Spectrum Analyzer Audio Demodulation Tips for AM/FM
October 17, 2018
The SIGLENT SSA and SVA series of spectrum analyzers feature the ability to demodulate AM or FM transmissions and then play the audio output using an external speaker or earphone. Here are some tips to optimizing the audio quality: Set the center frequency to the match the channel of interest. For example, if you wish … Continued
Programming Example: Return Peak Table Data with an SSA3000X Spectrum Analyzer
March 23, 2018
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
Tracking Generator and Reflection Bridge/VSWR Troubleshooting
January 23, 2018
Here are some common options for trouble with tracking generator/Reflection bridge/VSWR measurements Set the instrument to factory defaults by pressing SYSTEM > PWR ON/Preset > Factory Reset 2. Is the TG working properly? – Are the center conductor contacts very close to one another? No gaps and no broken/missing petals on the inner … Continued
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.
SSA3000X Tracking Generator Low Frequency Output Performance
October 25, 2017
The lowest output frequency for the tracking generator (SSA3000X-TG option) output on the SIGLENT SSA3000X series of spectrum analyzers is specified at 100 kHz with an output flatness of +/- 3 dBm. The TG functions below this frequency, but the flatness and accuracy can vary significantly. In this operating tip, we show some typical performance … Continued
Why does the noise floor of my analyzer raise when I enable the tracking generator?
October 25, 2017
There is an increase in the noise floor when enabling the tracking generator. This is due to the IF (intermediate frequency) feedthrough from the Tracking Generator (TG) circuit. You can check the specifications documents for your analyzer. In many cases, they show the DANL spec’s with the TG off due to the increased noise floor … Continued
Sweep modes, RBW, and Span settings for the SSA3000X
October 25, 2017
The SIGLENT SSA3000X series of spectrum analyzers has three distinct sweep modes available, they are auto, sweep and FFT. By default, auto is selected. It selects the best mode based on RBW, Span, and Tracking Generator settings. Sweep mode configures the spectrum analyzer to work as a traditional swept superheterodyne design. Breaking the sweep span … Continued
How to enable Log frequency scaling with the SSA3000X
October 25, 2017
The Siglent SSA3000X spectrum analyzer can be configured to display amplitude and frequency with logarithmic (log) scaling. Vertical (amplitude) scaling on a spectrum analyzer is typically shown in log scaling with dBm as units as a default. The Horizontal (frequency) scaling is typically linear, but some applications prefer log frequency scaling. To enable log frequency … Continued
How do I invert colors on saved image files with an SSA3000X?
October 25, 2017
The Siglent SSA3000X spectrum analyzer can save images of the display in a number of common picture formats, including JPG and BMP file types. Normally, the background of the images matches that of the instrument. This black background may be problematic when physically printing these images for reports. To save on printer supplies, you can … Continued
SSA3000X File Types
October 25, 2017
The SSA3000X can save files in a number of formats that can be useful for saving/recalling configurations, correction and limits, as well as raw trace data. Those include: – State files (*.STA file extension): These files can be used to save and recall the instrument configuration. They are saved in binary format, which is designed … Continued