Attenuator verification using a spectrum analyzer with a tracking generator
September 7, 2018
Attenuators are elements of an electrical circuit that are used to decrease the amount of power delivered to the next stage of the circuit. An ideal attenuator would have a flat frequency response, that is, it would decrease the amplitude of all input signals equally, regardless of the frequency. In this note, we are going to … Continued
Programming Example: List connected VISA compatible resources using PyVISA
August 30, 2018
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) *** ***** Here is the … Continued
DIY RF Probe Tutorial
July 23, 2018
Probing RF circuits can be tricky. Here are some resources for DIY probes https://elektrotanya.com/files/forum/2009/10/e04a036.pdf And Instructables has built on this: https://www.instructables.com/id/DIY-1GHz-Active-Probe-for-Under-20/ http://welecw2000a.sourceforge.net/docs/Hardware/Aktiver_Tastkopf_mit_OPA659.pdf http://www.ti.com/ww/en/bobpease/assets/www-national-com_rap.pdf http://www.analog.com/media/en/technical-documentation/application-notes/an47fa.pdf There is also a DC-1 GHz passive probe from EMC guru Doug Smith: http://www.emcesd.com/1ghzprob.htm NOTE: SIGLENT does not endorse any of these solutions. They are for reference only. … Continued
Electromagnetic Compliance: Measuring Radiated Noise with a Tekbox TEM
May 11, 2018
Here is a helpful note from Tekbox on measuring radiated noise using a TEM and SSA3000X Spectrum Analyzer: Tekbox Radiated Noise with a TEM
Electromagnetic Compliance: Measuring Conducted Noise with a Tekbox LISN
May 11, 2018
Our friends at Tekbox have a nice app note that provides details on performing conducted noise measurements using a SIGLENT SSA3000X Spectrum Analyzer: Tekbox Conducted Noise with a LISN Note
Quick remote computer control using LXI Tools
March 13, 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
Quickly Monitor FM Deviation using a Spectrum Analyzer
February 22, 2018
Spectrum analyzers are very useful tools for observing radio transmissions. One of the more common applications is to monitor a known channel or band of frequencies. In this note, we are going to show how to quickly capture an FM radio transmission and then configure the analyzer to provide us with the frequency deviation of … Continued
Spectrum Analyzer Basics: Detectors
January 23, 2018
INTRODUCTION: Spectrum analyzers like the SIGLENT SSA3000X Series have a number of available detector selections that can help you observe specific signals of interest. This operating tip provides a brief description of the available detector types and suggested usage. BASICS: The SIGLENT SSA 3000X Series spectrum analyzers normally display power versus frequency on a … 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
Spectrum Analyzer Basics: Bandwidth
October 25, 2017
Spectrum analyzers are useful tools for broadcast monitoring, RF component testing, and EMI troubleshooting. There are a number of common adjustments available with many modern analyers that can optimize performance for a particular application. In this application note, we will introduce resolution bandwidth (RBW) and video bandwidth (VBW) and how they affect measurements. Resolution Bandwidth … Continued