M5200 Sweep Frequency Response Analyzer

The M5200/M5300 Sweep Frequency Response Analysis (SFRA) was an all-new test instrument (CGS < $3000) to replace the existing unit (CGS > $11,000).

The product went from whiteboard concept to trade show in 6 months. 

The main subsystems were a multi-channel 100 MHz data acquisition & signal generator board, PowerPC-based controller board, firmware, new mechanical design to fit existing enclosure, PC software to configure and control the test. The M5300 added a rugged integrated PC, wireless keyboard and pointer, and super-bright screen for outdoor usage.

This was the company’s first product running Linux.  I was the leader for multiple teams on different product lines while this project was going on, but I still led the M5200 team to a successful outcome, and kept my fingers in it by identifying several bottlenecks in the test sequence and contributing code to mitigate them.

The M5200 fit perfectly in the company’s instrumentation lineup and commanded top price when it was new.  Competition soon resulted in the value-engineered M5500, still just as capable but with minimal hardware and interfaces.