Siglent SDG6000X Arbitrary Waveform Generator Review, Teardown & Experiments - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: Hugoneus
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 28, 2018, 03:08:37 pm
content: In this episode Shahriar takes a close look at the newly released Siglent SDG6000X Series Pulse / Arbitrary Waveform Generator. SDG6000X is a series of dual-channel Pulse/ Arbitrary Waveform Generators that feature up to 500MHz output frequency, a maximum sample rate of 2.4GSa/s and 16-bit vertical resolution when used as a function generator. The particular reviewed model is the SDG6052X which is the top-end model.The full teardown of the unit reveals the internal architecture of the instrument, DAC / FPGA interconnect as well as the output amplifier structure. Although the limitations of the FPGA prevents the instrument to operate at full 2.5GSa/s in arb-mode, the instrument is capable of providing complex modulation up to the full 500MHz signal bandwidth.This comprehensive review is organized as follows:00:01:11 - Siglent SDG model overview and comparison00:03:10 - Front and back panel overview00:06:24 - Full teardown and analysis of the instrument archietecture00:18:19 - GUI overview, menu structures and built-in functions00:22:31 - Waveform phase and amplitude accuracy, characterizing a 180-degree hybrid00:30:42 - Large-signal generation, ultra-sound experiment and range measurements00:36:38 - Pulse generation performance, spectral content and low-pass filter measurements00:44:07 - THD measurements, harmonic generation, Two-tone TOI measurements using waveform combine function00:50:30 - PRBS pattern generator, ISI measurements and eye-diagram impairments using waveform combine functions01:01:57 - I/Q modulation and waveform creation using EasyIQ as well as superheterodyne up-converter measurements01:10:44 - Concluding remarksYou can watch the video here: [1 Hour & 11 Minutes]youtu.be/_2LcpH_JxYMMore videos at The Signal Path:www.TheSignalPath.com

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 28, 2018, 05:12:48 pm
content: I'm wondering how the SDG6000 stacks up against the competition when it comes to price and features.

author: Hugoneus
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 29, 2018, 02:33:04 pm
content: Quote from: nctnico on May 28, 2018, 05:12:48 pmWhich model are you wondering about?

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 29, 2018, 03:47:17 pm
content: Quote from: Hugoneus on May 29, 2018, 02:33:04 pmNot a specific model but I'm just curious in what kind of market segment the SDG6000 is positioned and which brands offer competing devices. At over $5k for the 500MHz it is clearly targeted at companies and not so much at hobbyists.

author: grouchobyte
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 31, 2018, 08:16:40 pm
content: Great review Shahriar!Much of your review was familiar territory for me since I was one of the first if not the first customer in NA to test and purchase an SDG6022x. The entry level model is no slouch in comparison to the 500 MHz model, although the bang/buck on this arb is remarkable. The DSP filter issue at fast risetimes is my biggest beef but when you consider all the features and performance packed into this instrument it becomes a compelling choice for even the most discriminating user. I think you would agree.@grouchobyte

author: Performa01
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 01, 2018, 08:35:05 am
content: Very nice review, especially the PRBS and I/Q parts - thanks lot!Nevertheless I think I’ve spotted a few inaccuraciesThe maximum output amplitude is not 40Vpp as has been stated in the video. It is just the usual 20Vpp open circuit and 10Vpp into 50 ohms. The output stage is not even particularly spectacular in terms of power bandwidth, since the maximum output of 20Vpp is available only up to 40MHz. Above 350MHz, there is only 1.28Vpp left (640mVpp into 50 ohms) – far less than a standard HF signal generator, which usually delivers up to 2.8Vpp into 50 ohms. I don’t say this is a big problem, yet it’s quite the contrary of what has been suggested in this review.Regarding the intermodulation performance, the video doesn’t make it clear where the distortions come from and inexperienced viewers might get the impression the SDG6000X or its output combiner was responsible for the nonlinearity exclusively.The MXA has a guaranteed TOI of +12dBm (17dBm typical) at 2 x -18dBm input for the frequency range of 10-100MHz. The TOI utility measures some +22dBm, which already exceeds the MXA’s typical specification by quite a margin. Consequently this doesn’t tell anything about the signal distortion of the SDG6000X, which most likely can do better than that. How much better – I cannot know, but an SA with obviously slightly better dynamic range / linearity can show that the SDG6kX has not yet been pushed to its limits in this review:SDG6052X_Combine_50+55MHz_0dBm_Spectrum_50MHzWith 2 x 0dBm signals and 15dB input attenuation we get 2 x -15dBm at the mixer input. Third order intermodulation products are symmetric(!) -52dBc. Consequently, we get a TOI of about +26dBm. This in turn isn’t too shabby for an AWG and should certainly be good enough for testing most receiver frontends.

author: Hugoneus
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 23, 2018, 01:51:00 am
content: Thanks for the information and sorry it too so long to reply.While I agree with you that the measurement was pushing against the linearity of the MXA instrument, I did try the same input signals with attenuation up to 60dB and the IM3 products did not change at all. I also tried the same measurement with a different spectrum analyzer and got the exact same result.Now I wonder if there is something wrong with my unit... This is strange.