As RF applications continue to evolve, requirements for general-purpose signal generation are also changing. Wireless connectivity, IoT devices, increasingly integrated RF components, and the wider use of RF technology in education, development, and production are creating demand for entry-level instruments that provide reliable signal quality, accurate output-level control, and flexible modulation capabilities while remaining practical for everyday use.
With the new SSG3000X Plus Series, SIGLENT responds to these changing requirements by introducing the successor to its established SSG3000X Series. The new generation raises the performance level of SIGLENT’s entry-level analog RF signal generators while maintaining a focus on accessible, general-purpose RF testing.
The SSG3000X Plus Series offers frequency ranges from 9kHz to either 2.1 or 3.2GHz, with 0.01Hz frequency setting resolution. Typical phase noise is -117dBc/Hz at a 1GHz carrier and 20kHz offset, enabling clean, accurate RF signal generation for development, education, and production use.
Output levels start at -110dBm, with specified performance up to +13dBm and a maximum settable output level of +20dBm. Typical level accuracy is ≤0.7dB, supporting applications that require stable, repeatable control of the signal applied to the device under test.
In addition to CW generation, the SSG3000X Plus Series supports integrated AM, FM, and phase modulation using internal, external, or combined modulation sources. It also provides pulse modulation with an on/off ratio of ≥68dBc, and an optional pulse train generator expands the platform for more advanced pulsed RF experiments and test setups.
For applications that require modulated RF signals, the SSG3000X-IQE Plus models offer external IQ modulation. When used with a suitable baseband IQ source, such as a SIGLENT SDG6000X Series generator, they can typically generate IQ-modulated signals with RF bandwidths of up to 200MHz. This setup also supports applications such as two-tone signal generation for third-order intercept (TOI) testing.
The Plus generation also introduces capabilities designed to simplify practical RF measurement workflows. USB power sensors can be integrated for power measurement and output control, allowing the generator to adjust its output based on the measured power at the device under test. This can be particularly useful when cables, components, or other elements in the signal path introduce losses between the generator and DUT.
A 5-inch capacitive touchscreen gives users direct access to instrument functions, while keyboard and mouse support provide additional operating options. Browser-based remote access allows control from PCs and mobile devices without dedicated software. USB and LAN interfaces are standard, with GPIB and a higher-precision OCXO frequency reference available as options.
With these capabilities, the SSG3000X Plus Series supports a wide range of general-purpose RF applications, from education and introductory RF work to component characterisation, development, troubleshooting, and manufacturing test.
The launch of the SSG3000X Plus Series marks SIGLENT’s transition from the existing SSG3000X platform to a new generation of entry-level RF signal generators. The series has been developed to give RF measurement engineers access to a signal source with suitable performance and capabilities for practical everyday use.
The SSG3000X Plus Series provides an entry point for users who need essential RF signal generation capabilities with room to support learning, experimentation, and growth.
