Operating Tips

SSA3000X-R Series

Minimum pulse repetition rate frequency for EMI enabled analyzers

June 9, 2022

The EMI toolkit available for many SIGLENT spectrum analyzers, such as the SSA3X, 3X Plus, SVA, and X-R series, feature a Quasi-peak detector that was designed to CISPR-16 specifications, which include pulse repetition rates. The EMI toolkit has been tested with pulse repetition rate minimum of 20 Hz, but has not been tested below this. … Continued

How to protect sensitive RF instrumentation

May 5, 2022

Spectrum and vector network analyzers like the SIGLENT SSA, SVA, and SNA series products feature very sensitive circuitry that can be easily damaged by electrostatic discharge or ESD. In many cases, ESD events aren’t obvious. It isn’t always a visible/noticeable event like the “wool sock shock” you may have tried as a child. ESD events … Continued

Common Fuse Information

February 9, 2022

Fuses are a common circuit element and are key to protecting from overvoltage and overcurrent situations that can damage important circuits. Fuse markings are typically stamped symbols located on the metal cap of the fuse. Here is a helpful guide to common fuse markings used with instrumentation, taking a common fuse type as an example: … Continued

RoHS compliance

December 28, 2021

Many SIGLENT products are RoHS compliant to EU 2015/863. This is also known as RoHS 3 Check the datasheet for the product in question to find more information.

What is the Distance-to-Fault (DTF) function measuring?

September 16, 2021

The Distance-to-Fault function (DTF) is an optional feature for the SIGLENT SVA1000X series of spectrum/vector network analyzers and is included free with the SSA3000X-R series of real-time spectrum analyzers. It is useful for determining the physical location of breaks, dielectric degradation, and other issues in cabling, connectors, and adapters. This technique utilizes a swept signal … Continued

What is the difference between SMA and 3.5 mm RF connectors?

September 14, 2021

SMA and 3.5 mm RF connectors are very similar and should be mechanically compatible, but do have some electrical differences that may be important for your application. For best performance, use SMAs with SMAs and 3.5 mm connectors with 3.5 mm connectors. If you question the connection integrity, you can use connector gages to verify … Continued

What technique does the SVA1000X/SSA3000X-R use for the Distance-To-Fault function?

August 12, 2021

The SIGLENT SVA1000X and SSA3000X-R series of spectrum analyzers have a Distance-To-Fault feature that is useful for determining the physical location of breaks, dielectric degradation, and other issues in cabling, connectors, and adapters. This technique utilizes a swept signal source to produce an output signal that covers a known frequency range. As the impedance of … Continued

Do your instruments support UDP communications over LAN?

August 5, 2021

Not at this time. Many instruments support communication via sockets (port 5025) and telnet (port 5024) but the port numbers cannot be changed. If you use VISA, you can implement LAN via TCP/IP, which does not need a port number. Here is a listing of current SIGLENT instruments with Socket and Telnet Support.

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