Siglent SNA5000A two and four port VNA's - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 26, 2020, 10:43:49 am
content: 4 new models of 2 and 4 port VNA's of 4.5 and 8.5 GHz. 2 port models of 13.5 and 26.5 GHzUpdate Feb 28 2023:2 further 2 port models added to the SNA5000A range pushing max frequencies to13.5 or 26.5 GHzNMD 3.5 mm connectors used for these 2 new high frequency models.Models available: PortsSNA5002A 9 kHz~4.5 GHz 2SNA5004A 9 kHz~4.5 GHz 4SNA5012A 9 kHz~8.5 GHz 2SNA5014A 9 kHz~8.5 GHz 4SNA5022A 100kHz-13.5GHz 2SNA5032A 100kHz-26.5GHz 2Feature summaryOutput power setting range: -55 dBm ~ +10 dBmDynamic range: 125dB2/4 port S parameter measurement, differential (balanced) measurement, time domain analysis12.1" touch display c/w mouse and keyboard supportHDMIWeb serverThe SNA5000X series supports adding multiple traces in multiple windows for full 4-port S-parameter testing, and has multiple display formats, such as Log Mag, Lin Mag, Phase, Delay, Smith, SWR, Polar, etc., which can be easily and quickly analyzed The transmission coefficient, reflection coefficient, standing wave ratio, impedance matching, phase, delay and other parameters of the measured object.https://int.siglent.com/products-overview/sna5000a/https://siglentna.com/vector-network-analyzer/sna5000a/https://www.siglenteu.com/vector-network-analyzer/sna5000a-series/US and Euro pricing in above links.Feb 2023 Updated datasheet:https://siglentna.com/download/21667/?tmstv=1677565568Comparison spreadsheet attached.Released July 2021The Signal Path review:August 2022Siglent video:

author: Qw3rtzuiop
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 26, 2020, 11:50:59 am
content: Price for the base model seems to be 69980 CNY so appr. 10700 USD.Here is a video:https://share.plvideo.cn/front/video/preview?vid=a29fa437566e8e74113d3ef8ef769047_a

author: Sighound36
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 04, 2021, 04:51:03 pm
content: Nice use of Lecroy Waver-surfer 4000HD case work

author: joeqsmith
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 04, 2021, 05:58:50 pm
content: Would like to see the actual documentation for it when it becomes available.The marketing sheet and video show mechanical calibration. Do they offer an ecal for it?

author: hendorog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 06, 2021, 12:43:06 am
content: Quote from: joeqsmith on January 04, 2021, 05:58:50 pmNo eCal is available.IIRC one was hinted at in a disabled menu option on the SVA firmware a while ago. But there have been some changes to the cal menu since and that option is not there anymore.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 15, 2021, 02:48:28 am
content: Quote from: tautech on December 26, 2020, 10:43:49 amForecast release is July 20 2021.English datasheet now attached in the OP.

author: Sighound36
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 15, 2021, 03:32:27 pm
content: TT have you preformed a direct comparsion between the 2 and for port models at all?

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 16, 2021, 08:02:35 am
content: Quote from: Sighound36 on July 15, 2021, 03:32:27 pmNot got my hands on one yet and as thespecialdistributor price is still pretty steep not sure I will.AFAICT from the datasheet there are no performance differences between 2 and 4 port models.Web link added to the OP. Further info to come shortly.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 16, 2021, 08:16:26 am
content: Quote from: joeqsmith on January 04, 2021, 05:58:50 pmNot yet in my pricelist however one may be coming or maybe other eCal will be supported if this image from a 8MB PPT presentation is anything to go by:

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 16, 2021, 11:21:40 pm
content: Quote from: Qw3rtzuiop on December 26, 2020, 11:50:59 amSub7.5k8.5k actually.

author: tonyalbus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 20, 2021, 09:08:25 pm
content: Quote from: tautech on July 16, 2021, 11:21:40 pmHi TautechPricing for EU is available here. Ships EUhttps://www.eleshop.nl/testen-meten/vector-network-analysers.htmlThis is my Siglent dealer here in NL, i had some barrows from them (some stayed as you know)i have asked a demo, so lets see, hope it happens, can't wait

author: tv84
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 20, 2021, 09:49:26 pm
content: A Siglent costing 26k€ ? ?Siglent is turning A-brand... at least in price.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 20, 2021, 10:06:48 pm
content: Quote from: tv84 on July 20, 2021, 09:49:26 pm€21700 is list plus options if any.......And I know more expensive are coming.....Eg:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/siglent-ssa5000a-spectrum-analyzers-coming/https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/siglent-ssg5000a-13-6-and-20-ghz-rf-sig-gens-coming/Just wish we had these a year ago but instead our customer went for a 26 GHz KS SA @ $250k NZD !

author: djhatton
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: September 07, 2021, 05:24:39 pm
content: Any news with these things? I am in the market for a VNA and it looks like a half decent product. But they can't actually be serious with the pricing? A us$20k premium for the extra channels and a bw unlock?I don't get it. They could totally own the entry level, do that market disruption thing they are trying to be good at. There is a hole there, for sure. But who in their right mind would buy a Siglent for KS/R&S money? Pfft.Maybe they won't sell many, then drop the price many percents, then sell many

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 15, 2021, 10:25:11 pm
content: Quote from: djhatton on September 07, 2021, 05:24:39 pmNew overview video that may be of interest:

author: tv84
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 03, 2021, 11:43:16 am
content: First FW public release ( v1.0.0.2.8 ) is out!Product_ID = 40000Parsing:Code:File Header Size: 0000007000000000 - File Checksum: 38673CF3 [00000004-038AC5CC] (with only the File Header decrypted) CKSM OK00000004 - File Size: 038AC55D (without 0x70 bytes of the File Header)0000000C - Product_ID: 4000000000026 - Vendor/Brand: SIGLENT0000003A - USB Host Controller: ISP1763****************************************************Decrypting the 0x2800 and 0x1400 blocks...Reversing file...XORing with 0xFF (incrementing pattern)...XORing with 0xFF from 0x01C562AF until 0x038AC55C****************************************************00000000 --- Section Checksum: 33F07B4300000004 --- Section Size: 038AC529 [00000034-038AC55C] CKSM OK00000008 --- Section Type: 7 (config.zip)00000034 --- 038AC55C ***** ZIP file *****Offset Ver Flag Comp Size Packed Modified CRC32 Name Permissions Extra Details00000034 2.0 0000 0008 0060D15C 00195686 31/07/2021 10:40:18 6487DAC3 [00000076-001956FB] BOOT.bin -rw-r--r-- MT: 31/07/2021 02:40:36 UID: 1001 GID: 1001 MT: 31/07/2021 02:40:36 AT: 31/07/2021 02:40:36 UID: 1001 GID: 1001001956FC 2.0 0000 0008 00003DEA 000010ED 31/07/2021 10:40:18 9E6EF73D [00195744-00196830] devicetree.dtb -rwxr-xr-x MT: 31/07/2021 02:40:36 UID: 1001 GID: 1001 MT: 31/07/2021 02:40:36 AT: 31/07/2021 02:40:36 UID: 1001 GID: 100100196831 2.0 0000 0008 002EE036 000050DB 31/07/2021 10:40:18 E5AC2B42 [00196873-0019B94D] logo.bmp -rwxr-xr-x MT: 31/07/2021 02:40:36 UID: 1001 GID: 1001 MT: 31/07/2021 02:40:36 AT: 31/07/2021 02:40:36 UID: 1001 GID: 10010019B94E 2.0 0000 0008 00000121 000000E1 31/07/2021 10:40:18 7CD6AD53 [0019B990-0019BA70] md5S.txt -rw-r--r-- MT: 31/07/2021 02:40:36 UID: 1001 GID: 1001 MT: 31/07/2021 02:40:36 AT: 31/07/2021 02:40:36 UID: 1001 GID: 10010019BA71 2.0 0000 0008 014D4000 014B62AD 31/07/2021 10:40:18 116F47A2 [0019BAB8-01651D64] rootfs.cramfs -rwxr-xr-x MT: 31/07/2021 02:40:36 UID: 1001 GID: 1001 MT: 31/07/2021 02:40:36 AT: 31/07/2021 02:40:36 UID: 1001 GID: 100101651D65 2.0 0000 0008 02700000 01F3A72F 31/07/2021 10:40:18 A2831445 [01651DAA-0358C4D8] siglent.img -rwxr-xr-x MT: 31/07/2021 02:40:36 UID: 1001 GID: 1001 MT: 31/07/2021 02:40:36 AT: 31/07/2021 02:40:36 UID: 1001 GID: 10010358C4D9 2.0 0000 0008 00325030 0031F658 31/07/2021 10:40:18 08EF8E1B [0358C519-038ABB70] uImage -rwxr-xr-x MT: 31/07/2021 02:40:36 UID: 1001 GID: 1001 MT: 31/07/2021 02:40:36 AT: 31/07/2021 02:40:36 UID: 1001 GID: 1001038ABB71 2.0 0000 0008 00001215 0000042F 31/07/2021 10:40:18 91F9552A [038ABBB4-038ABFE2] update.sh -rwxr-xr-x MT: 31/07/2021 02:40:36 UID: 1001 GID: 1001 MT: 31/07/2021 02:40:36 AT: 31/07/2021 02:40:36 UID: 1001 GID: 1001038ABFE3 2.0 0000 0008 00000E59 0000024B 31/07/2021 10:40:18 15D463BA [038AC02B-038AC275] vna_mmcEnv.txt -rw-r--r-- MT: 31/07/2021 02:40:36 UID: 1001 GID: 1001 MT: 31/07/2021 02:40:36 AT: 31/07/2021 02:40:36 UID: 1001 GID: 1001Disk Entries: 9 Total Entries: 9 Directory Size: 721 bytes [038AC276-038AC546]****************************************************File Processed OKOptions:SNA5000A-TDA - Time-Domain analysisSNA5000A-TDR - Enhanced Time-Domain analysisSNA5000A-HPR - High performance reference source (HW option)BW45 - BandWidth-4.5GBW85 - BandWidth-8.5GSome new and interesting SCPI commands attached (not the full list).

author: luudee
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 03, 2021, 12:14:15 pm
content: Hi Guys,two questions regarding the SNA5000A:1. Can it work as a standard Spectrum analyzer with a TG? Where is the TG output in that case? Any limitations it would have over a SSA3032X Plus?2. Do the standard old hacks work with this baby?Many Thanks,luudee

author: 1design
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 04, 2021, 06:06:12 pm
content: It would be interesting to see the thought process that someone goes through that results in buying one of theseIt is slow, with mediocre performance, limited capabilities and non competitive pricing. We are talking serious corner cases here. Maybe Chinese universities or countries with embargoes?

author: luudee
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 05, 2021, 07:02:42 am
content: Quote from: 1design on October 04, 2021, 06:06:12 pmOK, so which units would you recommend instead?What is better and cheaper?Thank yourudi

author: 1design
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 05, 2021, 02:46:57 pm
content: Hi Rudi,which SNA were you looking at? Each unit has a different alternative to it. It depends on the functionality and performance that you are looking for.What will you be using the instrument for? Simple filter design, maybe amplifier design, frequency converter design, etc...The SNA doesn't support frequency offset, so no miyer testing or Transmitter/receiver testing. It has a slow sweep speed that limits manual filter tuning, similar to TTR500 units from Tek. Maybe this is not a issue for you if you do not perform such tasks.Once you share more details, I can give you some better or cheaper alternatives.

author: luudee
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 06, 2021, 03:34:29 pm
content: Hi 1design,thank you for your reply.My consideration is for all of the above, filter design, amplifier design, frequency converter design, Transmitter/receiver testing ...My application will most likely be below 3Ghz for now, at some point in the future, I might need to go to 5 GHz.I do not consider myself a serious user ... thinking of it as a adult toy, to expand my capabilities ...To be honest, I haven't looked very far at all as to what is available. I have to admit that I am a big Siglentfan, I like their equipment, and the price seems to be right, and they are hackable ...Who else makes a comparable/better unit in the same price range?Many Thanks !rudi

author: 1design
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 07, 2021, 03:43:46 pm
content: Based on you reply, the SNA5000 family would not suffice to your requirements as it does not support frequency offset measurements.Nevertheless, of your hart is set on Siglent than my answer might be in vain altogether.Baseline: SNA5002A(4.5GHz) for $8,499:https://www.tequipment.net/Siglent/SNA5002A/Network-Analyzer/?search=trueSweep: 150us/point fully called 2 portDyn,. range: 125dB (30MHz to 4.5GHz)Noise fl.:-125dBm/HzIn your price and frequency range there are a few alternative options:Tek TTR503(3GHz) for $6,000: Slow sweep speed, no offset freq. options, similar performance to SNAhttps://www.tek.com/datasheet/vector-network-analyzersPico VNA 106(6GHz) for $6,500: 185us/point fully called, no offset freq. option, has AM to PM measurement, lower performance than SNAhttps://www.tequipment.net/Pico/VNA-106/Network-Analyzer/?b=y&v=99940#descriptionCopper Mountain M5045(4.5GHz) for $7,895: 70us/point fully called, no offset freq. option, has AM to PM measurement, higher performance than SNAhttps://online.fliphtml5.com/pbaab/xzks/#p=13Copper mountain S5054(4.5GHz) for $10,995.00: The same as the M5045 with added frequency offset capabilities.At the end of the day, if all you want to do is learn and do basic measurements with reasonable accuracy, than a LibreVNA or NanoVNA might be a much smarter way to spend your hard earned cashLibreVNA:https://www.amazon.com/Analyzer-AURSINC-100KHz-6GHz-Measuring-Parameters/dp/B092Q6W2Z6NanoVNA:https://nanorfe.com/nanovna-v2.htmlWhen looking at VNA data, there is a lot to compare, I did a VERY rough comparison. The trace noise, dynamic range, uncertainties, calibrated/uncalibrated directivity etc. are all very important when doing precise measurements.Making sure to check the resBW at which each company specifies their parameters so you compare apples to apples is very important.If you want to do PA measurements, the Output power range is important together with its accuracy specifications.Hopefully this helped a bitPersonally I would go with Copper mountain for 2 ports.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2022, 08:00:54 am
content: For the last few days a buddy in the US has said his was coming and no sooner than it had arrived and booted he FaceTime'd me.All I could hear while watching him fiddling with it was expletive, expletive, expletive this thing is so fast !A couple of us in NZ had a small while with webserver control then had to pack it in as the poor US fella had to get some sleep.~4 weeks and we'll have one to play with.

author: Sighound36
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2022, 03:14:52 pm
content: The SNA5084 is rather good, nice intuitive features, multiple screen presentation, packed with features that are useable and useful. Plus Time domain, TDR and SA modes.Really nice 12.1" high resolution touch screen, good file management and its just great to use. so far have been quiety impressed, it has a place on the test bench not much equipment gets to stay there, the SNA5084 does.

author: egonotto
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 11, 2022, 02:15:11 pm
content: Hello,I can not find a SNA5084 do you mean a SNA5014A?Best regardsegonotto

author: grouchobyte
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 11, 2022, 04:16:01 pm
content: Quote from: egonotto on March 11, 2022, 02:15:11 pmegonotto….The SNA5084X in the same instrument as the SNA5104A less the bias-t ports. Early on these were released in China and later renamed. These are not re-badged and designed from the ground up by Siglent’s RF group.Sighound36 is correct, this is a very capable instrument!-grouchobyte

author: Sighound36
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 11, 2022, 07:10:09 pm
content: Apologies I have been tied up with some really in-depth projects recently so its taken up a lot of my time hence ny absence from this place.The Siglent 5000 model VNA is surprisingly good and given the features and easy of use and accuracy compared to some of the more lower order big brands ranges really deserves a proper demonstration and evaluation in your lab.While this is not really aimed at the hobbist, its has such a deep of possibilities and feature sets that it needs to be taken seriously. I am very fortunate to straddle that work / home lab stance. My lab is nicely equipped with a range of quality instruments for various aspects of electronic design and production. While I am not a true RF daylight specialist, I use TDR for high-speed serial data signal integrity testing and board layouts. Also cable characterisations along with connector robustness and insertion loss measurements. They are far more capable RF engineers on here than myself, consider me a capable amateur in this department.While not a true TEA person, I do have twenty + quality pieces in my lab plus a large selection of quality probes, various LINS' dual DC and AC, power analysers, three phase, single and DC, 6.5/7.5 and 8.5 digit DMM, various scopes to 8Ghz and RTA spectrum analysers rf probes etc.The Siglent VNA 5000 has been a real nice addition to my test bench, maybe I use it twice a week now and it hooks up nicely to the large screen I have in here which is a nice feature to have. I do remember the old HP days and those lovely 4/5" CRT displays and the extra work out's when moving said boat anchors around the lab!What I would say is that I am quite discerning when it comes to choosing test equipment, I am lucky to be able to assign budgets to various projects where normally it would involve a planning meeting to get a planning meeting organised to present the case for budget allocation in-front of a panel of bean counters! However we select equipment that really does the job correctly based on what is involved , reliability, quality of the instruments and can the guys use it easily without requiring a Ph.d in GUI decipheringImages of said VNA in action with some spectrum analyser rough plots to demonstrate its futire potential.

author: hendorog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 12, 2022, 06:31:10 am
content: I believe Sighound36 is smply modestly explaining their work.There is nothing to be concluded from the images as they stand, but you could have been slightly polite and just asked what was being demonstrated.

author: tv84
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 12, 2022, 11:57:40 am
content: Quote from: grouchobyte on March 12, 2022, 04:12:02 amWhat you should have extracted from Sighound36's "ramblings" is that a guy who owns several equipments of an order of magnitude greater than the 5000 VNA tells you that the VNA has a place in his bench. If that doesn't tell you something about the VNA, in his perspective, I don't know what will. Maybe pictograms?

author: Sighound36
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 12, 2022, 04:31:44 pm
content: Blimely, all I was trying to get across is that is a rather a good piece of test equipment. and that's all of the very basic images I have of the said VNA currently.I will endevor to produce some more meaning images in the coming weeks of using the Siglent VNA with a new PDN we are working on plus some strip line comparisions and a more indepth look @ the Spectrum analyser as well. Plus more basic insertion loss of a/c filter models (with correct baluns) so it will demonstrate a greater range of its capabilities.Genuinelly like what I am using and its nice change to use an intuitive GUI on a VNA thats not £50K+

author: grouchobyte
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 12, 2022, 11:04:41 pm
content: Quote from: Sighound36 on March 12, 2022, 04:31:44 pmSighound36:PM sent.@Grouchobyte

author: Sighound36
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 13, 2022, 05:06:11 pm
content: Quote from: grouchobyte on March 12, 2022, 11:04:41 pmPM sent

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 28, 2022, 03:38:01 am
content: Then it finally arrives but how could/would you believe the SN# ? ?

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 28, 2022, 07:41:57 am
content: Latest firmware for SNA5000A models.Version V1.0.0.2.1064 MBhttps://int.siglent.com/upload_file/zip/firmware/Vector%20Network%20Analyzer/SNA5000_V1.0.0.2.10_EN.zipRelease notes1. Added spectrum analyzer option2. Fixed input bug in network configuration window3. Fixed mouse click input box crash bug4. Increased the touch-sensitive area of the DHCP checkbox5. Modified the policy when the DHCP request fails

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 19, 2022, 12:58:24 am
content: It's getting hard to keep up with all the new variants coming......2 more new 2 port only models of 100 kHz-13.5 or 26.5 GHz.26.5 GHz model will of course sport 3.5mm NMD (male) 50Ω connectors.Chinese datasheethttps://www.siglent.com/u_file/download/22_03_23/SNA5000A_DataSheet_DS09050_C01B.pdf

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 16, 2022, 03:25:33 am
content: New firmware for SNA5000A modelsVersion： V1.0.0.2.10.R566MBhttps://int.siglent.com/upload_file/zip/firmware/Vector%20Network%20Analyzer/SNA5000_V1.0.0.2.10.R5_EN.zipRelease notes1. Added independent configuration function of emission source in spectrum mode2. Optimized the sweep process3. Optimized TDR interface4. Added command for transferring file data5. Added marker->SA commands

author: tv84
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 23, 2022, 02:17:55 pm
content: So, these are the 4-port models, right?SNA5004A - 4.5 GHzSNA5014A - 8.5 GHzSNA5024A - 13.5 GHzSNA5034A - 26.5 GHz

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 23, 2022, 08:56:47 pm
content: Quote from: tv84 on July 23, 2022, 02:17:55 pmNot quite and this is where it gets darn confusing but let's examine the current model lineup for a bit.SNA5000Aas we in the west know themat this time consists of just 4 models, 4.5 or 8.5 GHz and 2 or 4 port versions whereas the 2 newer higher BW models coming are only 2 port and 13.5 or 26.5 GHz.Did I say it gets confusing, well this is why, China knows the 4 models we now have in the west as the SNA5000X series, not the SNA5000A series as we do and to further complicate matters they know the 2 new 2 port models yet to come to the west as SNA5000A.A quick wander around the Chinese HQ website reveals all this twisted model branding which then makes you wonder why.....trying to put tv84 off the scent can be the only reasonable explanation !

author: tv84
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 23, 2022, 09:04:36 pm
content: Not quite so. This is the contents of the NSP_trends_config_info.xml file inside a SNA5000:Code:<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><nsp_trends_info_root><device><language>english</language><pid>0x1700</pid><vid>0xf4ec</vid><product_type_1>SNA5002A</product_type_1><product_type_2>SNA5004A</product_type_2><product_type_3>SNA5012A</product_type_3><product_type_4>SNA5014A</product_type_4><product_type_5>SNA5022A</product_type_5><product_type_6>SNA5024A</product_type_6><product_type_7>SNA5032A</product_type_7><product_type_8>SNA5034A</product_type_8><manufacturer>Siglent</manufacturer><Support_Touch_Flag>1</Support_Touch_Flag><Support_VXI11_Flag>1</Support_VXI11_Flag><file_prefix>CP_</file_prefix></device></nsp_trends_info_root>Any clearer?

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 23, 2022, 09:23:24 pm
content: Quote from: tv84 on July 23, 2022, 09:04:36 pmA little.SNA5024A, SNA5034A2 more 4 port models to come.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 25, 2022, 02:01:22 am
content: Quote from: tautech on July 16, 2021, 08:16:26 amIn the latest Siglent newsletter a reminder these do support Ecal units however only Keysight at this time:https://siglentna.com/operating-tip/sna5000a-supported-ecal-units/The SNA5000A currently supports the following ECal units (starting with firmware revision 1.0.0.2.9.R5)KeysightN4433A85092C

author: tv84
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 29, 2022, 07:26:42 am
content: Another one for the "semirandom but careful mistakes" collection...

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 29, 2022, 10:43:34 pm
content: Part 1 of Shahriar's SNA5000A review:

author: tomud
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 29, 2022, 11:54:18 pm
content: Quote from: tautech on August 29, 2022, 10:43:34 pmCoollI have been waiting for it - we will see if it is time to start putting money into the piggy bank to buy the SNA5000

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 30, 2022, 12:05:20 am
content: Quote from: tomud on August 29, 2022, 11:54:18 pmUnfortunately we might need to wait a few weeks for a later instalment until Siglent comes back to Shahriar with some firmware improvements he has asked for. As yet we don’t know what they are in detail but really looking forward to the next instalment.

author: tomud
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 30, 2022, 07:24:35 am
content: Quote from: tautech on August 30, 2022, 12:05:20 amI'm in no hurryThese are not small amounts, so it will probably take a while to save money for the purchase.However, I have a question,TV84showed that you can convert 5004A to 5014A, I wonder if such a possibility exists in the 5002A versionAnd does such a modification have any disadvantages (e.g. lack of factory calibration to 8.5GHz, etc.).Ehh why am I watching these movies. The 4.5 GHz version with two ports has an attractive price, but after watching the movie, the version with four ports is temptingIt will end so that I will eat bread with water to save for the purchase of equipment

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 30, 2022, 07:52:14 am
content: Quote from: tomud on August 30, 2022, 07:24:35 amOnly to SNA5012A I imagine.Early in the video from Shahriar he shows 2 RF sections stacked for the 4 port device so the 2 port models will only have 1 RF section.See pic below:QuoteYes of course as the factory calibration sheet will not match the model # or the Sys Info.But it would seem from the teardown the RF modules are all 8.5GHz however this is just a suspicion, maybe they grade them IDK.

author: Sighound36
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 30, 2022, 10:19:27 am
content: Its a very good explanational video on the SNA5000A, I have been using my one more and more recently and only just relaised they is a FW update (Thanks TT) and I suspect more on the way after P2 of the video.For the money this really does tick a serious amount of boxes and its nice ot use as well. Sorry we have been seriousy busy of late.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 30, 2022, 10:38:37 am
content: Quote from: Sighound36 on August 30, 2022, 10:19:27 amInstead I believe something was discovered and until new FW or a beta is available Pt 2 will wait.Shahriar mentions he's working with Siglent engineers ~45.30 and wants to give them a chance to make some improvements.However you are most probably correct Shahriar will get the beta before there is any public release.

author: TheSteve
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 30, 2022, 06:16:29 pm
content: Maybe I need to re-watch the video but did we see Shahriar use his Keysight N4691B ECAL with the power on the Siglent turned up to 10 dBm? That is the absolute max power allowed for that model of ECAL, but anytime I use one with a Keysight VNA it will not allow power that high as ECAL performance is reduced.

author: G0HZU
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 30, 2022, 08:55:26 pm
content: I think the normal max input is -5dBm for that Ecal model if you want a decent calibration without compression effects.I think that 10dBm is the damage level. Maybe (hopefully!) the Siglent VNA would be smart enough to turn down the RF level if an unwary operator tried to put 10dBm into the Ecal as this is right on the damage level for the Ecal.At 26:09 in the video the VNA appears to be displaying about a 142dB range in places with 500Hz bandwidth (!) which doesn't seem likely even with 10dBm source power and 32 averages. So I'd suspect some issue with calibration or a bug in the system that makes the dynamic range appear much greater than it really is. Maybe this is caused by the attempt to calibrate at 10dBm. At 27:32 with the S31 measurement the noise floor is generally higher with the same settings.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 30, 2022, 09:02:45 pm
content: Quote from: TheSteve on August 30, 2022, 06:16:29 pmYou should take up this issue with Shahriar directly in the comments section below his video.

author: TheSteve
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 30, 2022, 11:47:27 pm
content: Quote from: tautech on August 30, 2022, 09:02:45 pmI don't usually post in the comments section of videos. Either way it would be nice to know if Siglent is going to support Keysight ECAL's that they aren't risking damage to them. Given the cost of the ECAL(quite likely more than the entire Siglent VNA) it is a pretty significant potential issue. And I did say potential, they may be reducing power during calibration. However generally turning the power up after a calibration adds additional error or invalidates it altogether.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 31, 2022, 12:15:27 am
content: Quote from: TheSteve on August 30, 2022, 11:47:27 pm100% which should also provide an Uncal warning.There are some clues in the User manual E-Cal chapter starting on P90.https://int.siglent.com/u_file/download/22_07_06/SNA5000A_UserManual_UM09050_E01D.pdfCurrently Rossenberger provide much of Siglent's high end RF accessories including SOLT Cal kits however for the coming 26.5 GHz models it seems only a mechanical Cal kit is to be available but they may be working on an E-Cal IDK.27 GHz 3.5mm Cal kit

author: G0HZU
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 31, 2022, 08:18:16 pm
content: I watched the whole video this evening and spotted that the top (RF) side of the board used for tracing the signal is actually the 'flipped image' rather than the bottom although it doesn't really matter.I think a downconverter is used for the lowest part of the signal generation range and this probably covers something like 0-1.8 GHz. It is on this range where the performance seems to be degraded during the tests of the 4 port active device. I know the source power has been reduced to -30dBm but a typical lab VNA should perform much better than this in terms of trace noise and ripple for -30dBm source and 5 kHz BW. See the image below where I think an internal range change occurs at about 1850 MHz. Below this range change the performance seems to degrade a lot as it has a lot of ripple and noise. Above 1850 MHz the trace noise shows an instant improvement and looks to be as expected for -30dBm and 5kHz BW.Also, at 29:11 to 29:12 in the video a couple of brief but suspicious trace blips occur in this 1850 MHz region. See the second image below. When a VNA changes range on the synthesiser the VCO has to jump to a very different frequency and settle correctly before the VNA can gather any s-parameter measurements. It looks to me that something isn't right about the lower range because of the noisy and ripply response and also because of the sporadic trace blips in this area. I don't think this can be blamed on a 'casual' calibration or 'lower return loss' as the performance suddenly degrades (badly) at a distinct part of the frequency range.It could be caused by something as simple as a synthesiser/tracking error when used on the lowest range. This might be fixable in FW.

author: G0HZU
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 31, 2022, 09:02:22 pm
content: I suppose another reason could be that something went wrong during the full 4 port calibration. Doing a full 4 port cal using just a two port Ecal would be quite a tedious process so maybe something happened during this procedure to corrupt the 0-1850 MHz part of the span. Maybe a port cable was swapped too quickly before the analyser had finished a sweep for example. However, the sporadic upward blips at 29:11 and 29:12 look suspicious to me. There's also a permanent downward dip in the trace at 1850MHz when the blips disappear. This doesn't look right either.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 31, 2022, 09:12:10 pm
content: Quote from: G0HZU on August 31, 2022, 09:02:22 pmLater when some time is available I’ll do a 2 port Cal with ~1.85 GHz set to CF to examine this more closely.We have the 4.5 GHz Siglent SMA Cal kit which puts that near the middle.Poke me if I get distracted please.

author: G0HZU
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 31, 2022, 09:39:16 pm
content: Thanks. Can you do it at -30dBm source power and 5kHz BW?It's a while since I've been inside one of the old Agilent E5071B VNAs but the 5071B uses a similar octave tuning VCO that also covers (I think) 2 to 4GHz.The 5071B VNAs can be prone to synth locking issues at the range change points. From memory this happens to the E5071B at approximately 2.1GHz and 4.2GHz and it also affects 8.3GHz. When the VNA becomes poorly it produces erratic blips at these points of the sweep because the synth can't reacquire lock quickly enough at a range change point. Sometimes it just loses lock and I think this is what happens at 8.3GHz. This initially causes noise on the synth and as the fault gets gradually worse it cause significant tracking errors. It tends to get worse as the VNA warms up. Eventually the VNA detects a lock problem and starts beeping out error messages. On a typical E5071B it takes a few weeks to go from a minor tracking problem to losing lock for significant parts of the sweep. I've seen this happen several times as I've used a lot of E5071B VNAs over the years. I think it may be a common fault as the VNA gets older. It requires a part replacement in the synthesiser module to fix it.I'm not sure what is happening at and below 1850MHz on the Siglent VNA. It could be caused by a tracking error or maybe it is just a calibration procedure issue. The sporadic blips at 1850 MHz at 29:08 through 29:13 in the video look very similar to what I've seen on a poorly E5071B when it changes range during the sweep.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 01, 2022, 09:27:18 am
content: Quote from: G0HZU on August 31, 2022, 09:39:16 pmPlease excuse my pitiful efforts Port 1>2 via Siglent Utility kit N-SMA adapters, 2x 6" cheap SMA cables and Cal kit Thru for a 1dB/div S21 measurement at -30dB and 5kHz BW.I really need spend more time with this.

author: G0HZU
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 01, 2022, 05:31:13 pm
content: Your plot doesn't look right so something has gone wrong with the calibration. Ideally, you should see a flat s21 trace with just a bit of noise on it if cal'd at -30dBm. Also, can you show s11? See below for a through measurement after a two port cal at -30dBm using a homebrew N cal kit up to 6GHz and an E5071B VNA. The s21 trace is at 1dB/div and the phase is at 5deg/div. The s11 shows >50dB return loss.Also see a 1 port measurement of a 54.5 ohm chip resistor after a -30dBm calibration. You can see the return loss through HF and VHF is as expected at about 27dB with minimal noise with a 5kHz BW. There's no averaging or smoothing used in these plots.

author: Hugoneus
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 02, 2022, 06:18:38 pm
content: Everyone,I skimmed through this thread which someone from YouTube pointed me to. (Thanks for that!)Please note that you are correct about the calibration power & ECal requirements. The clip where I show the setup does not show a good calibration. I did several calibrations with different powers & ECals modules. One of my ECals allows up to 20dBm of incident power.If you calibrate at one power and the measure at a different, the instrument warns you about it (as it should). The results will deviate of course, but this is sometimes needed; especially for active devices.The TDS/SA options needed some work. The built-in synthesizer in conjunction with SA is very useful as well. I am working with them to improve the usability Part 2 of the review will cover those aspects.

author: points2
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 06, 2022, 05:15:13 pm
content: Hello,I have a question to anyone that own a SNA5000a.Does it really fit within the specs, (see this doc => https://static.eleshop.nl/mage/media/downloads/SNA5000A_DataSheet_DS09050_E01B.pdf )- on the bottom end of the BW (from 9kHz to 1MHz let's say) ?for instance, within BW 30k to 100k, the datasheet mention a dynamic range of 98dB (see page 8 & 13). Is it the right figure ? Or in fact the SNA performs a bit better ?- and when we use a minimum IFBW (10Hz) ? measurements are in line with the datasheet too ?It's for PDN measurements, that's why I ask about low freq range, although I'll use the full BW of the SNA5002a (up to 4.5G), this is the model I plan to buy.Sorry about these basic questions... I'd like to be sure that this "entre-level" 5002a is in line with the 3 others SNA, given that the price tag of the SNA5002a is very attractive (vs other 4.5G VNAs) ; especially vs the SNA 8.5G or even the 4 ports 4.5G model where price jumps by 2x or 4x...)Thanks for feedback.Regards

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 07, 2022, 09:10:52 am
content: Kick me please, I have not been keeping up with the firmware updates for these models.There have been 2 in the last few months so I will list both release notes but only link in the latest version as it is the only one you need to install.Version V1.0.0.2.10R970MBhttps://int.siglent.com/upload_file/zip/firmware/Vector%20Network%20Analyzer/SNA5000A_V1.0.0.2.10R9.zip10R9 Release notes1. Added scalar mixer measurement function2. Adjusted and optimized the spectrum analysis measure interface10R8 Release notes1. Added Freq Offset function2. Optimized some functions of spectrum analysis3. Added status bar to display smooth status4. Added advanced mode for bandwidth search, support frequency percentage bandwidth setting function5. Optimized the Marker->Delay algorithm

author: Smokey
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 24, 2023, 09:51:13 pm
content: Quote from: Hugoneus on September 02, 2022, 06:18:38 pmHow has your experience been working with them as what sounds like a technical consultant? Are they paying you in something other than free equipment?

author: tv84
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 16, 2023, 10:33:57 am
content: @tautech,What's this new SMM option for?

author: 2N3055
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 16, 2023, 11:28:30 am
content: Quote from: tv84 on February 16, 2023, 10:33:57 amsales brochure..SIGLENT has added the SNA5000-SMM scalar mixer measurement function to the latest FW version of the SNA5000A vector network analyzer. A Mixer is an important part of the microwave and millimeter wave system, and its characteristics directly affect the performance of equipment or instrument. At every stage of mixer development and production, it is necessary to measure its performance index, including conversion loss, phase and group delay, the 1 dB compensation point, isolation between ports and port VSWR. For two port models, an external signal generator is used as LO signals. For four port models, there is no need of external sources, the full test can be made with built-in sources. SIGLENT SNA5000A vector network analyzer with Scalar Mixer Measurement function can easily perform measurements of these parameters.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 22, 2023, 10:09:08 am
content: Coming soon, E Cal modules in 4.5 - 26.5 GHz in N, SMA and 3.5mm.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 28, 2023, 06:41:44 am
content: 2 further higher frequency 2 port models of 13.5 GHz and 26.5 GHz added to the range.OP updated.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2023, 07:13:25 am
content: New firmware for SNA5000A models.63 MBVersion： V1.0.0.2.10R10https://int.siglent.com/upload_file/zip/firmware/Vector%20Network%20Analyzer/SNA5000A_V1.0.0.2.10R10.zipRelease notes1. Added user manual calibration and verification function (option)2. Added the function that the number of vertical grid can be set3. Added the function of supporting logarithmic display of vertical coordinates4. Added point limit function

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 22, 2023, 09:13:30 am
content: New firmware for SNA5000A models.Version： V1.0.0.2.11.R1~70MBhttps://int.siglent.com/upload_file/zip/firmware/Vector%20Network%20Analyzer/SNA5000A_V1.0.0.2.11.R1_EN.zip2 port SNA5022A & SNA5032A models:https://int.siglent.com/upload_file/zip/firmware/Vector%20Network%20Analyzer/SNA5022A&SNA5032A_V1.0.0.2.11.R1.zipRelease notes1. Fixed the range limits for frequency and power in mixer measurements2. Fixed the trace title bar color to match the memory trace colorIncludes unreported Version： V1.0.0.2.11 update release notes:Added Pulse modulation function

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 26, 2023, 09:05:35 am
content: New ECal units just released.SEM5000A range.4.5, 9, 13.5 and 26.5 GHz, 2 and 4 port N type, SMA and 3.5mm variants.https://int.siglent.com/u_file/images/23_09_25/SEM5000A_datasheet_DS60050_E01A.pdfSEM5000A series electronic calibrators include 5002A / 5012A / 5022A / 5032A / 5004A / 5014A / 5024A / 5034A, covering the frequency bands of 9kHz to 4.5GHz / 9kHz to 9GHz / 100kHz to 13.5GHz / 100kHz to 26.5GHz, with USB interface for communication and power supply, and the RF connectors come in three forms: SMA, 3.5mm, and Type-N. They are suitable for calibration and error correction of SHA850A series, SVA1000X series and SNA5000A series vector network analyzers of SIGLENT. The SEM5000A series are simple, fast, efficient, accurate, and widely applicable.Prices from $2,345

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 18, 2023, 09:18:50 am
content: ECal video.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 18, 2023, 09:22:18 am
content: TDR Measurements

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 18, 2023, 09:43:56 am
content: SSM5000A Switch Matrixhttps://int.siglent.com/products-overview/ssm5000a/Maximum frequency: 9 GHz/ 26.5 GHzMaximum number of input ports: 4Maximum number of output ports: 24RF connector: 3.5mm femaleSupport a simplified multi-port calibration algorithmInterface: LAN, USB Device, Direct Control (in), Direct Control (out)https://int.siglent.com/u_file/download/23_09_27/SSM5000A%20datasheet%20EN02A.pdf

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 29, 2023, 01:18:24 am
content: Quick look at 4 GHz harmonics with 26.6 GHz SNA5032A in Analyzer mode before it must go to the customer.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 08, 2023, 06:55:31 am
content: VNA resources, app notes etchttps://siglentna.com/vector-network-analysis-component-characterization/

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 27, 2024, 01:26:55 am
content: SNA5004AMember EE-digger asked for some HPAK Cal kit support screenshots.15 HPAK Cal kits are supported.Cal kit used F603FE Female 4.5 GHz 3.5 mm at the end of 500mm So-So cheap SMA cable connected to N-SMA adapter on N type port. Basic SOL Cal performed.

author: EE-digger
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 12, 2024, 02:04:08 am
content: Thanks for those images, Rob.I received my new SNA5000A the other day and the VNA side is excellent, everything I had hoped it would be to replace an Agilent PNA.The VNA menu flow will take some getting used to. Agilent was always about the best on the market, except for markers which always sucked. Siglent's markers are a little bit better, but different.To me, S11 noise floor (directivity) immediately after a cal is a good indicator of instrument quality. The SNA returns a nice < -70 dB across the range. The SVA1032X, for comparison, returns typically -55dB with the same cal kit. The cal also appears to be quite stable over several hours, probably more.The VNA port extensions and fixturing look very good. Spent time with the port extensions and was pleased to find AUTO open or short extensions. I'm experimenting with a variety of cal kit parts and this is handy to have.The Spectrum Analyzer (timed demo) is what they say it is and LESS. Siglent calls it basic spectrum analysis. A big surprise is that it is not a swept superhet type of SA. They use various mixing / multi level suppression methods which I can just grasp.The SA lacks MANY of what we've come used to seeing on an analyzer. You can't even change input attenuation in, say, 10dB steps. It only has a "standard", "low noise" and "auto" setting. What it is providing is not published and I didn't have time to test it. The SA lacks most additional functions found in a $1600 SSA3021X-P. The input has NO correction capabilities, another disappointment. Not to remain on this downhill slope, I'll stop.But the VNA shines and I love it. The SA should be FREE in its current form. The Time Domain math (also timed demo) looks very good.For a handful of minutes I was in fear of not being able to display a stored trace and a live on top of it. Siglent does not make this easy. But their trace COPY, MOVE and other stuff seems pretty complete. I was able to get a live and stored overlayed but need to do it a few more times. I think this would make a good YouTube video as it's commonly used. Maybe when I get some free time. update - displaying live and stored trace is a piece of cake which I missed. It's under MATH.So in summary, after two days of major playing, the VNA gets 10 chili peppers while the SA gets a 0.5 chili pepper.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 12, 2024, 03:05:27 am
content: Screenshots of interesting stuff or it's all lies Dennis.

author: EE-digger
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 18, 2024, 09:37:39 pm
content: Here is a selection of screen shots from the SNA5002A. I only included one SA image but in answer to those wondering about the low end, it looks good down to 9kHz.The S11 noise floor seems to vary with IFBW (not always better when lower) and the number of points helps. I like to run 1601 points out of old habit.Some of the shots show the hard keys on and off. Siglent was genius to include the hard keys on the remote interface. You don't NEED to have them on because you can go back from the column of soft keys, with a lot more button pushing.All I can say is that I'm very happy with the VNA. The SA is in a different league and that's all I'll say on this glorious day< OPEN EACH IMAGE IN A NEW TAB FOR FULL RESOLUTION >

author: fjullien
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 27, 2024, 09:36:18 am
content: Hi EE-digger,Quote from: EE-digger on May 12, 2024, 02:04:08 amCould you please detail how you got this working?I'm still looking for this after several minutesFranck.

author: fjullien
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 27, 2024, 09:44:27 am
content: Ok, I think I've found it. The "Data->Memory" button copies the trace to the memory of this one trace.Then, "Display" let you choose if you want to display the trace or trace+memory or the memory alone.

author: EE-digger
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 28, 2024, 04:09:24 pm
content: Glad you found it. There are other things which could use written help somewhere.Averaging is another. In VNA, you enable averaging under the IFBW button. In SA, like many SAs, you change the trace type (under math, trace type) to averaging. Averaging then appears on the soft keys.I'm also in search mode, see next post.

author: EE-digger
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 28, 2024, 04:11:25 pm
content: The SNA5000A does not have a ZERO SPAN mode for the SA. This is a real problem because without it, you can't examine any time domain characteristics of a single frequency signal (for instance, advertising on Bluetooth).I hope Siglent will add this at some point. I hope they can.

author: EE-digger
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 16, 2024, 03:02:50 pm
content: In VNA mode, does anyone know if there's a way to use a delta marker between a memory trace and the current data? The memory trace does have it's own markers, using the same marker numbers but in their own little world.

author: gordoncs
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: August 03, 2024, 02:57:48 am
content: BW45 - BandWidth-4.5GBW85 - BandWidth-8.5GMany thanks to TV84 for the BW information.And is this correct? BW135 - 13.5G BW265 - 26.5G

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 03, 2024, 03:07:06 am
content: Quote from: gordoncs on August 03, 2024, 02:57:48 amOnly for the later models that support these frequencies.https://int.siglent.com/products-overview/sna5000a/Frequency range: 9 kHz ~ 8.5 GHzand 100 kHz - 26.5 GHz

author: gordoncs
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: August 03, 2024, 03:16:34 am
content: Thanks to tautechI'll buy a SA5022A, and want to 26.5

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 03, 2024, 01:53:37 pm
content: Quote from: gordoncs on August 03, 2024, 03:16:34 amKeep us posted.One other point about the high BW models, they are only currently available as 2 port models and have NMD 3.5 mm port terminals......but these 4 port monsters might be coming......as the switch matrix is already available.https://siglentna.com/rf-switch-systems/ssm5000a-switch-matrix/

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 19, 2024, 08:24:45 am
content: Quote from: tautech on August 03, 2024, 01:53:37 pmWe played (well hendorog mainly) with one of these 20kg 26.5 GHz beasts at HQ last week and lucky we were travelling light or it woulda ended up in hendorog's luggage.We'll have more news on SNA6000A western release soon......

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 22, 2024, 08:10:32 am
content: New firmware for SNA5000A modelsVersion： V1.0.0.2.1273 MB4.5-8.5 GHz modelshttps://int.siglent.com/upload_file/zip/firmware/Vector%20Network%20Analyzer/SNA5000_V1.0.0.2.12_EN.zip13.5-26.5 GHz modelshttps://int.siglent.com/upload_file/zip/firmware/Vector%20Network%20Analyzer/SNA5022A&SNA5032A_V1.0.0.2.12.zipRelease notes1. Add material measurement function option2. Add switch matrix expansion multi-port application options

author: tv84
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 03, 2024, 10:04:18 pm
content: Current options with V1.0.0.2.12.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 03, 2024, 10:14:46 pm
content: Quote from: tv84 on September 03, 2024, 10:04:18 pmWRT the attachment, there is no such western model as SNA5054X.Best 4 port VNA currently available is SNA5014A.

author: tv84
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 03, 2024, 10:32:34 pm
content: Quote from: tautech on September 03, 2024, 10:14:46 pmNo geographic war intended... I played with a eastern toy.As you know, SNA5054X = SNA5004A and with RFE8 becomes a SNA5084X (SNA5014A).Edit: Added an "A model" to make tautech happy.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 04, 2024, 09:47:37 pm
content: Quote from: tv84 on September 03, 2024, 10:32:34 pmDone ?

author: starlite4321
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 28, 2024, 11:54:45 pm
content: Hi tautech,I'm considering buying an SNA5004A and am wondering about the current state of the SA option. Shahriar has never produced the promised Part 2 of his review and that along with many posts I've read makes me concerned it's still basically a mess. Is that true ? It's been quite awhile now, if the problems still haven't been addressed it seems unlikely Siglent willeverfix it ? Any information would be appreciated !Thanks, Russ

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 29, 2024, 12:09:44 am
content: TSP review was Aug 22.In the subsequent 7 firmware release notes we can see mention of improvements made to the SA mode.https://int.siglent.com/download/firmwares/?ProId=58

author: starlite4321
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 29, 2024, 12:58:52 am
content: Thanks for the response. Many of those updates occured well before many of the complaints I'm reading. Did the latest updates actually address the concerns in the posts and especially those that Shahriar had ?Thanks !

author: EE-digger
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 29, 2024, 01:48:58 am
content: The SA option, in Siglent's own words, is a basic spectrum analyzer function. An SSA3021X plus for instance, will functionally run rings around the SNA-SA option, except for frequency range. The SNA-SA does not have any of the AMA, DMA or other analysis functions. It is also missing some fundamental items like zero span.Consider it a means to check for the presence of a signal and not much more than that. I believe Shariar said the same thing ... check for presence of a signal.It also lacks EMI and many other functions.Be aware of what it is before you consider buying it. It is not a conventional swept tuned superhet receiver type of analyzer. It does some (what I will call) RF magic to produce the SA function from the VNA hardware structure.I believe Siglent has had much input on the SA function and we'll see where it goes in the future.The latest firmware release only provides support for a switch matrix and support for material measurements. The latter is useful mostly at higher frequencies and if you are into the measurement of physical RF properties of dielectrics, etc.Siglent has a very nice VNA in the VNA and certain improvements will make it even better. The SA option needs a tremendous amount of work.Your best bet is to evaluate it against your needs. But again, it is very, very basic.

author: starlite4321
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 29, 2024, 05:49:33 am
content: Thanksfor the response EE-digger,Yeah, having read this thread and similar elsewhere I’m aware the SA functionality is very basic. I have sort of the inverse problem with my SVA1032 which is a nice SA but a very limited VNA. But having properly working even limited SA capability in the SNA can eliminate the need to break configuration sometimes and that can be useful.What I was hoping to hear from tautech is if theproblemsthat have been reported are fixed. Also, if he thinks Siglent is done doing whatever they ever intend to do with it at this point.tautech ?

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 29, 2024, 06:24:26 am
content: Quote from: starlite4321 on October 29, 2024, 05:49:33 amEE-digger has been in coms with my RF beta tester hendorog whom accompanied me to HQ recently where he has struck up a good working relationship with one of Siglents RF engineers.EE-digger's comments are interesting in that there is some RF magic/tricks used for SA capability in SNA5000A.I've been a bit outta the loop on latest discussions about any possible improvements.......

author: EE-digger
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 29, 2024, 05:00:18 pm
content: And just to be clear, when I refer to RF magic, I'm referring to what is likely a practical arrangement to a seasoned RF guy, but magic to meAnd to add a bit of positive here, the power measurements by the SA and the source output levels are spot on across the entire range.The ability to copy channels, then simply drag them back on top of the original as a reference, with colors automatically assigned, AND to have reference amplitude control that is independent for that channel copy, is freaking wonderful. I should also mention that ALL colors can be changed within the THEME function, easily saved and easily defaulted back to standard.The remote control interface was very well done and the ease of use of SCPI commands very helpful to semi-automate repetitive setups or tests.Your last comment regarding your needs and the SVA1032 limitations hit home. The SVA1032 is a nice little unit but the VNA side is limited. OTOH, as I've mentioned, the SNA5000A was targeted (by me) to replace my venerable PNA. To me the PNA is still a gold standard but the SNA5000A probably does 80 to 90% of what it can do, and maybe another 10 to 20% of newer functions that the PNA can't. Couple it with a more modern interface and I think the SNA5000A is a winner in the VNA department. I'm keeping my big PSA though and the SVA1032 will handle most of my EMI / EMC compliance testing needs on its SA side. As I mentioned to you in a PM, the SVA1032 very closely matches the PNA on various channel measurements like Occupied Bandwidth, Channel Power and Adjacent Channel Power.

author: starlite4321
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 29, 2024, 06:14:37 pm
content: Hi EE-digger,Thanks very much for this reply and for the PMs. I just tried to send you a response PM. The system said it was sent but I don't see it in my "Sent" folder so I don't know what's going on. If you didn't receive it, please let me know and I'll try again.Thanks !Russ

author: EE-digger
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 29, 2024, 08:23:52 pm
content: I've received one PM from you. The messaging system is funny sometimes. Refresh the page you're on (inbox, sent messages, etc.). Sometimes that will fix the status.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 24, 2025, 03:48:27 am
content: New firmware for SNA5000A models.Version： V1.0.0.2.134.5 & 8.5 GHz modelshttps://int.siglent.com/upload_file/zip/firmware/Vector%20Network%20Analyzer/SNA5000_V1.0.0.2.13_EN.zip79 MB13.5 & 26.5 GHz modelshttps://int.siglent.com/upload_file/zip/firmware/Vector%20Network%20Analyzer/SNA5022A&SNA5032A_V1.0.0.2.13.zip4.5 & 8.5 GHz models Release notes1.Add Gain Compression Option2.Add vector mixing option3.Optimize the scanning speed of segment scanning4.Adjust and optimize the function of saving and recalling SNA and CSV files.5.Adjust and optimize the network storage function, and add support for Samba service.13.5 & 26.5 GHz models Release notes1. Add gain compression measurement and vector mixing measurement function

author: tv84
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 29, 2025, 07:52:14 pm
content: Quote from: tautech on January 24, 2025, 03:48:27 am

author: eyiliu
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 23, 2025, 12:36:04 pm
content: Hi @tv84My Siglent SNA5054X (chinese domestic version) just arrived. According to the post in this thread, it should be identical to worldwide version SNA5054A. The feature options are all in Trail (locked).I'm wondering if they can be permanently enabled. Several keygen scripts from this site (by add additional model SNA5000X into scripts) have been tried. None of the the generated license keys works. I basically want to have TDR optionIs there any clue for hacking of SNA5000A(X)? I can certainly convert the domestic SNA5000X to worldwide SNA5000A if it is required and doable. Thank you.

author: tszaboo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 21, 2025, 10:53:10 am
content: At work we are considering of buying some RF equipment. The selling point is EMC precompliance testing.The SNA5002 has spectrum analyzer mode as an option. There isn't a lot of info available on how good the spectrum analyzer is, and if it has EMC testing modes.I realize this is not the primary function of the device. So maybe it's a bit strange to buy a VNA to do that, but I'm more interested in a better VNA than a SA. And it would be nice to get something better than a Siglent SSA3000.