Operating Tips

SPD3303D/S Series

SPD wiring suggestions

March 7, 2019

The SIGLENT SPD series of power supplies have only positive voltage and current setpoint values. That is, you can select voltages or currents that are from 0 to the max value (0-32 V, for voltage.. as an example for the SDP3000X/X-E). Here are the suggested wiring configurations to achieve both positive and negative potentials at the … Continued

USB Connectivity Checklist

February 28, 2019

The Universal Serial Bus (USB) is very popular and has added a tremendous level of convenience and flexibility to computer and peripheral controls, including test and measurement instrumentation. As with all technology, it isn’t always sunshine and blue skies. Here are some common troubleshooting steps for USB connection issues: – Is the instrument plugged in … Continued

SPD programming tips

December 29, 2018

The SPD series of power supplies feature remote programming capabilities and can be controlled via USB or LAN connection. In this note, we will use Python and PyVISA to create a program that will connect to an SPD, enable the output, delay, and then disable the output. There are two areas that differ from some … Continued

Are your instruments FCC compliant?

December 18, 2018

Test and measurement equipment is exempt from FCC emissions limits per CFR 47, Part 15, para 15.103(c): https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CFR-2002-title47-vol1/pdf/CFR-2002-title47-vol1-sec15-103.pdf Specifically: “(c) A digital device used exclusively as industrial, commercial, or medical test equipment.”

What is the difference between a switching and linear power supply?

October 24, 2017

Linear DC regulated power supplies (“linear supplies”) alter the output voltage to the required value through the power frequency (50/60 Hz alternating current) voltage transformer. After being lowered (or raised) to the appropriate AC voltage value, the waveform is rectified, filtered, and stabilized by a voltage regulation circuit, and is then output as a regulated … Continued

How to install the USBTMC driver

October 24, 2017

SIGLENT Technologies uses a broad range of products that utilize the USBTMC unified protocol to communicate with the host computer and control. Users can use SIGLENT provided PC software to send commands to remotely control the instrument. In addition, you can use NI-MAX (National Instruments Measurement and Automation Explorer) for instrument control. Here is an … Continued

Calibration Traceability

October 23, 2017

Excerpt from the ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board: http://anab.org/news/newsletter/winter-2014/nist-traceability-statements NIST Traceability Statements Many calibration customers request on their accredited calibration certificates a statement that the measurement is traceable to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). They want assurance that the standards used for the calibration are ultimately traceable to the International System of Units … Continued