Application Notes

SNA5000A Series

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

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

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