Siglent SSA3000XR-AMA AM/FM modulation analysis option (software)
Siglent SSA3000XR-AMA Measurement license option for AM and FM modulation analysis for the SSA3000X-R: AM depth 5–95 %, FM deviation 1–400 kHz, modulation rate and carrier power from 2 MHz. Licence key.
SSA3000XR-AMA — AM/FM modulation analysis
AM and FM modulation analysis for the SSA3000X-R: modulation rate, AM depth, FM deviation and carrier power as numbers, from 2 MHz to the top of the instrument’s range.
Every SSA3000X-R can already demodulate AM or FM to its headphone socket — enough to hear that a signal is there. It cannot tell you how deep the AM is or how far the FM deviates. This key adds the modulation analyser for AM and FM: tune to the carrier, set the IF bandwidth, and the analyser reports modulation rate, depth or deviation and carrier power, averaged over as many measurements as you choose.
What this option does
What it does
Measures AM modulation rates from 20 Hz to 100 kHz and depths from 5 to 95 %, and FM rates from 20 Hz to 200 kHz with deviation from 1 to 400 kHz — depth and deviation to ±4 % nominal — plus carrier power to ±2 dB nominal.
What you use it for
Checking analog transmitters against their specification: FM deviation on two-way radios, wireless microphones and broadcast links, AM depth on aviation and broadcast transmitters, and the modulation output of signal generators and test sets.
In practice
A two-way radio sounds distorted at the edge of coverage. With a steady test tone on the microphone input, the FM deviation readout shows the radio running past its channel limit — the deviation limiter is set too high. You adjust it while the number updates, instead of inferring the fault from complaints.
This option covers AM and FM only — there is no PM analysis on the SSA3000X-R. Analysis starts at 2 MHz, and the carrier must be between −30 and +20 dBm at the input; use an attenuator for a transmitter output. For ASK, FSK, PSK or QAM you need SSA3000XR-WDMA instead.
Standard demodulation or AMA?
Every SSA3000X-R demodulates AM and FM to audio. The key turns that into a measurement.
| Standard | With AMA | |
|---|---|---|
| Listen to AM or FM through the headphone socket | Yes | Yes |
| AM depth as a number | No | Yes, 5–95 % |
| FM deviation as a number | No | Yes, 1–400 kHz |
| Modulation rate as a number | No | Yes |
| Carrier power reading | Via marker | Yes, ±2 dB nom. |
| Averaging of results | — | 1 to 1000 measurements |
Specification
From the SSA3000X-R data sheet, user manual and programming guide.
| Frequency range | 2 MHz to 3.2, 5.0 or 7.5 GHz, depending on the model |
| Carrier power range | −30 to +20 dBm (nominal) · accuracy ±2 dB (nominal) |
| AM modulation rate | 20 Hz to 100 kHz · accuracy 1 Hz below 1 kHz rate, < 0.1 % of rate from 1 kHz (nominal) |
| AM depth | 5 to 95 % · accuracy ±4 % (nominal) |
| FM modulation rate | 20 Hz to 200 kHz · accuracy 1 Hz below 1 kHz rate, < 0.1 % of rate from 1 kHz (nominal) |
| FM deviation | 1 to 400 kHz · accuracy ±4 % (nominal) |
| IF bandwidth | 60, 96, 120, 240, 300, 480, 600, 960 kHz and 1.2 MHz |
| Equivalent low-pass filter | Off, or IFBW/6, /20, /60, /200, /600, /2000 |
| Averaging | Off, or 1 to 1000 measurements |
| Trigger | Free run, RF level, external |
| Remote control | SCPI — :ADEMod:STYLe AM|FM selects the analysis |
Compatibility and activation
Supplied as a licence key issued against the instrument’s serial number. There is no hardware to fit and nothing to return: the key is entered under System → System Info → Load Option, and AM and FM appear in the modulation analyser’s Meas menu.
The SSA3000X Plus and SVA1000X use their own keys: SSA3000X Plus-AMA and SVA1000X-AMA.
Questions about SSA3000XR-AMA
My SSA3000X-R already has AM/FM demodulation. What does this add?
The standard demodulation plays the signal through the headphone socket so you can hear it. It does not measure the modulation. SSA3000XR-AMA gives numbers: AM depth, FM deviation, modulation rate and carrier power, with averaging.
Does it do PM?
No. On the SSA3000X-R the analog modulation analysis covers AM and FM only.
How do I choose the IF bandwidth?
Siglent’s rule: for AM, more than twice the modulation rate; for FM, more than twice the sum of deviation and modulation rate. Keep it as narrow as that allows for the best signal-to-noise. The widest setting, 1.2 MHz, is what makes 400 kHz deviation with a 200 kHz rate the upper limit.
Can I connect a transmitter directly?
Only within −30 to +20 dBm carrier power. A handheld radio at several watts is far above that; use a suitably rated attenuator between the transmitter and the analyser input.
Can I measure below 2 MHz?
No. The modulation analyser starts at 2 MHz on all three models.
Does it work on every SSA3000X-R?
Yes — the SSA3032X-R, SSA3050X-R and SSA3075X-R. The key is tied to one instrument’s serial number.
I have an SSA3000X Plus or SVA1000X.
Those have their own keys: SSA3000X Plus-AMA and SVA1000X-AMA. This key is for the SSA3000X-R only.
How is the licence delivered?
Supplied as a licence key issued against the instrument’s serial number. There is no hardware to fit and nothing to return: the key is entered under System → System Info → Load Option, and AM and FM appear in the modulation analyser’s Meas menu. Add the instrument’s serial number to your order, or send it to us afterwards — the key is issued against it.
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.
Measuring an analog transmitter?
Tell us the carrier frequency, power and the modulation you need to verify. We will confirm the option and the attenuation you need in front of the analyser.