Siglent SNA6000-SMM scalar mixer measurement option (software)
Mixer and converter measurement for the SNA6000A: conversion loss, match and isolation, fractional multipliers, internal or external LO, mixer calibration.
SNA6000-SMM — scalar mixer measurement
Mixer and frequency-converter measurements for the SNA6000A: conversion loss or gain, input and output match and isolation, with scalar-mixer calibration.
A normal S-parameter sweep assumes the output is at the input frequency. Mixers, up- and down-converters and frequency-translating modules break that assumption. This option describes the converter — input, LO and output ranges, sum or difference product, fractional multipliers — tunes the receivers to the output, and adds a scalar-mixer calibration with open, short, load and a power meter, so conversion loss is measured with full vector correction of the port mismatches.
What this option does
What it does
Adds a mixer set-up (swept or fixed input, LO and output; frequency, CW-time, power and segment sweeps), LO from port 3 or 4, a USB-controlled external source or a fixed external LO, source-power and receiver calibration, and scalar-mixer calibration.
What you use it for
Conversion loss or gain versus frequency or power, input and output match, and isolation of mixers, converters, harmonic mixers and frequency-translating assemblies.
In practice
Verifying a down-converter across its band: the RF input sweeps while the LO stays fixed, and the trace shows conversion loss across the IF range — including the band edge where the IF filter starts to roll off.
Scalar means magnitude only: after scalar-mixer calibration the phase of the conversion is not valid, so no group delay through the mixer. Source-power calibration needs a compatible power meter (Keysight U2000 series, R&S NRP series). A 2-port model needs an external LO; 4-port models can use port 3 or 4.
Describe the converter, then calibrate it
Converter model
Input, LO and output ranges; sum or difference product; Calc buttons work out the missing range.
Fractional multipliers
Numerator and denominator from −100 to +100 on input and LO, for harmonic mixers and internal dividers.
LO source
Port 3 or 4 on 4-port models, an external source controlled over USB, or a fixed external LO.
Sweep types
Linear frequency with at least one range fixed; CW time and power sweep with all ranges fixed.
Segment sweeps
Per-segment points, IF bandwidth and input, output and LO power; settings saved as .mxr files.
Power and receiver calibration
Source-power calibration with a power meter, then receiver calibration.
Scalar-mixer calibration
Open, short and load plus power meter: vector correction of both port matches, scalar correction of transmission.
Four parameters
Conversion loss, input match, output match and reverse isolation.
Specification
From the SNA6000A data sheet and user manual.
| Parameters | S21 conversion loss/gain, S11 input match, S22 output match, S12 reverse isolation |
| Mixer products | Sum (+) or difference (−) of input and LO |
| Valid configurations | Linear frequency: at least one of input, LO, output fixed · CW time and power sweep: all fixed |
| Sweep types | Linear frequency, CW time, power (input or LO), segment |
| Fractional multipliers | Input and LO, numerator and denominator −100 to +100 (not 0) |
| LO source | Port 3 or 4 (4-port models), USB-controlled external source, or not controlled (fixed external LO) |
| Calibration | Source power (power meter), receiver, scalar-mixer calibration with open/short/load |
| Compatible power meters | Keysight U2000 series, R&S NRP series and others (user manual 7.6.1) |
| Settings files | .mxr — sweep type, segments, frequency and power |
| Frequency range | Input and output within 100 kHz to 13.5 or 26.5 GHz (model dependent) |
Compatibility and activation
Works on all eight models. 4-port models can take the LO from port 3 or 4; 2-port models use an external LO source.
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.
Goes with
Questions about SNA6000-SMM
Can I measure phase or group delay through a mixer?
No. Scalar-mixer calibration corrects the transmission as a magnitude, so the phase of the conversion result is not valid. The port matches are vector-corrected.
Where does the LO come from?
On a 4-port SNA6000A, port 3 or port 4 can be the LO. Otherwise the analyser controls an external signal generator over USB, or you supply a fixed LO yourself and set it to “not controlled”.
Do I need a power meter?
For the source-power calibration step, yes — a compatible model such as the Keysight U2000 or R&S NRP series. The scalar-mixer calibration uses it together with open, short and load standards.
Can it handle harmonic mixers or converters with internal dividers?
Yes. Fractional multipliers on the input and LO describe, for example, a third-harmonic mixer (LO × 3) or a divide-by-two stage, so the receiver tunes to the right output frequency.
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.