Operating Tips

SPD3303X/X-E Series

SPD constant current performance (current compliance protection)

February 15, 2019

The SIGLENT SPD series of power supplies offer constant current mode. This setting limits the current output of the specified channel and can be used as a constant current source and to protect your device-under-test (DUT). In this tip, we show the typical performance of the SPD as it switches between constant voltage (CV) and … 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 instruments accept SCPI commands for remote control?

October 25, 2017

All SIGLENT instruments (except for the SHS1000 and SHS800 hand-held oscilloscopes) support SCPI remote control commands. For more information, download the specific instrument programming guide located on the product page.

How to update the firmware on an SPD3000 Series power supply

October 25, 2017

The SIGLENT SPD3000 series of power supplies can be upgraded remotely using a computer, USB cable, and SIGLENT EasyPower software. 1. Download EasyPower from the firmware & software tab of the SPD Product Page 2. Download the latest firmware from the firmware and software tab of the SPD Product Page. Unzip the file using a … Continued

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