RF Noise Figure Measurements using Spectrum Analyzer Siglent SVA1032X (9kHz – 3.2GHz)
May 22, 2023
Introduction The noise figure is a major measurement parameter in the process of microwave product development and production, and its measurement test is an important element of noise measurement test. This manual describes in detail how to use a spectrum analyzer to measure noise coefficients by using the Siglent SVA 1032X (9kHZ – 3.2GHz), including … Continued
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
Measuring Filter Characteristics Using the SSA3000X Plus / SSA3000X-R / SVA1000X Spectrum Analyzer
June 22, 2021
A filter is a universal, two-port, frequency-selective device used in a wide variety of electronic circuits and applications. A low-pass filter is one that passes signals with a frequency lower than a certain cut-off frequency while attenuating the higher frequencies. Low-pass filters are often used in radio transmitters, audio devices, and communication systems. They can … 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
Programming Example: SSA/SVA analyzer screen image capture using Python over LAN
January 14, 2020
Here is a brief code example written in Python 3.4 that uses a socket to pull a display image (screenshot) from a SIGLENT SSA/SVA analyzer via LAN and save it to the local drive of the controlling computer. NOTE: This program saves the picture/display image file in the same directory that the .py file is … 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