Operating Tips

Spectrum Analyzers

How to generate the activation code for an instrument option

May 24, 2018

Many SIGLENT instruments feature options that can be added by using an activation code. To generate the activation code: – Purchase the option from your favorite SIGLENT office or distributor. A full list of available options are located at the bottom of the specific product web page. – You will receive an Option Card PDF … Continued

USB Connectivity Checklist

April 24, 2018

The Universal Serial Bus (USB) is very popular and has added a tremendous level of convenience and flexibility to computer and peripheral controls, including test and measurement instrumentation. As with all technology, it isn’t always sunshine and blue skies. Here are some common troubleshooting steps for USB connection issues: – Is the instrument plugged in … Continued

Working with the SSA3000X Peak Table

March 22, 2018

The SIGLENT SSA3000X series of spectrum analyzers include a peak table that can be used to easily separate important signals based on their amplitude values. In this operating tip, we will show how to set the instrument to define peak signals and display them in a clear tabular format. For the purpose of this tip, … Continued

Potential Solutions to Easy software window rendering/font issues

March 8, 2018

The installation of SIGLENT EasySpectrum and other “Easy” software is typically uneventful. But, there may be an occasional issue. Here are some steps that may help clear up any issues that you may encounter: Here is an example of a mis-rendered window view of EasySpectrum: Here are some steps that may help fix the issue: … Continued

Tracking Generator and Reflection Bridge/VSWR Troubleshooting

January 23, 2018

Here are some common options for trouble with tracking generator/Reflection bridge/VSWR measurements Set the instrument to factory defaults by pressing SYSTEM > PWR ON/Preset >  Factory Reset     2. Is the TG working properly? – Are the center conductor contacts very close to one another? No gaps and no broken/missing petals on the inner … Continued

What instruments accept SCPI commands for remote control?

October 25, 2017

All SIGLENT instruments (except for the SHS1000 and SHS800 hand-held oscilloscopes) support SCPI remote control commands. For more information, download the specific instrument programming guide located on the product page.

SSA3000X Tracking Generator Low Frequency Output Performance

October 25, 2017

The lowest output frequency for the tracking generator (SSA3000X-TG option) output on the SIGLENT SSA3000X series of spectrum analyzers is specified at 100 kHz with an output flatness of +/- 3 dBm. The TG functions below this frequency, but the flatness and accuracy can vary significantly. In this operating tip, we show some typical performance … Continued

Sweep modes, RBW, and Span settings for the SSA3000X

October 25, 2017

The SIGLENT SSA3000X series of spectrum analyzers has three distinct sweep modes available, they are auto, sweep and FFT. By default, auto is selected. It selects the best mode based on RBW, Span, and Tracking Generator settings. Sweep mode configures the spectrum analyzer to work as a traditional swept superheterodyne design. Breaking the sweep span … Continued

How to enable Log frequency scaling with the SSA3000X

October 25, 2017

The Siglent SSA3000X spectrum analyzer can be configured to display amplitude and frequency with logarithmic (log) scaling. Vertical (amplitude) scaling on a spectrum analyzer is typically shown in log scaling with dBm as units as a default. The Horizontal (frequency) scaling is typically linear, but some applications prefer log frequency scaling. To manually enable log … Continued

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