Siglent SSA5000-IFO IF output (software license)
Makes the analyser a tunable down-converter: the signal at the centre frequency comes out at a 120 MHz intermediate frequency, 40 MHz wide, for an external digitiser or receiver.
SSA5000-IFO — 120 MHz IF output
Makes the analyser a tunable down-converter: the signal at the centre frequency comes out at a 120 MHz intermediate frequency, 40 MHz wide, for an external digitiser or receiver.
Inside the analyser, whatever you tune to is converted to an intermediate frequency before it is digitised. This option brings that IF out. Anything from 9 kHz to 13.6 or 26.5 GHz can then be handed to equipment that only works around 120 MHz — a digitiser, an oscilloscope or a software-defined radio.
What this option does
What it does
Enables an IF output centred on 120 MHz with a nominal bandwidth of 40 MHz, 50 Ω. The analyser’s tuning, attenuator and pre-amplifier form the front end.
What you use it for
Feeding an external digitiser or demodulator, recording wideband signals with your own equipment, and extending a low-frequency receiver to microwave frequencies.
In practice
A lab has a 14-bit digitiser and its own analysis software, but nothing that tunes to 18 GHz. The analyser is set to the carrier and the digitiser samples the 120 MHz IF.
⚠ Confirm the connector before you order. Siglent’s data sheet specifies the IF output as a BNC on the rear panel. The rear-panel description in the user manual, and the photo above, show BNC connectors for 10 MHz IN, 10 MHz OUT, TRIG OUT and TRIG IN only. Send us your serial number and we will confirm with Siglent how the IF is brought out on your unit. The conversion gain is nominal, so the output is not a calibrated level.
The output, by the data sheet
Centre frequency
120 MHz.
Bandwidth
40 MHz nominal, so 100 to 140 MHz at the output.
Conversion gain
−13 to +5 dB nominal, plus the frequency response.
Connector
BNC female, 50 Ω, rear panel (data sheet).
Tuning range
The analyser’s own: 9 kHz to 13.6 or 26.5 GHz.
Front end
Input attenuator 0 to 50 dB in 2 dB steps ahead of the conversion.
Common reference
Lock the external equipment to the analyser’s 10 MHz reference output.
By key
A software licence in Siglent’s price list.
Specification
From the SSA5000A data sheet (EN02A) and user manual.
| Centre frequency | 120 MHz |
| Bandwidth | 40 MHz (nominal) |
| Conversion gain | −13 to +5 dB (nominal) plus frequency response |
| Impedance / connector | 50 Ω, BNC female, rear panel |
| 10 MHz reference output | > 0 dBm, BNC female, 50 Ω (nominal) |
| 10 MHz reference input | −5 to +10 dBm, BNC female, 50 Ω (nominal) |
Compatibility and activation
Listed for both models.
Supplied as a licence key issued against the analyser’s serial number — nothing to fit and nothing to return. Enter it under System → System → Load Option, or load the licence file from internal memory or a USB stick; the option is active after a restart.
Questions about SSA5000-IFO
What can I connect to the IF output?
Anything with a 50 Ω input that covers 100 to 140 MHz: a digitiser, an oscilloscope, a receiver or a software-defined radio.
Is the output level calibrated?
No. Siglent gives the conversion gain as −13 to +5 dB nominal plus the frequency response. For absolute levels, calibrate the chain with a known signal at the frequency you work at.
Where is the connector?
On the rear panel according to the data sheet. The user manual’s rear-panel table does not show a dedicated IF connector, so ask us to confirm for your unit before ordering.
IF output or I/Q acquisition?
SSA5000-IQA stores samples inside the analyser. The IF output hands the analogue signal to your own hardware, which then sets the sample rate, resolution and record length.
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 → System → Load Option, or load the licence file from internal memory or a USB stick; the option is active after a restart. 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 SSA5000A measurement?
Tell us the signal, the frequency range and what you need to measure. We will confirm the model and the options you need before you order.