SIGLENT SSA3000X Series User manual

SSA3000X
Spectrum Analyzer
User Manual
UM0703X-E03A

II SSA3000X User Manual
Guaranty and Declaration
Copyright
SIGLENT TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD All Rights Reserved.
Trademark Information
SIGLENT is the registered trademark of SIGLENT TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD
Declaration
SIGLENT products are protected by patent law worldwide
SIGLENT reserves the right to modify or change parts of or all the
specifications or pricing policies at company’s sole decision.
Information in this publication replaces all previously corresponding material.
Any way of copying, extracting or translating the contents of this manual is not
allowed without the permission of SIGLENT.
SIGLENT will not be responsible for losses caused by either incidental or
consequential in connection with the furnishing, use or performance of this
manual as well as any information contained.
Product Certification
SIGLENT guarantees this product conforms to the national and industrial
standards in China as well as the ISO9001: 2008 standard and the ISO14001:
2004 standard. Other international standard conformance certification is in
progress.

SIGLENT
SSA3000X User Manual III
General Safety Summary
Carefully read the following safety precautions to avoid any personal injury or damage to
the instrument and any products connected to it. To avoid potential hazards, please use the
instrument as specified.
Use Proper AC Power Line
Only the power cord designed for the instrument and authorized by local country should be
used.
Ground the Instrument
The instrument is grounded through the protective earth conductor of the power line. To
avoid electric shock, please make sure the instrument is grounded correctly before
connecting its input or output terminals.
Connect the Probe Correctly.
If a probe is used, do not connect the ground lead to high voltage since it has isobaric
electric potential as the ground.
Look Over All Terminals’ Ratings
To avoid fire or electric shock, please look over all ratings and sign instruction of the
instrument. Before connecting the instrument, please read the manual carefully to gain
more information about the ratings.
Use Proper Overvoltage Protection
Make sure that no overvoltage (such as that caused by a thunderstorm) can reach the
product, or else the operator might be exposed to danger of electrical shock.
Electrostatic Prevention
Operate the instrument in an electrostatic discharge protective area environment to avoid
damages induced by static discharge. Always ground both the internal and external
conductors of the cable to release static before connecting.
Maintain Proper Ventilation
Inadequate ventilation may cause increasing of the instrument’s temperature, which will
eventually damage the instrument. So keep well ventilated and inspect the intake and fan
regularly.
Avoid Exposed Circuit or Components
Do not touch exposed contacts or components when the power is on.
Do Not Operate Without Covers
Do not operate the instrument with covers or panels removed.
Use Only the Specified Fuse.
Keep Product Surfaces Clean and Dry.
To avoid the influence of dust and/or moisture in the air, please keep the surface of the
device clean and dry.
Do Not Operate in Wet Conditions.
In order to avoid short circuiting to the interior of the device or electric shock, please do not
operate the instrument in a humid environment.
Do Not Operate in an Explosive Atmosphere.
In order to avoid damage to the device or personal injury, it is important to operate the
device away from an explosive atmosphere.

IV SSA3000X User Manual
Safety Terms and Symbols
Terms on the product. These terms may appear on the product:
DANGER Indicates direct injuries or hazards that may happen.
WARNING Indicates potential injuries or hazards that may happen.
CAUTION Indicates potential damages to the instrument or other property that may
happen.
Symbols on the product. These symbols may appear on the product:
Hazardous Protective Warning Earth Chassis
Voltage Ground Ground

SIGLENT
SSA3000X User Manual V
Overview
SSA3000X series spectrum analyzer has a frequency range from 9 kHz up to 2.1 GHz/3.2
GHz; it is light weight and small size, with a user friendly interface, concise style of display,
reliable measurement precision and plenty of RF measurement functions. Applicable to
research and development, education, production, maintenance and other related fields
that meets a wider range of application requirements.
Features and Benefits
All-Digital IF Technology
Frequency Range from 9 kHz up to 3.2 GHz
-161 dBm/Hz Displayed Average Noise Level (Typ.)
-98 dBc/Hz @10 kHz Offset Phase Noise (1 GHz, Typ.)
Total Amplitude Accuracy < 0.7 dB
10 Hz Minimum Resolution Bandwidth(RBW)
Standard Preamplifier
Up to 3.2 GHz Tracking Generator Kit (Opt.)
Reflection Measurement Kit (Opt.)
Advanced Measurement Kit (Opt.)
EMI Pre-compliance Measurements Kit (Opt.)
10.1 inch WVGA(1024x600) Display

VI SSA3000X User Manual
Contents
Guaranty and Declaration.......................................................................................................II
General Safety Summary.........................................................................................................III
Safety Terms and Symbols.......................................................................................................IV
Chapter 1 Quick Start ...........................................................................................................1
1.1 General Inspection ..................................................................................................2
1.2 Appearance and Dimension....................................................................................2
1.3 Preparing for Use ....................................................................................................3
1.3.1 Adjust the Supporting Legs ..........................................................................3
1.3.2 Connect to AC Power Supply.......................................................................3
1.4 The Front Panel.......................................................................................................4
1.4.1 Front Panel Function Keys...........................................................................4
1.4.2 Front Panel Key Backlight............................................................................6
1.4.3 Using the Numeric Keyboard........................................................................6
1.4.4 Front Panel Connectors................................................................................7
1.5 Rear Panel...............................................................................................................8
1.6 DisplayAnnotations...............................................................................................10
1.7 Firmware Operation...............................................................................................11
1.7.1 System Information Check .........................................................................11
1.7.2 Enable Option.............................................................................................12
1.7.3 Firmware Upgrade......................................................................................12
1.8 Menu Operation.....................................................................................................12
1.9 Parameter Setting..................................................................................................13
1.10 Using Built-in Help.................................................................................................14
1.11 Using the Security Lock.........................................................................................14
Chapter 2 Front Panel Operation .......................................................................................15
2.1 Basic Settings........................................................................................................16
2.1.1 Frequency...................................................................................................16
2.1.2 Span............................................................................................................19
2.1.3 Amplitude....................................................................................................21
2.1.4 Auto Tune....................................................................................................24
2.2 Sweep and Function..............................................................................................26
2.2.1 BW ..............................................................................................................26
2.2.2 Trace...........................................................................................................28
2.2.3 Detect..........................................................................................................30
2.2.4 Sweep.........................................................................................................31
2.2.5 Trigger.........................................................................................................33
2.2.6 Limit ............................................................................................................34
2.2.7 TG（Tracking Generator）........................................................................36
2.2.8 Demod ........................................................................................................38
2.3 Marker....................................................................................................................40
2.3.1 Marker.........................................................................................................40
2.3.2 Marker -> ....................................................................................................43

SIGLENT
SSA3000X User Manual VII
2.3.3 Marker Fn....................................................................................................44
2.3.4 Peak............................................................................................................47
2.4 Measurement.........................................................................................................49
2.4.1 Meas...........................................................................................................49
2.4.2 Meas setup.................................................................................................50
2.5 System...................................................................................................................57
2.5.1 System........................................................................................................57
2.5.2 Display........................................................................................................59
2.5.3 File..............................................................................................................60
2.6 Shortcut Key..........................................................................................................63
2.6.1 Preset..........................................................................................................63
2.6.2 Couple.........................................................................................................66
2.6.3 Help.............................................................................................................66
2.6.4 Save............................................................................................................66
Chapter 3 Remote Control..................................................................................................67
3.1 Remotely Operating the Analyzer..........................................................................67
3.1.1 Connecting the Analyzer via the USB Device port.....................................67
3.1.2 Connecting the Analyzer via the LAN port .................................................67
3.1.3 Connecting the Analyzer via the USB Host port.........................................68
3.2 Build Communication.............................................................................................69
3.2.1 Build Communication Using VISA..............................................................69
3.2.2 Build Communication Using Sockets/Telnet...............................................71
3.3 Remote Control Capabilities..................................................................................71
3.3.1 User-defined Programming ........................................................................71
3.3.2 Send SCPI Commands via NI MAX...........................................................72
3.3.3 EasySpectrum Software.............................................................................74
Chapter 4 Troubleshooting and Service.............................................................................76
4.1 Service Summary..................................................................................................76
4.2 Troubleshooting.....................................................................................................76
4.3 Contact Us.............................................................................................................78

SIGLENT
SSA3000X User Manual 1
Chapter 1Quick Start
This chapter guides users to quickly get familiar with the appearance, dimensions, front/ rear panel
and the user interface, as well as announcements during first use of SSA3000X series spectrum
analyzer.
Subjects in this chapter:
General Inspection
Appearance and Dimension
Preparing for Use
The Front Panel
Rear Panel
Display Annotations
Firmware Operation
Menu Operation
Parameter Setting
Using Built-in Help
Using the Security Lock

SIGLENT
SSA3000X User Manual 2
1.1 General Inspection
1. Inspect the shipping container
Keep the damaged shipping container or cushioning material until the contents of the shipment
have been completely checked and the instrument has passed both electrical and mechanical
tests.
The consigner or carrier will be responsible for damages to the instrument resulting from shipment.
SIGLENT will not provide free maintenance or replacement.
2. Inspect the instrument
If the instrument is found to be damaged, defective or fails in electrical or mechanical tests, please
contact SIGLENT.
3. Check the accessories
Please check the accessories according to the packing list. If the accessories are incomplete or
damaged, please contact your SIGLENT sales representative.
1.2 Appearance and Dimension
Figure 1-1 Front View
Figure 1-2 Top View

SIGLENT
SSA3000X User Manual 3
1.3 Preparing for Use
1.3.1 Adjust the Supporting Legs
Adjust the supporting legs properly to use them as stands to tilt the Spectrum Analyzer upwards for
stable placement as well as easier operation and observation of the instrument.
Figure 1-3 Before adjusting Figure1-4 After adjusting
1.3.2 Connect to AC Power Supply
The spectrum analyzer accepts 100-240V, 50/60/440Hz AC power supply. Please use the power
cord provided as accessories to connect the instrument to the power source as shown in the figure
below. Before power on, make sure the spectrum analyzer is protected by fuse.
Figure 1-5 Power Cord Connection
The Plug
The Fuse

SIGLENT
SSA3000X User Manual 4
1.4 The Front Panel
Figure 1-6 The Front Panel
Table 1-1 Front Panel Description
NO.
Description
NO.
Description
1
User Graphical Interface
2
Menu Control Keys
3
Function Keys
4
Knob
5
Arrow Keys
6
RF Input
7
Numeric Keyboard
8
TG Output
9
Earphone interface
10
USB Host
11
Power Switch
1.4.1 Front Panel Function Keys
Figure 1-7 Function Keys area

SIGLENT
SSA3000X User Manual 5
Table 1-2 Function keys description
Control Keys
Description
Frequency
Set the parameters of freqency, and Peak→CF, CF→Step
Span
Set the parameters of span, and X-scale(Log-Linear) setup
Amplitude
Set the parameters of amplitude, including Ref Level, Attenuator, Preamp, etc ;
and Correction setup
Auto Tune
Scan the full span rapidly and move the biggest signal to center freq, and
automatically sets the optimal parameters according to the signal
Control Keys
Description
BW
Set the parameters of RBW and VBW, Average Type (Log power, Power,
Voltage), and Filter Type(-3 dB Gauss\ -6 dB EMI)
Trace
Select Trace, Trace setup and Trace math
Sweep
Set the parameters of sweep ,and EMI QPD Dwell Time
Detect
Select the Detector type for each trace independently
Trigger
Select triggers in Free Trigger, Video Trigger and External Trigger
Limit
Set the Pass\Fail Limit
TG
Set the parameters of tracking generator. Including TG Level, TG Level offset,
Normalization setup. The backlight LED is on when TG source is on.
Demod
Set the demodulation parameters of the AM and FM for audio listening
Marker Keys
Description
Marker
Set the Markers and Marker Table
Marker->
Set other system parameters on the basis of the current marker value.
Marker Fn
Special functions of the marker such as noise marker, N dB bandwidth
measurement and frequency counter.
Peak
Search for the peak signal
Meas Keys
Description
Meas
In spectrum analyzer mode, selects the measurement function
In non spectrum analyzer mode, select corresponding settings.
Meas Setup
Set the measurement parameters.
System Keys
Description
System
Set the system parameters
Mode
Select the working mode bwtween spectrum analyzer and other modes.
Display
Set the display parameters.
File
Use the file system and files
Shortcut Keys
Description
Preset
Sets the system to certain status
Couple
Set the parameters of some functions between auto and manual.
Help
Turn on the built-in help
Save
Save Shortcut Key

SIGLENT
SSA3000X User Manual 6
1.4.2 Front Panel Key Backlight
The on/off state and the color of the backlights of some keys at the front panel indicate the working
state of the spectrum analyzer. The states are as listed below.
1. Power Switch
Flash on and off alternatively, in breathing state: indicate the unit is in stand-by state.
Constant on: indicate the instrument is in normal operating state.
2. Mode
When the function is Spec Analyzer, the backlight is turn off. When in the other mode, the
backlight of Mode turns on.
3. TG
When the TG source is on, the backlight of TG turns on and turns off when the function is off .
1.4.3 Using the Numeric Keyboard
The analyzer provides a numeric keyboard at the front panel (as shown in the figure below). The
numeric keyboard which supports English uppercase/lowercase characters, numbers and
common symbols (including decimal point, #, space and +/-) are mainly used to edit file or folder
name and set parameters (refer to “Parameter Setting”).
Figure 1-8 Numeric Keyboards
1. +/-
In number input, set the sign of number; in file input , switch in number and letter.
2. 1 A/a
In number input, enter number 1; in file input, switch between uppercase and lowercase letter.
3. . #
In number input, a decimal point; in English input, special character.
4. Back
In parameter editing, press this key to delete the character on the left of the cursor.

SIGLENT
SSA3000X User Manual 7
5. Esc
During parameter editing process, press this key to clear the inputs in the active function area
and exit parameter input.
When the instrument is in remote mode, use this key to return to local mode.
6. Enter
In parameter editing, the system will complete the input and insert a default unit for the parameter.
1.4.4 Front Panel Connectors
Figure 1-9 Front Panel Connectors
1. Power Switch
Power up/Power down the instrument.
2. USB Host
The analyzer can serve as a “host” device to connect external USB devices. This interface is
available for USB storage devices.
Read and store the instrument state or trace in the USB storage device or store the contents
currently displayed on the screen in the USB storage device in .png or .jpg or .bmp format.
3. Earphone Jack
The analyzer provides AM and FM demodulations. Insert the earphone to the jack to acquire the
audio output of the demodulated signal. You can turn on or off the earphone output and adjust the
volume via Demod ->Volume.

SIGLENT
SSA3000X User Manual 8
CAUTION
For fear of damaging your hearing, please turn the volume down to zero and
gradually turn the volume up after putting on the earphone.
4. TG SOURCE
The TG SOURCE can be connected to a receiver through a cable with a N male connector.
CAUTION
To avoid damage to the tracking generator, the reverse DC voltage cannot
exceed 50 V
5. RF INPUT
The RF INPUT can be connected to a DUT through a cable with a N male connector.
CAUTION
To avoid damage to the instrument, for the signal input from the RF input
terminal, the DC voltage component and the maximum continuous power of
the AC (RF) signal component can not exceed 50 V and +30 dBm
respectively.
1.5 Rear Panel
Figure 1-10 Rear Panel

SIGLENT
SSA3000X User Manual 9
1. Handle
Pull up the handle vertically for easy carrying of the instrument. When you do not need the handle,
press it down.
2. USB Device interface
The analyzer can serve as a “slave” device to connect external USB devices. Through this
interface, a PC can be connected to control the analyzer remotely through programming or PC
software.
3. LAN interface
Through this interface, the analyzer can be connected to your local network for remote control.
4. REF IN 10MHz
The analyzer can use internal or external reference source.
When a 10 MHz external clock signal is received through the [10MHz IN] connector, this
signal is used as the external reference source and “Ext Ref” is displayed in the status bar of
the user interface. When the external reference is lost, transfinite or not connected, the
instrument switches to its internal reference source automatically and “Ext Ref” on the screen
disappears.
The [10MHz IN] and [10MHz OUT] connectors are usually used to build synchronization
among multiple instruments.
5. REF OUT 10MHz
The analyzer can use internal or external reference source.
When internal reference source is used, the [10MHz OUT] connector can output a 10 MHz
clock signal generated by the analyzer. This signal can be used to synchronize other
instruments.
The [10MHz OUT] and [10MHz IN] connectors are usually used to build synchronization
among multiple instruments.
6. Trigger in
In external trigger mode, the connector receives an external trigger signal through a BNC cable.
7. Security Lock Hole
If needed, you can use a security lock (buy it yourself) to lock the analyzer to a desired location.
8. AC Power Supply and Fuse
The analyzer accepts 100-240V, 50/60/440Hz AC power supply. Please use the power cord
provided as accessories to connect the instrument. Before power on, make sure the spectrum
analyzer is protected by fuse.

SIGLENT
SSA3000X User Manual 10
1.6 Display Annotations
Figure 1-11 User Interface
Table 1-3 User Interface labels
NO.
Name
Description
1
SIGLENT
Logo of SIGLENT
2
Ref
Reference level
3
UNCAL
When the sweep time less than the auto couple time, the
measure result may be inaccuracy, then appear “UNCAL”
4
Active function area
Current parameter and its value
5
EXT REF
Ext 10 MHz refence clock detected indicator
6
Att
Attenuator Value
7
Day and time
System time
8, 9, 11
Maker parameter
8:current active marker;
9:current marker frequency value;
11:current marker amplitude value;
10
Auto Tune
Automatically sets the optimal parameters
12
USB storage device
identification
The identification is displayed when a USB disk is
inserted
13
Menu title
Function of the current menu.
14
Menu items
Menu items of the current function
15
Operation status
Local is local mode, Remote is remote mode, Upgrade

SIGLENT
SSA3000X User Manual 11
means the instrument is upgrading
16
Sweep time
Sweep time
17
Span/Stop Frequency
The frequency range of the current sweep
18
Sweep progress bar
Sweep progress bar
19
Pass/Fail status
Pass/Fail status
20
VBW
Video bandwidth
21
Spectrum trace
Spectrum trace
22
RBW
Resolution bandwidth
23
Center/Start frequency
The frequency range of the current sweep
24, 25,
26, 27
Trace status
Set the trace A\B\C\D parameter.
Trace type ----
C&W: Clear Write,
MaxH: Max Hold,
MinH: Min Hold,
View: View,
AVG: Average and times.
Detect type ----
P-PK: Positive peak,
N-PK: Negative peak,
Samp: Sample,
Norm: Normal,
AVG: Average.
Q-PK: Quasi peak
28
AM or FM
AM or FM identification
29
PA
Enable or disable Preamplifier
30
FFT
Sweep mode is FFT
31
Single or Continue
Sweep mode single or continue
32
Average type
Log power,Power,Voltage power
33
Trigger type
Free,Video,External trigger
34, 35
Ref offset
34：Ref offset identification;
35：Ref offset value
36
Scale/Div
Scale value
37
Scale type
Logarithm or linearity
1.7 Firmware Operation
1.7.1 System Information Check
Users can get the system infomations by press System->“System Info”, including
Product Model, Serial and Host ID
Software Version and Hardware Version
Option Information

SIGLENT
SSA3000X User Manual 12
1.7.2 Enable Option
Refer to the procedures below to activate the options you have purchased.
1, Press System ->“Load Option”
2, Enter the license key in the onscreen window. Press Enter to confirm your input and terminate
the license key input. Or
3, Load the .lic file provided by pressing File ->“Load”from internal memory or USB stick.
The option will be enabled after rebooting.
1.7.3 Firmware Upgrade
Follow this procedure to finish the firmware update:
1, Download the firmware package from website.
2, Extract and copy the .ADS file into the root directory of a USB stick.
3, Plug the USB stick into the USB Host connector. Press System->“System Info”-> “Firmware
Update”, find the .ADS file in USB stick..
4, Press “Load”.The analyzer will perform the update process automatically.
The upgrade procedure will take several minutes. Once the upgrade is completed, please follow
the instruction to reboot.
Any interruption during the update process will result in update failure and system data lost. Do not
remove the USB storage device until the update is finished.
1.8 Menu Operation
There are 7 types of menus according to their operation modes. Each type of menu and its
operation method are introduced below.
1. Parameter Input When selected, use the numeric keys to modify the parameters.
For example, select Center Freq, input the desired figure and press
Enter to change the center frequency.
2. State switching Press the corresponding menu key to switch between the
sub-options.
For example, press Preamp to enable or disable the amplifier.
3. Enter Lower Menu(with parameter)
Press the corresponding menu key to enter the lower menu and
change the option currently selected.
For example, press Units to enter the lower menu. Select dBm and
return to the previous menu. The unit of Y-axis changes to dBm.

SIGLENT
SSA3000X User Manual 13
4. Enter Lower Menu (without parameter)
Press the corresponding menu key to enter the lower menu.
For example, press Calibration to enter the lower menu directly.
5. Direct Execution Press the key to execute the corresponding function.
For example, press Peak->CF to execute a peak search and set the
center frequency of the analyzer to the frequency of the current peak
signal.
6. Function Switch + Parameter Input
Press the corresponding menu key to switch between functions;
change the parameter directly using the numeric keys.
For example, press Freq Step to switch between Auto and Manual; if
Manual is selected, you can directly input the desired number to
change the Freq Step.
7. State Selection Press the corresponding menu key to modify the parameter and
return to the menu one level up.
For example, press Trig Type ->Free Run to select free trigger and
the analyzer is in Free Run state at present.
1.9 Parameter Setting
Users can enter the desired parameter values using the numeric keys, knob or Arrow keys. This
section describes the three methods of parameter setting through an example (to set the center
frequency to 100 MHz).
1. Use the numeric keyboard
Press Frequency->“Center Freq”
Input 100 using the numeric keys;
Select the desired unit (MHz) from the popup menu.
2. Use the knob
When the parameter is editable (namely when the parameter is selected), turn the knob clockwise
to increase or counterclockwise to decrease the parameter value at the specified step.
Press Frequency->“Center Freq”
Rotate the knob until the parameter is set to the desired value (100 MHz).
Figure 1-12 Knob