Operating Tips

Vector Network Analyzer

Common SNA5000A questions

July 29, 2022

Is a 4 port SNA actually Qty 2 2-port VNA boards? Yes,4 port SNAs have 2 RF boards, but one digital board and the LO board. 2. Are the ports asynchronous? Port 1 and 2 share a source and port 3 and 4 share a source. Each source can only work one port at a … Continued

SNA5000A supported ECal units

June 24, 2022

The SNA5000A currently supports the following ECal units (starting with firmware revision 1.0.0.2.9.R5) Keysight N4433A 85092C

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.

Additional sweep information for the SNA5000X

December 21, 2021

When performing a log sweep, does the power sweep have log steps or is it linear steps with mathematical interpolation? The power sweep uses linear steps. The freq sweep has log or linear steps, depending on the user selection.  

Currently supported VNA calibration kits for the SNA5000A

September 14, 2021

Here are the currently supported calibration kits for the SNA5000A series of VNAs Software revision: 1.0.0.2.7R3 SIGLENT Details F503ME N-type, 50 Ohms F503FE N-type, 50 Ohms F603ME 3.5 mm, 50 Ohms F603FE 3.5 mm, 50 Ohms F504MS N-type, 50 Ohms F504FS N-type, 50 Ohms F604MS 3.5 mm, 50 Ohms F604FS 3.5 mm, 50 Ohms   … 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

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