Enhanced TDR Measurements with the SIGLENT SNA5000A Vector Network Analyzer
May 17, 2023
Click here to download the complete document. Introduction Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR) is an important method for measuring cable and connection quality for high-speed transmissions. Some measurements that broadly fall into this category include characteristics like distance to fault as TDR makes it easy to visualize impedance changes over distance. Some of the basic analysis … Continued
Calibration and RF Measurements using a VNA Siglent SNA5000A- 4 ports
April 23, 2023
The following are some recommended common practices when performing any RF measurement. 1. Use good quality RF cables. Double shielded with tin foil is recommended for phase stability and isolation. 2. Use properly power rated RF cables. 3. Use properly frequency rated connector type. a. BNC type is rarely used above 500 MHz sense they … Continued
Mixer measurements with a Vector Network Analyzer
February 27, 2023
Mixers are typically 3-port devices that produce the sum or difference of two input frequencies. Most of the mixers are active ones require external power supply. But there are also passive mixers like audio mixer that doesn’t require any power because it doesn’t have an amplifier. A typical mixer is shown in Figure 1, … Continued
Electromagnetic Compliance: Pre-compliance analyzer configuration, settings, and protection
November 26, 2021
In this note, we discuss EMC pre-compliance test parameters and how different settings affect your measurements. There are also sensitivity considerations and tips for the protection of the spectrum analyzer during tests.
Programming Example: Identification String (*IDN?) return with LabVIEW 2018
December 16, 2019
This LabVIEW VI (version 2018) provides a simple platform to begin creating LabVIEW programs. You can download the VI here: VISA_IDN.ZIP In this example, the user can: Select the connected instruments from the VISA Resource List drop down menu: NOTE: USB devices will automatically appear. For LAN connections, you will need to add the device. … Continued
Programming Example: Using VXI11 (LXI) and Python for LAN control without sockets
October 3, 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
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
Testing Open Socket Communications Using PuTTY
October 19, 2017
Many instruments include the ability to be controlled via a remote connection to a computer using an Ethernet connection. In many cases, these instruments require a special software library that can help establish and maintain the communications link between the instrument and controlling computer. This can be annoying for a few reasons… the software library … Continued
Verification of a working remote communications connection using NI – MAX
September 29, 2017
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