TSP #336 - A Fancy PID Controller! Keithley 2510 TEC Source-Meter Teardown, Repair & Experiments

In this episode Shahriar attempts the repair of a Keithley 2510 TEC Source-Meter. This instrument is capable of delivering up to 60W of power to any TEC in both polarities. Furthermore, the instrument integrates a flexible temperature read-out capability with 4-wire interface. Lastly, combining both capabilities, alongside a fully customizable PID controller, a precise temperature controller can be realized. This particular unit returns erroneous readouts in all modes: voltage, current, resistance & temperature. The unit is also generating "squeaky" noises which is indicative of a failing DC-DC converter. The block diagram of the unit is examined and the fault is ultimately traced to a damaged opto-isolator in the isolated switching power supply. Several other components are also faulty which are located via thermal camera. The output Class-D / buck converter circuit & block diagram are also examined in details. Unfortunately, the custom IC at the heart of the multi-slope ADC is also damaged. The IC is de-capped, examined under a microscope, and compared with its predecessor CPLD counterpart. This Keithley component is sourced from an older high-speed power supply. The correct readout is then verified. Several experiments are demonstrated using the PID controller and a custom TEC setup. Please consider supporting The Signal Path: https://www.TheSignalPath.com/Donate   / thesignalpath   Other links: https://www.TheSignalPath.com   / thesignalpath