Blog

Programming Example: Return Peak Table Data with an SSA3000X Spectrum Analyser

Posted on: August 20th, 2021 by James
Programming Example: Return Peak Table Data with an SSA3000X Spectrum Analyser 20th August 2021
The SIGLENT SSA3000X series of spectrum analysers have an on-screen peak detection that can be used to easily show the peak values in a Configure the instrument span, RBW, and amplitude to capture the signals of interest Send “:CALC:MARK:PEAK:TABL ON” Send “:CALC:PEAK:TABL? “ to return the peak table data Here, we show the displayed peak ...

Programming Example: SSA/SVA analyser screen image capture using Python over LAN

Posted on: August 20th, 2021 by James
Programming Example: SSA/SVA analyser screen image capture using Python over LAN 20th August 2021
Here is a brief code example written in Python 3.4 that uses a socket to pull a display image (screenshot) from a SIGLENT SSA/SVA analyser via LAN and save it to the local drive of the controlling computer. NOTE: This program saves the picture/display image file in the same directory that the .py file is being run from. It will overwrite any existing file that has the same na...

How do I pick the right spectrum analyser for my application?

Posted on: August 20th, 2021 by James
How do I pick the right spectrum analyser for my application? 20th August 2021
Introduction The SIGLENT SSA3000X, SSA3000X Plus and SVA1000X products are based on a similar swept superheterodyne spectrum analyser platform and have very similar starting prices. There are quite a few similarities, but also a few differences that could affect the end results for particular applications. The table below compares the maj...

Build FM NRSC masks for SIGLENT SSA3000X/SVA1000Xs using a Python script

Posted on: August 20th, 2021 by James
Build FM NRSC masks for SIGLENT SSA3000X/SVA1000Xs using a Python script 20th August 2021
Many broadcast applications require monitoring a transmitter and observing the output amplitude vs. frequency. For FM radio applications, a common mask is defined by the National Radio Systems Committee (NRSC) and is commonly referred to as the FM NRSC mask. A very helpful SIGLENT owner, Dan from Alabama Broadcast Services, LLC, built an FM NRSC Mask tool using our original ...

DIY Spectrum Analyser Input Protection

Posted on: August 20th, 2021 by James
DIY Spectrum Analyser Input Protection 20th August 2021
Spectrum analysers like the SIGLENT SSA3000X and SVA1000X series are extremely useful instruments that can provide invaluable insight into broadcast signal performance, transmitter troubleshooting, and interference as well as RF device characterization and EMC testing. But, like other spectrum analysers, they are very sensitive and can be damaged easily, if the proper precautions are not follow...

Testing Open Socket Communications Using PuTTY

Posted on: August 20th, 2021 by James
Testing Open Socket Communications Using PuTTY 20th August 2021
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 is likely to occupy a large amount of...

Testing Intrinsic Safety Barrier fusing and circuitry using an Electronic Load

Posted on: August 20th, 2021 by James
Testing Intrinsic Safety Barrier fusing and circuitry using an Electronic Load 20th August 2021
From Wikipedia: Intrinsic safety (IS) is a protection technique for safe operation of electrical equipment in hazardous areas by limiting the energy, electrical and thermal, available for ignition. The idea is to minimise the risk of fire or explosion by physically eliminating any potential source of ignition. Many IS circuits utilise special fusing and elements that are de...

Verification of a LAN connection using Telnet

Posted on: August 20th, 2021 by James
Verification of a LAN connection using Telnet 20th August 2021
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 utilising code entered via a software layer (like LabVIEW, .NET, Python, etc..) to sequence the specific instrument commands and process data. This process n...

Open Socket LAN connection using Python

Posted on: August 20th, 2021 by James
Open Socket LAN connection using Python 20th August 2021
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 utilising code entered via a software layer (like LabVIEW, .NET, Python, etc..) to sequence the specific instrument commands and process data. In this note, ...

Programming Example: Controlling an SPD power supply via Sockets over LAN

Posted on: August 20th, 2021 by James
Programming Example: Controlling an SPD power supply via Sockets over LAN 20th August 2021
Here is a Python 3.6 example of using sockets to control an SPD power supply connected to a computer using LAN. NOTE: The SPD uses VXI-11 protocol for LAN. On some systems, it is helpful to use the VXI-11 format for the IP address: “TCPIP::ip.add.re.ss::INSTR” Here is the program in full: ...