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
Programming Example: Open Socket LAN connection using Python
October 20, 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
Verification of a LAN connection using Telnet
October 20, 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
Electromagnetic Compliance: Troubleshooting with Near-Field and Current Probes
October 20, 2017
Electromagnetic interference (EMI) can cause a host of problems, especially when developing a product or attempting to pass mandatory electromagnetic compliance (EMC) tests. Garbled displays, bad data, or complete malfunctions can occur when a design is effected by EMI. To minimize the effects of interference, government agencies like the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in North … Continued
Electromagnetic Compliance: Pre-Compliance Conducted Emissions Testing
October 19, 2017
Electromagnetic compliance (EMC) testing involves measuring the radio frequency (RF) output of a product and comparing the results to published limits that are set forth by a government agency responsible for creating and enforcing standards, such as the Federal Communications Committee (FCC) in the United States. Any product that has the ability to generate RF … Continued
Electromagnetic Compliance: Pre-Compliance Test Basics
October 19, 2017
Today’s products are subjected to more standardized test requirements than ever before. These standards (UL, CE, and others) ensure consumer safety and add to the quality and dependability of products. But, these tests also add cost to the manufacturer, which is passed to the consumer. This is especially true with electronics. Any product that has … 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
Build AM NRSC masks for SIGLENT SSA3000X/SVA1015Xs using a Python script
October 19, 2017
Many broadcast applications require monitoring a transmitter and observing the output amplitude vs. frequency. For AM radio applications, a common mask is defined by the National Radio Systems Committee (NRSC) and is commonly referred to as the AM NRSC mask. Table 1 shows the general analog AM NRSC-2-B mask values around a center frequency (fc). … Continued