image:: {filename}images/hp8904a/A2_bottom.jpg + :alt: Bottom side of the A2 board. + +According to the presence of soldering flux, it looks like the U46 +chip (a 74ALS73CN) on this board has been replaced: + +.. image:: {filename}images/hp8904a/A2_U46.jpg + :alt: The U46 chip seems to have been replaced. + +After having moved my scope probe around the 10MHz output (J102), I've +found that the most probable culprit is the Q106 transistor (which +seems to be a bipolar one). The 10MHz arrives to the base signal, the +emitter is grounded, but nothing on the collector... + +Unfortunately, HP had the awful habit of taging most of the parts in +their test equipments with custom references, even if most of them are +in fact regular parts. + +The problem was then to identify a reasonable replacement part for +this puppy. It presents itself as a Motorola with weird reference +``3 0659``: + +.. image:: {filename}images/hp8904a/HP8904A_Q106.jpg + :alt: The failing transistor. + +Having no luck searching the net, I've asked the `wonderful EEVBlog +community`_ for some help identifying this transistor. My question +obviously was answered very quickly by several fellows. First I've had +the correct reference for the transistor. Its HP part number is in +fact 1853-0659 (notice the 3-0659 as stamped on the transistor case), +and it is i fact a simple 2N3906. + +But another forum member also noted that a wire was broken, as it is +clearly visible on the picture above. + +So I did a very quit fix for this problem by simply resoldering the +broken leg of the transistor, and bingo, the 10MHz output is working +again! + +This EEVBlog community really is awesome! + +.. _`fixed the PSU of one of my HP8904A`: {filename}/hp8904a.rst +.. _`wonderful EEVBlog community`: http://www.eevblog.com/forum/repair/repair-of-an-hp8904a-signal-generator + +