Siglent SSA3000X-R 5/7.5GHz Real-Time Spectrum Analyzer

[tautech]

Released today 6 April 2020.

SSA3050X-R    $8,549
SSA3075X-R    $10,449

https://int.siglent.com/products-overview/ssa3000xr/
https://siglentna.com/spectrum-analyzers/ssa3000x-r/
https://www.siglenteu.com/spectrum-analyzers/ssa3000x-r/

[srce]

A quick spec-sheet comparison of the SSA3075X-R vs RSA5056-TG

Currently have a Siglent SSA3032X, which has worked well, but am veering towards the RSA5056-TG for the upgrade. Anything I'm missing?

[Sighound36]

Phase noise is 10dbm less plus I find it much easier to use and oddly enough just nicer.
Have a 5065 on loan and make the comparison yourself then Tautech can't moan to much 

[tautech]

Phase noise is 10dbm less plus I find it much easier to use and oddly enough just nicer.
Have a 5065 on loan and make the comparison yourself then Tautech can't moan to much 

You've used both ? 

I've had a quick play with a beta SSA3075X-R and after some time with SVA, SSA and Plus models for the most part UI is comfortably familiar albeit with additional features.

srce has shown interest in these for a while so should at least test drive one especially when shelling out this sort of coin. 

[OwO]

At that price point it's unremarkable. It's probably also just built with a shitload of ADI parts with not much engineering on the part of Siglent, something anyone can just pull off.

[tautech]

Remote access to a local beta testers SSA3075X-R so made some remote adjustments and grabbed a screenshot of his local 2.4 GHz WiFi activity:

[Sighound36]

As OwO has pointed out not much going on here that hasn't been seen before Rigol were doing this two years ago.

Now If Siglent were going to lift some interesting tech from LeCroy regarding the spectrum analyser capability from the upper models then that would be worth looking at imho

[tautech]

New announcements for the SSA3000X-R range:

VNA and DTF standard features now added to all models.
New model added: SSA3032X-R

https://int.siglent.com/u_file/document/SSA3000X-R_DataSheet_DS0703R_E02A.pdf

[kaz911]

If the SSA3032X-R becomes "upgradable" I think it will be an instant success even at 4k Euro.

[NCG]

Pretty please, can anyone make few photos of the FPGA area of the realtime version? Would be interesting to see, what the RT actually changed there...

[Elasia]

Datasheet makes it seem upgradable

[Sparky]

A quick spec-sheet comparison of the SSA3075X-R vs RSA5056-TG

Currently have a Siglent SSA3032X, which has worked well, but am veering towards the RSA5056-TG for the upgrade. Anything I'm missing?

At the prices listed here it seems worth comparing against SignalHound BB60C and BM200B (160MHz real-time bandwidth!)

Anyone have more thoughts on SSA3075X-R vs RSA5056-TG from "upgrade" perspective, features, bugs, etc.

@srce: did you end up with the Rigol?

[tv84]

SSA3032X-R -> SSA3075X-R

[Sparky]

SSA3032X-R -> SSA3075X-R

Boom!     I step away for a few weeks and everything changes! 

[RBBVNL9]

Hi everyone,

I have some questions and I’m sure some of you can answer them easily …

I am comparing the specs of two spectrum analyzers – the Siglent SSA3032X-R and the Rohde & Schwarz FPC1500 (in the COM2 kit version). In terms of VNA and reflection measurements, R&S states “The R&S FPC is a vector network analyzer that utilizes an integrated VSWR bridge to achieve one ­port vector network analysis, with a Smith chart display available.” Crystal clear.

For the SSA3032X-R, I feel confused. Like others, I came across two sets of datasheets for this device, labeled E01A and E02A.

• In datasheet E01A there is no notion of VNA at all, and for VSWR measurement, an optional, external reflection bridge is needed. 
• In datasheet E02A, VNA with s11 and s12 is mentioned as a standard. The device provides a "1-path-2-port vector network analyzer and a distance-to-fault locator for S-parameter measurement, cable and antenna testing". Its VNA specs specify Lin Mag, Log Mag, Phase, Group Delay, SWR, Smith Chart, and Polar Chart. Were the reflection measurements are discussed in detail (VSWR, Return Loss, Reflection Coefficient), on page 13, the note (still present in E01A) that this requires an option is removed from this version of the document. Yet, on page 23, the reflection bridge is again listed as an option.

Adding to the confusion, the international Siglent website page for this device refers includes a reference to the E01A (old?) datasheet.

Also, the international Siglent site does not list the reflector bridge as an accessory for the SSA3032X-R, but the European Siglent site does.

So, my questions are:

• How can I know when I purchase a device that it meets the E02 datasheet? Is it certain hardware, or a certain software version?
• A device that meets the E02A should have VNA (including s11 and s21) as a standard, according to the datasheet. I understand that CSVW is closely related to s11. But would I need additional hardware or software to perform VSWR, Return Loss, and Reflection Coefficient measurements?

Any other thoughts on Siglent SSA3032X-R vs. Rohde & Schwarz FPC1500 (FPC-COM2 kit) are also welcome...

Thanks!

[tautech]

VNA capability mirroring the SVA range was added as standard to the SSA3000X-R range 3 firmware releases ago in V3.2.2.3.2.
https://siglentna.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/SSA3000X-R-Firmware-Revise-History.pdf

Currently SVA1000X, SSA3000X Plus and SSA3000X-R all share the same user manual as apart from the serctions on RTSA and VNA their operation is identical.
https://int.siglent.com/u_file/document/SSA_XP_SVA_UserManual_UG0703P_E02A.pdf

And yes the factory SSA3000X-R website needs updating/revising.

[RBBVNL9]

Thanks, Tautech!

But can you also answer my second question?

Thanks!

[tautech]

A device that meets the E02A should have VNA (including s11 and s21) as a standard, according to the datasheet. I understand that CSVW is closely related to s11. But would I need additional hardware or software to perform VSWR, Return Loss, and Reflection Coefficient measurements?

No, none whatsoever when using VNA mode.

The TG output has the VNA coupling bridge already built in for all models and the signal path to use it is enabled in VNA mode.

[tautech]

Thanks, Tautech!

But can you also answer my second question?

Thanks!

To see what X-R can do wrt antenna characterization/measurements check this thread using my SVA's, first a SVA1015X and later a SVA1032X that I still have for my RF use and demo work:
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/rf-microwave/what-really-is-this-antenna/

[RBBVNL9]

Thanks Tautech for those updates.

Currently SVA1000X, SSA3000X Plus and SSA3000X-R all share the same user manual as apart from the serctions on RTSA and VNA their operation is identical.
https://int.siglent.com/u_file/document/SSA_XP_SVA_UserManual_UG0703P_E02A.pdf

Mmm. Despite this manual has "E02A" in its file name, it says both for the "Vector Network Analyzer Mode" and the "Distance-To-Fault Mode" that these are "only available on SVA1000X series.". Am I missing something? They should be available as well for the SSA3000X-R, right?!?

The TG output has the VNA coupling bridge already built in for all models and the signal path to use it is enabled in VNA mode.

I see you write "in the VNA mode'. Just to be sure: does this VNA mode do the VSWR, Return Loss, and Reflection Coefficient measurements as mentioned in the datasheet (there they are not listed under VNA but under Reflection)? Do you get a screen like the shown screenshot?


And just to be sure: do I understand properly the fact that the reflection bridge is listed accessory in datasheet E02A is an error?

Sorry I keep on asking, but before committing to any purchase, I'd like to be sure what's included, and what is optional...

[tautech]

Thanks Tautech for those updates.

Currently SVA1000X, SSA3000X Plus and SSA3000X-R all share the same user manual as apart from the serctions on RTSA and VNA their operation is identical.
https://int.siglent.com/u_file/document/SSA_XP_SVA_UserManual_UG0703P_E02A.pdf

Mmm. Despite this manual has "E02A" in its file name, it says both for the "Vector Network Analyzer Mode" and the "Distance-To-Fault Mode" that these are "only available on SVA1000X series.". Am I missing something? They should be available as well for the SSA3000X-R, right?!?

Yes it is not clear however VNA and DTF modes have certainly been added to X-R models a few FW versions ago.

The TG output has the VNA coupling bridge already built in for all models and the signal path to use it is enabled in VNA mode.

I see you write "in the VNA mode'. Just to be sure: does this VNA mode do the VSWR, Return Loss, and Reflection Coefficient measurements as mentioned in the datasheet (there they are not listed under VNA but under Reflection)? Do you get a screen like the shown screenshot?

Yes, no. 
VNA mode certainly offers VSWR, Return Loss, Smith charts and Phase measurements however Reflection Coefficient measurements are only in SA mode where indeed you need an additional bridge and in order to use it correctly it needs be Normalised before connecting the DUT.
Bridges connect between TG and RF IN however for VNA work they're not required as the stimulus comes from the TG port and their reflections bounce back in for single port VNA S11 measurement types.
S21 measurements require the use of RF IN also for pass through DUT measurements.

No as in the screenshot is for Reflection Coefficient measurements in SA mode.

And just to be sure: do I understand properly the fact that the reflection bridge is listed accessory in datasheet E02A is an error?

No it's not an error but an optional accessory for SA mode and can be used on any of the current Siglent SA's or combo units; SVA or X-R.

Sorry I keep on asking, but before committing to any purchase, I'd like to be sure what's included, and what is optional...

The options are listed here below accessories:
https://www.siglenteu.com/spectrum-analyzers/ssa3000x-r/
There are 5 SW options for X-R and of note is the EMI software licensing which is currently offered in a promotional package with a nice set of near field probes when purchased with any Siglent SA:
https://int.siglent.com/info/detail-40.html

All SW licenses are active and free for 120hrs before you need consider any you might chose to purchase later as they each can be added at any time by the owner.

[RBBVNL9]

Thanks Tautech, those answers are really helpful.

If only Siglent would now provide clear and consistent information across its website, data sheets, and user manuals. After all, these are serious investments and the last thing you want is not knowing for sure what a device can do, and what not!

[tautech]

Thanks Tautech, those answers are really helpful.

If only Siglent would now provide clear and consistent information across its website, data sheets, and user manuals. After all, these are serious investments and the last thing you want is not knowing for sure what a device can do, and what not!

Yes, email sent to them today. 

[gj]

Are the SSA3032X-R, ...50X-R and 75X-R the same HW?

Does the option unlocking work for these the same way as for the SSA3000X/X-Plus?

Are there any model specific pitfalls to avoid for the SSA3032X-R?

Thanks much in advance + kudos to the wizards at work here...

[tv84]

https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/siglent-ssa3000x-r-57-5ghz-real-time-spectrum-analyzer/msg3459674/#msg3459674