Rigol MSO5000 oscilloscope, Siglent SDG 2042X plus GPSDO

[m_AN_g_LE_r]

Is there any way to use a GPSDO to synchronise my oscilloscope and function generator? I can pass the GPSDO into the signal generator reference in, but as the Rigol oscilloscope does not have a reference input, I am trying to find out if I could input the reference signal into a channel and use it as a clock source. I don't think it's possible, but I'm sure you can confirm it for me.

[nctnico]

The trigger synchronises the various signals so unless you are making really long acquisitions (time wise), the internal oscillator will be just fine. But last time I checked, the SDG2000X series doesn't lock to an external clock source properly anyway. You'll need a far better generator if you want to do high precission time / frequency measurements.

[NoisyBoy]

I agree with nctnico’s comments.  I ran my whole lab off GPSDO with a distribution amp, in my case, 2042X actually does a decent job in output stability when I measure it with a dedicated counter.

For high precision time/frequency measurement, I would not bother with a low end scope like a MSO5000, it simply does not have enough precision for the job, and lacks an external time base input.  I tend to use my universal counter, HP 6332A for low frequency, and the 53131A for higher frequency as it goes to 3GHz.

[tautech]

But last time I checked, the SDG2000X series doesn't lock to an external clock source properly anyway.

See here:
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/the-siglent-sdg2042x-thread/msg5043091/#msg5043091

[nctnico]

But last time I checked, the SDG2000X series doesn't lock to an external clock source properly anyway.

See here:
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/the-siglent-sdg2042x-thread/msg5043091/#msg5043091

You are missing the point. Being synchronised to an external clock means that the output frequency doesn't drift at all in respect to the external clock. The SDG2000X series doesn't do that. Siglent has attempted some fixes and it seems to be worse instead of better judging from the tests others have performed after I have reported my findings.