Using Siglent SSA3021X (no hacking here) - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: oz2cpu
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 21, 2020, 10:45:07 am
content: 1using the TG as a signal generator.Normally you would go to zero span mode, then the TG works as a CW generator.BUTis it possible to use the spectrum analyzer normally,at the same time as the Generator is delivering a fixed frequency CW ?or can the TG only be used as a TG ?? not a free running signal generator ?lets say you want to measure the harmonics of an amplifier,you need to stimulate the amp with the fundamental, using a signal generator.Most other units I owned, the signal out was free to use as TG or standalone generator.--2The waterfall mode:have you found a way to change the low db color rangeand the high db colorthis way changing what you seek to be easier visible.Alsothe waterfall speed ? can that be changed ?

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 21, 2020, 11:58:07 am
content: 1. Tips here:https://www.siglenteu.com/operating-tip/ssa3000x-tracking-generator-low-frequency-output-performance/2. Try changing the sweep speed which hopefully should influence the waterfall refresh rate.

author: oz2cpu
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 21, 2020, 12:45:12 pm
content: thanks for the tip link, that answers another interesting detail:the 9kHz to 100kHz range with TG, I am going to play with that too.But it does not answers the main question : usage of signal generator and SA at the same time,in non tracking mode, like any other unit can do.waterfall speed is not affected by sweep time, at least not to the range I like it to be,I imagine it could be as fast as one line added pr sweep, not the caseto me it looks like it is fixed speed, and fixed color range,with both those important settings locked, this waterfall feature become close to useless,anyone know if Siglent are open for customers feelings? software upgrades ?

author: TurboTom
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 21, 2020, 01:13:24 pm
content: Since the TG is generated by mixing a (PLL-generated but not User-programmable) frequency with the instrument's first local oscillator (VFO) output that's also used to up-convert the SA's input signal in the first mixer, no, it's not possible to have a fixed TG output frequency while the SA sweeps the input frequency band. Moreover, depending on the frequency range you're working at, the TG may produce quite some harmonics. I guess the job you're looking at is genuine signal generator (or possibly AWG) terrain.I'm not aware of any options to change settings of the built-in "waterfall" visualisation.

author: oz2cpu
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 21, 2020, 01:29:58 pm
content: Thanks a lot Turbo :-) this explain how the TG works, and why it can not be used as a free generator.just sold my old HP generator and SA,what a bummer :-)by the way, some one wrote to me via email,about the waterfall color range, i share the findings here, (thanks a lot mate)For the spectrum monitor, if you press amplitude then change the db/div to2db, press measure, then spectrum monitor again and use the knob to adjustthe bottom of the spectrum you can change the colours. To change thespeed, press bw and alter the RBW setting, the narrower the bin size, theslower the spectrum monitor will be.

author: oz2cpu
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 07, 2021, 12:21:04 am
content: Used the SSA3021X at EMC lab, nice little videohttps://youtu.be/M_57a7WzHCQBoth measurements use Peak modes, same bandwidth and dwell times,Siglent SSA3021X wins 1.1 secRohde & Schwartz ESCS 30 looses 20 minswe made 23 measurements today,so that is 460 mins (7½hrs) saved by the SSA3021X, thanks Siglent..

author: Kibabalu
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 07, 2021, 05:46:01 pm
content: I have a question regarding the "EMI Measurement" option. I posted it already in another thread, but never got an answer. It was a good idea to start a separate thread with non-hacking related questions and discussions.Firstly the short version of my question:How the attenuation by ta LISN is taken into acount during a pre-compliance measuerement with a Siglent SSA3021X?Now the long Version of the question:MyLISN, in fact the design comes here from this forum,attenuates by 10dB.During "normal" SA operation I can take anexternal attenuationinto account by using the parameter "Ref Offset" of the Menu "Amplitude". So far so goodBut during the"EMI Measurement" modethis parameter doesn't affect the measurement curve, itjust shifts the reference levelof the graph and "Ref Offset" is not added to the measured spectrum.Thus I have tolower the EMI limitsby 10dB to take theexternal attenuationinto account, just like you manipulated the EMI limit curve inside the video to make the graphical output looking similar to the one from the 'real' EMI measurements. This seems not right for me, it should exactly be like during SA operation.No one will accept a documentation of an EMI pre-compliance measurement with manipulated limit curves!Is it a bug or is there a misunderstanding on my side?

author: oz2cpu
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 09, 2021, 08:13:24 am
content: in EMC modes you can calibrate the signal scale by external gain/attenuationyou can even put in different gain pr frequency range, very smart if your room / antenna or LISN got gain or attenuationthat even change pr frequencytry look that section

author: Kibabalu
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 09, 2021, 09:08:19 am
content: Quote from: oz2cpu on February 09, 2021, 08:13:24 amThis was exactly my question: How is this calibration of the signal scale for an external gain/attenuation done? During normal spectrum analyser mode it is done by the parameter 'Ref Offset'. The displayed curve is then corrected by using this gain/attenuation. The external gain/attenuation is compensated and the 'real' emissions are shown on the screen.But in 'EMI measurement mode' this doesn't work. There this 'correction' just shifts the dBuV-scale together with the curve. The screen always shows the gained/damped measurement results and not the real emissions together with the legislative limit curve. Then the relation between the displayed curves, the spectrum and the limit curve, has no meaning anymore. Just like in your video. You shifted the legislative limit curve approx. 18dBuV down to make it look equal to the real measurements.

author: oz2cpu
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 09, 2021, 06:40:17 pm
content: darn it !! you are right,I would be so sad to call this a bug.do you know where to report a bug ?do they read and reply ?I tried to email their support, dont seem to be alive,another thing : did you try to measure its standby power usage ?https://youtu.be/UQnlD2c-X_0I am far from impressed : 3.8 W on my meter, for one rather ignoring led,that power on/off system is not implemented correctly if you ask me for my humble opinion.

author: Kibabalu
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 09, 2021, 06:55:08 pm
content: Maybe tautech is reading this. He has quite good connections to siglent ;-)Nearly 4W in standby mode? What the hell is it doing during standby? Digging for Bitcoins?

author: SHF
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 09, 2021, 08:24:30 pm
content: Here is my solution for Siglent devices without hardware switches

author: SHF
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 09, 2021, 08:27:23 pm
content: that would also be a possibilityhttps://www.amazon.de/dp/B07Z3Y1YJT/?coliid=I2B1S9VSQ7XOL0&colid=YOCID4M21P78&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

author: Ghislain
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 10, 2021, 09:42:32 pm
content: Sure but that is an all on or off solutionI also use and prefer the individual switch approach as depicted in the post before yours.It also keeps the noise levels down in the room and saves energy.

author: Bad_Driver
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 27, 2021, 05:31:25 pm
content: For the sake of my energy bill I use 2 of this on my bench:https://www.amazon.de/dp/B01KFL3C26/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_8ZC9SCWAWQFDZ28XJSJG?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1This ist the best solution I found and you can plug in several european IEC plugs without any problems.

author: bicycleguy
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 27, 2021, 07:19:18 pm
content: Quote from: Kibabalu on February 09, 2021, 06:55:08 pmI think this might be for an temperature controlled xtal oscillator? Along with that has anyone noted a slight burning plastic smell? I smell this with the SA plugged in, on or off doesn't matter. Only have about 8 hours on it. Is there a running time menu somewhere?Edit: Confirmed suspicion. Measured standby power for ~3 minutes after plug-in 18°C room = 7.2W.After running about an hour and then shut off = 3.7W. Looks like an oven controlled oscillator.