Bode Plot of a filter using an oscilloscope and function generator
February 26, 2019
A Bode plot is a method of graphically displaying the frequency response of a system or device-under-test (DUT). Commonly, the magnitude and phase response of the device are plotted with respect to frequency using a shared horizontal frequency axis as shown in the example below: By showing both the magnitude and phase information on … Continued
Programming Example: Retrieve data from an XE series Oscilloscope using Kotlin
February 26, 2019
The SDS series of oscilloscopes all feature remote programming and data collection capabilities. They can be integrated easily into many automated test environments to ease the setup and data acquisition during testing. One of our helpful customers developed a nice programming example designed to set up and retrieve data from a SIGLENT SDS1202X-E Oscilloscope using Kotlin, … Continued
SDS FFT performance on low frequency signals
February 26, 2019
Like many modern oscilloscopes, the SIGLENT SDS series feature FFT math functions that calculate frequency information from the acquired voltage vs. time data. FFT stands for Fast Fourier Transform, and is a common method for determining the frequency content of a time-varying signal. Converting time domain data to the frequency domain makes measuring characteristics like … 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
Comparison / Differences between the SDS1000X and SDS1000X-E oscilloscope families
December 18, 2018
The short list of differences between the X and the 2 channel XE (SDSs1202XE) is as follows: – X has 50 ohm/ 1 MOhm selectable input impedance. XE only has 1 MOhm fixed. You will need a 50 ohm matching through adapter if you wish to connect to 50 Ohm circuits/minimize reflections. – The X has … Continued
Verification of a working remote communications connection using NI – MAX
November 19, 2018
Automating a test can dramatically increase the productivity, throughput, and accuracy of a process. Automating a setup involves connecting a computer to the test instrumentation using a standard communications bus like USB or LAN and then utilizing code entered via a software layer (like LabVIEW, .NET, Python, etc..) to sequence the specific instrument commands and … Continued
Programming Example: Using VXI11 (LXI) and Python for LAN control without sockets
October 8, 2018
In an effort to meet the demands of remote monitoring and control, modern test instrumentation is leveraging more communications busses and than ever before. Each type of bus can also have numerous layers that can be utilized for specific advantages. The VXI bus and subsequent software drivers form a convenient software API that can make remote control … Continued
Quick remote computer control using LXI Tools
March 22, 2018
Introduction: There are many options for people considering remote communication and control of test and measurement instrumentation. In most cases, a computer is used to communicate to test instrumentation using USB or LAN connections. The computer can configure the instruments, collect and organize data, and present it in a useful and flexible way. Remote control … Continued
Generating an Activation Code (Option Code)
January 18, 2018
Introduction Many SIGLENT products have options that can be activated by entering a special activation code into the front panel. This note covers how to generate the activation code. Setup Contact your Authorized SIGLENT sales office or distributor to obtain an Option Card. This is typically a document that is emailed as a PDF. … Continued
Using EasyScope X to retrieve Average Waveform Data
October 24, 2017
Waveform averaging can be a useful method to decrease noise in a particular signal. The SIGLENT SDS series of oscilloscopes can easily collect average waveform data using EasyScope X software. NOTE: At this time, average waveform data is not able to be saved in CSV format via the front panel USB connection to a USB … Continued