SIGLENT RF Signal Source Comparison/Differences

October 19, 2021

Modulation is an important feature for RF signal generation, especially when testing receivers and link performance for digital data transmissions that commonly use IQ modulation schemes.

SIGLENT offers a number of hardware configurations to provide you with exactly what you need to perform your critical tests.

Here is a brief summary of the capabilities of each family and some of the features that differentiate them to assist you in selecting the proper generator for your needs:

Model External* IQ/Bandwidth Internal IQ/Bandwidth External* Multitone/Bandwidth Internal Multitone/Max # Tones/Max Spacing
SSG3021X No No Yes, < 100 kHz No
SSG3032X No No Yes, < 100 kHz No
SSG3021X-IQE Yes, < 200 MHz (I+Q) No Yes, < 100 kHz No
SSG3032X-IQE Yes, < 200 MHz (I+Q) No Yes, < 100 kHz No
SSG5040X No No Yes, < 100 kHz No
SSG5060X No No Yes, < 100 kHz No
SSG5040X-V Yes, < 200 MHz (I+Q) Yes, < 75 MHz (Opt. 150 MHz) Yes, < 100 kHz Yes, 40/120 MHz
SSG5060X-V Yes, < 200 MHz (I+Q) Yes, < 75 MHz (Opt. 150 MHz) Yes, < 100 kHz Yes, 40/120 MHz

*External modulation uses the SSG external modulation input connector located on the rear panel and requires a modulation/baseband generator for operation. The modulation limit is based on the eternal modulation input specification for the SSG in question.

SIGLENT SDG series arbitrary waveform generators are ideal for external modulation requirements. The SDG6000X series also features an external IQ option that provides a flexible arb/IQ generator in a small package.

Click for more information on the SDG6000X series and the IQ Option

 

SSG3000X vs. SSG3000X-IQE models, rear panel comparison:

rear panel view of the SIGLENT SSG3000X SSG3000X-IQE RF signal sources with highlighted differences

NOTE: The -IQE version features I and Q inputs and associated hardware not included with the SSG3000X version.

 

SSG5000X vs. SSG5000X-V models:

rear panel view of siglent ssg5000x and ssg5000x-v rf signal sources highlighting the hardware differences

 

front panel view of signal ssg5000x and ssg5000x-v rf signal sources showing multitone

NOTE: The -V version features I and Q inputs and associated hardware not included with the SSG5000X version. The front panel/GUI of both does include the multitone menu, but it is greyed out/non-operational on SSG5000X versions.

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