Siglent SNA6000-SA spectrum analysis option (software)
Spectrum analysis on the SNA6000A VNA receivers: channel power, ACPR, OBW, TOI, CNR and spectrum monitor, with Marker to SA from any S-parameter trace.
SNA6000-SA — spectrum analysis
A spectrum analyser inside the SNA6000A: swept spectrum, channel power, ACPR, occupied bandwidth, TOI, CNR and a spectrum monitor, on the VNA’s own receivers.
Active devices need two kinds of measurement: their network response, and what they put out. This option adds a spectrum-analysis channel that uses the SNA6000A’s receivers, with image rejection to remove mixing products. From any S-parameter trace, Marker → SA opens the spectrum at the marker frequency on the same receiver — and the analyser’s own source can drive the device while you look.
What this option does
What it does
Adds swept spectrum analysis with RBW, VBW, five detectors and four trace types, plus channel power, ACPR, occupied bandwidth, TOI, carrier-to-noise and a spectrum monitor, on any receiver port.
What you use it for
Checking harmonics, spurious outputs, intermodulation and oscillation of amplifiers, mixers and front-ends on the same connection used for their S-parameters.
In practice
An amplifier’s gain and match look right. On a new SA channel, driven by the analyser’s own source at the same level, its second harmonic and a spur from the bias supply appear — without disconnecting anything.
Siglent’s data sheet gives no separate specifications for SA mode — no displayed noise level, RBW range or phase noise figures. If your measurement needs guaranteed spectrum-analyser performance, ask us before ordering. Below 40 MHz image rejection is limited to three acquisitions. Test-port damage level: +27 dBm or ±35 VDC.
Spectrum analysis on the VNA hardware
Swept spectrum
Start, stop, centre, span, points, RBW and VBW with auto ratios, and a choice of receiver port.
Five detectors
Positive peak, negative peak, sample, normal and average.
Trace types
Clear/write, max hold, min hold and average; log-power, power or voltage averaging.
Image rejection
None, min, normal, better or max — 1, 3, 4, 5 or 6 acquisitions.
Channel power and ACPR
Integrated channel power and density; main and adjacent channel power in dBc.
OBW, TOI and CNR
Occupied bandwidth with frequency error, third-order intercept, carrier-to-noise.
Spectrum monitor
Successive sweeps as a colour waterfall.
Marker → SA
Jump from an S-parameter marker to the spectrum at that frequency; drive the DUT from the internal source (CW, frequency or power sweep).
Specification
From the SNA6000A data sheet and user manual.
| Frequency range | 100 kHz to 13.5 or 26.5 GHz (model dependent) |
| Measurements | Swept SA, channel power, ACPR, occupied bandwidth, TOI, CNR, spectrum monitor |
| Detectors | Positive peak, negative peak, sample, normal, average |
| Trace types | Clear/write, max hold, min hold, average |
| Average type | Log power, power, voltage |
| Image rejection | None, min, normal, better, max (1, 3, 4, 5, 6 acquisitions; max 3 below 40 MHz) |
| Attenuation mode | Auto, low noise, standard |
| Internal source | CW, linear frequency sweep, power sweep, or both; port powers coupled or separate |
| RF input | Any receiver port |
| Test-port damage level | +27 dBm or ±35 VDC |
Compatibility and activation
Works on all eight SNA6000A models, over each model’s frequency range.
Supplied as a licence key issued against the analyser’s serial number — nothing to fit and nothing to return. Enter it under System → Options → License…, or load the .lic file from a USB stick. Ordered together with a new SNA6000A, Siglent activates it at the factory.
Questions about SNA6000-SA
Does it replace a dedicated spectrum analyser?
For checks on the device you are already measuring — harmonics, spurs, channel power — it saves a second instrument and set-up. Siglent publishes no separate SA-mode specifications, so where guaranteed noise floor or phase-noise figures matter, a dedicated analyser is still the right tool.
Are channel power, ACPR and occupied bandwidth included?
Yes, together with TOI, CNR and a spectrum monitor, all inside this option.
Which port measures the signal?
Any receiver port, selected as RF input. Marker → SA uses the same receiver as the S-parameter trace the marker is on.
Can the analyser drive the device while I measure its spectrum?
Yes. The internal source can be set to CW, frequency sweep, power sweep or both, with port powers coupled or set separately.
What does image rejection do?
The receiver mixes the signal with a local oscillator, which can create image responses. Taking several acquisitions with a shifted LO removes them; more acquisitions reject better but sweep slower.
How is the licence delivered?
Supplied as a licence key issued against the analyser’s serial number — nothing to fit and nothing to return. Enter it under System → Options → License…, or load the .lic file from a USB stick. Ordered together with a new SNA6000A, Siglent activates it at the factory. Add the analyser’s serial number to your order, or send it to us afterwards.
Can I return a licence?
Software licences and activation keys are delivered electronically and are excluded from the 14-day EU return right once the key has been issued. If you are unsure, ask us first.
Planning an SNA6000A measurement?
Tell us the device, the frequency range and what you need to measure. We will confirm the model, the options and the calibration you need before you order.