Application Notes

SSA3000X Series

Analyzer Features and Options Table

March 4, 2022

Selecting the proper instrument for your application can be challenging. Here are tables that identify key features and options of SIGLENTs analyzer products to help you choose exactly what you need:   SIGLENT Analyzer Features:   SIGLENT Analyzer Options:   Tracking Generator included free with all SSA3000X, Plus, SVA, and X-R series analyzers 1- SSA3000X … Continued

Inter Modulation Distortion (IMD) testing

February 14, 2020

Two SIGLENT SDG owners and Amateur Radio operators and frequent experimenters, Steve Ratzlaff AA7U and Everett Sharp N4CY, got together and built a very thorough test procedure for testing Intermodulation Distortion (IMD) on a Loop Amplifier using a SIGLENT SDG2042X generator and SSA3021X spectrum analyzer. IMD is an important test for verification of audio amplifiers … Continued

Build FM NRSC masks for SIGLENT SSA3000X/SVA1015Xs using a Python script addition

February 12, 2020

Many broadcast applications require monitoring a transmitter and observing the output amplitude vs. frequency. For FM radio applications, a common mask is defined by the National Radio Systems Committee (NRSC) and is commonly referred to as the FM NRSC mask. A very helpful SIGLENT owner, Dan from Alabama Broadcast Services, LLC, built an FM NRSC Mask … Continued

Programming Example: Return Peak Table Data with an SSA3000X Spectrum Analyzer

January 14, 2020

The SIGLENT SSA3000X series of spectrum analyzers have an on-screen peak detection that can be used to easily show the peak values in a Configure the instrument span, RBW, and amplitude to capture the signals of interest Send “:CALC:MARK:PEAK:TABL ON” Send “:CALC:PEAK:TABL? “ to return the peak table data Here, we show the displayed peak table and … Continued

Programming Example: Identification String (*IDN?) return with LabVIEW 2018

December 16, 2019

This LabVIEW VI (version 2018) provides a simple platform to begin creating LabVIEW programs. You can download the VI here: VISA_IDN.ZIP In this example, the user can: Select the connected instruments from the VISA Resource List drop down menu: NOTE: USB devices will automatically appear. For LAN connections, you will need to add the device. … Continued

DIY Spectrum Analyzer Input Protection

May 22, 2019

Spectrum analyzers like the SIGLENT SSA3000X and SVA1000X series are extremely useful instruments that can provide invaluable insight into broadcast signal performance, transmitter troubleshooting, and interference as well as RF device characterization and EMC testing. But, like other spectrum analyzers, they are very sensitive and can be damaged easily, if the proper precautions are not … Continued

Secure products without K-lock slots

May 20, 2019

Many products have Kensington, or K-lock slots to help provide a location to secure a cable lock or other device to help prevent theft. Some products do not have locations for cable lock connections. In this case, we recommend using a special glue or physical attachment system to secure the cable to the case of … Continued

Programming Example: Using VXI11 (LXI) and Python for LAN control without sockets

October 3, 2018

In an effort to meet the demands of remote monitoring and control, modern test instrumentation is leveraging more communications busses and than ever before. Each type of bus can also have numerous layers that can be utilized for specific advantages. The VXI bus and subsequent software drivers form a convenient software API that can make remote control … Continued

Immunity testing with a Tekbox TEM cell

September 27, 2018

Tekbox put together a nice application note on immunity testing using a TEM cell and a SIGLENT SSA3000X spectrum analyzer. TEM cells are specialized hardware enclosures that can provide high electric fields and also do offer some shielding from environmental RF. If you are having immunity issues, this note may provide some helpful information and guidance. … Continued

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