Operating Tips

SSA3000X Series

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

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

How to save a file with the SSA3000X

October 25, 2017

The SSA3000X can save a number of file types to either internal memory or an external USB memory device. Here are instructions on how to view and save files: – If you intended to save to an external device, insert a USB memory device into the front panel USB slot. – Press File located on … Continued