The Siglent SDG2042X Thread

[KungFuJosh]

Get a kick out of newbies that immediately claim somethings "broken/bug" because it doesn't "behave" the way they expect, without taking the time to understand the reasoning behind why things behave the way they do!!!

That's why I usually ask "what's up with this" rather than assuming something is a bug. 😉

[chaohwa4]

I recently received Siglent SDG2042X. According to the specs, the maximum frequency is 40 MHz. I want to send an arbitrary waveform to 1.8 GHz or 2.4 GHz. How can I make it work?

Thank you so much.

[KungFuJosh]

I recently received Siglent SDG2042X. According to the specs, the maximum frequency is 40 MHz. I want to send an arbitrary waveform to 1.8 GHz or 2.4 GHz. How can I make it work?

Thank you so much.

Buy another AWG that can generate in that range. MHz < GHz.

[chaohwa4]

Or buy an RF mixer to run the RF frequency in the GHz range to pair with the signal generator.

[Vit G]

if a square wave (or other not sine/cosine) signal with a frequency of 5 MHz is fed to an RF mixer with a frequency transfer to 1 GHz, this does not mean that you will get a square wave with a frequency of 1.005/0.995 GHz. therefore, it will still not be possible to transmit synthesized waveforms by this method.

[famalex]

The new firmware version for SDG2000X is ready for us.
https://siglentna.com/service-and-support/firmware-software/waveform-generators/#sdg2000x-series

[KungFuJosh]

Ohhh, nice! I love that 4th item:

1. Solve the problem of output desynchronization when modulation depth/phase deviation/frequency deviation is changed in channel tracking mode with AM/PM/FM modulation

2. Solve the problem of abnormal output waveform when switching back to the internal clock when the external reference clock is abnormal.

3. Solve the problem of occasional abnormal output waveform after power on

4. Add the function of long pressing store/recall to save screenshots

[RoV]

It seems that, even if not mentioned in the release history, they have solved the bug related to new firmwares with old hardware versions, that affected FW 2.01.01.37R8_EN, 2.01.01.37R6_EN, 2.01.01.37R3_EN. See my post https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/the-siglent-sdg2042x-thread/msg5134449/#msg5134449 and the following one.

I have just tested the new release 2.01.01.38R4_EN and the sweep anomaly around 293 kHz has disappeared. Wonderful! It took some time, but thanks Siglent!

[electr_peter]

Level step at 293hHz is no more with the newest FW. Siglent responds to bug reports

[Roger Need]

Hi, Tautech!

    Can I hope that you will someday correct the phase shift between channels that cannot be eliminated by the EqPhase button?
-9 Degrees error on 100MHz (abt 0.25nS)
    Phase Coupling procedure is not a solution that should be used. it is only needed to compensate for the length of the cables if it is different. with the same length there should be enough EqPhase button!

Do you have the latest firmware installed ?

I have seen this before with identical cables but with EqPhase it is much reduced then to add some small Phase adjustment can be nulled completely out. However as you change frequencies phase can move slightly and you need make further adjustments.

Attached from a SDG6022X, 20 MHz, 500mV and identical cables with EqPhase and channel copy applied where any phase difference is tiny then have added 5^o to show a difference between channels.

I just installed the latest firmware (2.01.01.38R4) on a 2122X and was disappointed to find the time delay between the two channels has not been fixed.  It is still around 350 ps. at 120 MHz.  which is a phase difference of 15 degrees.  Test was done with matched cables in track mode.  In CH copy mode with EW Phase pressed i got the same result.

Tautech - can you please submit this bug to Siglent for comsideration?

Roger

[ebastler]

[...] the time delay between the two channels has not been fixed.  It is still around 350 ps. at 120 MHz.  which is a phase difference of 15 degrees.

That's less than half a sampling interval, 1/(1.2 GHz) = 833 ps. I wonder whether this deviation can be corrected in firmware at all?

[slavoy]

I finally found the time to unbox and play with my SDG2042X. The upgrade went smoothly, and the latest firmware installed without issues, but I have a problem. All the buttons are constantly lit... During the LEDTest, there are no changes; the buttons stay lit. So, I guess I need to pack it up and send it for service?   :'(
Also this rise time is... but i knew it.
I'm tempted to take it apart 

[KungFuJosh]

Were the LEDs like that before updating firmware?

I would try a factory reset and reflashing the new firmware before sending it back.

[slavoy]

Is there a method for a factory reset? I only did 'Set to Default,' but I think that only changes the settings.
Firmware reflash did not have any effect.
The worst part is, I did not pay attention if they were lit before  I will try a downgrade too.
I have already opened a 1032X before, and that seals are quite tricky 

[tautech]

Is there a method for a factory reset?

Yes, but not public.

I only did 'Set to Default,' but I think that only changes the settings.
Firmware reflash did not have any effect.
The worst part is, I did not pay attention if they were lit before  I will try a downgrade too.
I have already opened a 1032X before, and that seals are quite tricky 

Will any of the buttons toggle their states ?
Can you turn the channels, Mod etc to OFF ?

[slavoy]

Yes, they function fine in that regard. Its just that they are constantly backlit.

[tautech]

Yes, they function fine in that regard. Its just that they are constantly backlit.

Hmmm
Will send PM.

[ironcurtain]

For those who own a SDG here and do RF experiments/work, what have you done or accomplished with SDG, or what use cases has your SDG served so far?

I got mine recently and I'll likely be testing some buffered signal distribution boards I have put together.

[McBryce]

For those who own a SDG here and do RF experiments/work, what have you done or accomplished with SDG, or what use cases has your SDG served so far?

I got mine recently and I'll likely be testing some buffered signal distribution boards I have put together.

I used mine recently to test an array of bandpass filters that I designed for an Audio Spectrum analyser I'm building, based on IN-13 Nixie Tubes. I bought it originally to test the output filter of a DC/DC Boost converter for an extremely sensitive application that wasn't doing what I expected, but I've found many uses for it in between.

McBryce. 

[KungFuJosh]

I used mine recently to test an array of bandpass filters that I designed for an Audio Spectrum analyser I'm building, based on IN-13 Nixie Tubes.

That sounds cool! Any photos of it?

[blackdog]

Hi,

On my main workbench is an SDG 1032X, SDG 20242X, SSG 3021X and another function generator in my SDS 2100 Scoop.

For most work below 10MHz the SDG1032X goes on, this is because I often use a mix of Sine and Square wave when testing.
The Square wave to 1V peak peak of the SDG 1032X is almost perfect, so it is very useful when measuring broadband amplifiers.
There are virtually no abberations seen on the Square wave(this of course within its bandwidth)

Today I did some measurements on reception circuits for the German DCF time transmitter on 77.5KHz using the SDG 1032x and the HF generator SSG 3021X.

Also, my Rigol DSA spectrum analyzer for some measurements.
I noticed that the SDG 1032 is extremely flat in its operating range.
This of course if he sees a nice 50 Ohm load and that for a generator of around 350€ here in the Netherlands

Furthermore, I usually use the SDG 1032X for the Bode plots I make, this because the generator is right next to my scope and this is convenient with the coax cables.

With kind regards,
Bram

PS
KungFuJosh want a picture, that is posible! 

This is a Bode Plot made with the SDG 1032X generator coupled to the SDS 2100 Scope.
It is a measurement regarding the bandwidth (Q) of a ferrite rod around 600KHz

[McBryce]

I used mine recently to test an array of bandpass filters that I designed for an Audio Spectrum analyser I'm building, based on IN-13 Nixie Tubes.

That sounds cool! Any photos of it?

Unfortunately, it's still at a very early stage and moving extremely slowly, because life. Eventually it should match the style of the clock I built a few years ago. It will probably have 10 or 12 bands and the input will be via a microphone, so that it reacts to everything in the room and not just hooked up to the sound system.

McBryce.

The Clock....

 

[KungFuJosh]

The Clock....

Cool! I love nixie tube stuff.

[Bad_Driver]

You are all too „scientific“ 
First thing I did after upgrading my new SDG2000 was setting it to 100 MHz, put a dipol antenna on it,  choose FM and connected my iPod. Than I played „Stairway to heaven“ and enjoyed it in my garage, 25 meters away!

[blackdog]

Hi Bad_Driver,

Think you are the first to do this! 

You did apply the 50uSec pe amphase, otherwise it sounds very “dull”

Kind regards,
Bram