SpectrumAnalyzer/VNA Buying advice below 4k€ - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: Frex
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 27, 2023, 11:25:20 am
content: Hello all,I'm looking for buying a spectrum analyzer with VNA capability for my personal use.My main needs are:mixed-signal board EMI investigation / pre-compliance test evaluation.RF antenna impedance measurements and adaptation (LTE 3G 4G - 2.4GHz)Various RF measurements...The budget would be less than 4 k€.I'v already seen the Siglent SSA3021X that seem to be "upgraded"to the Siglent SVA1032X that will well fit the need.I also look the Rigol Rigol RSA3015 series, but I don't know if it is also upgradable.It seem more modern than the Siglent using direct digital IF conversionthat can be very useful for EMI debugging of transients.Can anyone have some advices/suggestions about these ones ?What would be the better choice ? Is there others interesting options at that price point ?(no used equipements).Thanks in adavance.Frex

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 27, 2023, 11:48:45 am
content: On the used market you can find LTE basestation analysers with VNA capabilities like the JDSU / Viavi JD745A / B. But since these are basestation analysers, don't expect things like signal demodulation to be useable or to have extensive features where it comes to network analysis like you'd get from a network analyser. From what I've read the Siglent SVA has very little dynamic range at the low end. The JD745A is definitely better in that aspect. You can also take a look at the Libre VNA (PC based). Based on what I've read & seen so far, I would not buy the low cost Rigol or Siglent 'VNA' enabled spectrum analysers. The performance simply isn't there. If you want a new, standalone box you might want to look at R&S FPC.I have a JD745A myself which I use mainly for EMC pre-compliance testing.

author: coromonadalix
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 27, 2023, 11:51:44 am
content: We have an SSA3021x and was upgraded successfully to a SSA3032x and a Rigol DSA815 who got some options updates too, and a New Siglent SSG3021x to SSG3022x too lollCompare the prices and the free "possible upgrades" lollThe SSA3021x upgrade added at lest almost 1k$$$ value over it ....

author: Hexley
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 27, 2023, 03:52:33 pm
content: A "test drive" of each candidate is highly recommended if you can arrange it.I recently changed from a Tektronix plug-in SA to a Rohde & Schwarz FPC1500 and it was a bit frustrating to do something as simple as change the vertical scale on the R&S. If I had arranged for a demo unit first, I might have kept looking at other units to see if there was one that felt more natural to me.By contrast, a colleague lent me an old Rigol DSA815 and that felt quite natural.So a side-by-side test drive of your top two candidates, the Siglent SSA3021X and the Rigol Rigol RSA3015, would be interesting if that were possible.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 27, 2023, 07:02:27 pm
content: Quote from: coromonadalix on March 27, 2023, 11:51:44 amSo many mistakes.......SSA3021XPlusis same HW as SVA1032X ....$ 1650 vs $ 3470, is it any wonder they are a popular seller....option costs additional.Quote from: coromonadalix on March 27, 2023, 11:51:44 amReally is it not possible to get the model # correct ?SSG3021X toSSG3032XI did years ago for private use for ~$1400 saving.

author: coromonadalix
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 27, 2023, 07:38:01 pm
content: aww sorry few kb typos lollSSG3032XSSA3032xlollthks Siglentbut i'm sad to see no control software for the SSG xxxx until you play with Labview witch i dontCa we get / order the "NEW" front panels stickers once modified lollWilling to pay for them, since i saved a lot

author: pdenisowski
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 27, 2023, 08:03:29 pm
content: The R&S FPC1500 has a tracking generator and falls within that price range:https://www.rohde-schwarz.com/us/products/test-and-measurement/benchtop-analyzers/rs-fpc-spectrum-analyzer_63493-542324.htmlIt's widely used for the things you mention (EMI, S11, standard RF measurements, etc.). We also have software for interfacing with the FPC for precompliance testinghttps://scdn.rohde-schwarz.com/ur/pws/dl_downloads/dl_application/pdfs/EMI-debugging-with-FPC_ac_3609-3213-92_v0100.pdfI did a series of six videos showing how to configure and use various functions of the FPC. If you have any questions about it, please let me know

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 27, 2023, 09:22:28 pm
content: Quote from: coromonadalix on March 27, 2023, 07:38:01 pmMaybe you'd be best to spend some time to read this:P84 Chapter 4 Programming Exampleshttps://int.siglent.com/u_file/document/SSG3000X_Programming%20Guide-PG0803X-E01B.pdf

author: pdenisowski
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 28, 2023, 12:52:18 am
content: I should probably also point out that there's free remote control / remote GUI software for the FPC.For PCs:https://www.rohde-schwarz.com/us/manual/r-s-instrumentview-software-manual-manuals_230144-188228.htmlhttps://www.rohde-schwarz.com/us/software/instrumentview/For Android devices:https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.rohdeschwarz.android.mobileview&gl=US&pli=1The FPC also supports standard SCPI programming commands as well.

author: Frex
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 28, 2023, 06:05:37 am
content: Hello,First, thank you all for your replies.In fact, the FCP seem to be also interesting and I know the R&S brand as top notch.Anyway, to be fair you It enter only in price point without option and with a low bandwith of 1GHz as my request is to be more than 2.4GHz for wireless needsSo the real price would be more about 3200€ (base price) + 2 x1100€ (for 1 to 3GHz) = 5400€.Then, I want VNA mode as I request that cost again 984€ more ; 6370€HT. Even the preamplifier is an option...So, yes it is probably a great tool, but in fact clearly not in same price range in real life sorry.(Anyway, If i'm wrong and a low cost full pack that I don't hear about exist i'm open !).I also d'ont want old (used) equipement. I want modern one, where taking a screenshoot or recovera config is not a pain (I already well know this).I asked mainly about these two devices because when looking discussions here (and alsewhere)they are the most underlined.Regards.Frex

author: metebalci
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 28, 2023, 06:21:55 am
content: I have an SVA1032X and it is not bad. I also looked to FPC1500 when looking for a VNA. I expect R&S might have better build quality and maybe better in some specs. One point is FPC1500 can -I think- only measure the magnitude of s21 (not phase). SVA1032X does vector measurement of both s11 and s21. I also recommend to consider second hand older but better/two-ports VNAs.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 28, 2023, 09:34:00 am
content: Quote from: Frex on March 28, 2023, 06:05:37 amAFAIK there are bundles that are cheaper. For example the FPC-COM2 bundle which includes most (if not all) options. I think it is a good idea to check your local R&S dealer for a reasonably priced option bundle.I agree about the older equipment; I looked at many of those as well but most are very old without USB and other modern connectivity options. That is why I ended up with the JD745. It is reasonably modern so it has LAN and USB connectivity build in. Likely there are more modern base station analysers as well.

author: 3isenhorn
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 29, 2023, 06:03:13 pm
content: Hello,With respect to the use case I would suggest to have a look at the lower signal hound spectrum analyzer with a matching tracking generator.Of course it depends if you like to have a pc only control.Best regards