Application Notes

SSA3000X Series

Analyzer Feature and Options Table

June 7, 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

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

March 9, 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

Inter Modulation Distortion (IMD) testing

February 17, 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/SVA1000Xs using a Python script

February 13, 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

How do I pick the right spectrum analyzer for my application?

August 6, 2019

Introduction The SIGLENT SSA3000X, SSA3000X Plus and SVA1000X products are based on a similar swept superheterodyne spectrum analyzer platform and have very similar starting prices. There are quite a few similarities, but also a few differences that could affect the end results for particular applications. The table below compares the major specifications and the comparable … Continued

DIY Spectrum Analyzer Input Protection

May 24, 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

Programming Example: List connected VISA compatible resources using PyVISA

February 19, 2019

PyVISA is a software library that enables Python applications to communicate with resources (typically instruments) connected to a controlling computer using different buses, including: GPIB, RS-232, LAN, and USB. This example scans and lists the available resources. It requires PyVISA to be installed (see the PyVISA documentation for more information) *** #Example that scans a … Continued

Verification of a working remote communications connection using NI – MAX

November 19, 2018

Automating a test can dramatically increase the productivity, throughput, and accuracy of a process. Automating a setup involves connecting a computer to the test instrumentation using a standard communications bus like USB or LAN and then utilizing code entered via a software layer (like LabVIEW, .NET, Python, etc..) to sequence the specific instrument commands and … Continued

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

October 8, 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