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FULL TECHNICAL REVIEW FNIRSI SG-003A SG-004A Signal Generator

Product Introduction

The FNIRSI SG-003A and SG-004A are versatile handheld signal generators designed for professionals and hobbyists working with industrial automation, process control, and electrical systems. These devices serve as indispensable tools for simulating, measuring, and calibrating a wide array of electrical signals, including active and passive current, voltage, and frequency. They address the critical need for accurate signal generation and measurement in complex systems, enabling engineers and technicians to diagnose issues, test equipment, and ensure precise operation of PLCs, process instruments, and pneumatic valves. With their comprehensive capabilities and robust design, the SG-003A and SG-004A stand out as all-in-one solutions for field calibration, maintenance, and development tasks, offering unparalleled flexibility in a compact form factor. Check out our other technical reviews for more hardware testing.

Hardware specifications

Core Specifications: FNIRSI SG-003A SG-004A

  • Model Numbers: SG-003A, SG-004A
  • Brand Name: FNIRSI
  • Origin: Mainland China
  • Certification: CE
  • DIY Supplies: Electrical
  • Display: 2.4-inch LCD
  • Battery: 3.7V 3000mAh Lithium battery (included)
  • Charging Interface: Type-C, 5V input
  • Standby Time: 24-26 hours
  • Operating Time: 8-10 hours (with 20mA continuous output)
  • Operating Environment: 0 °C — 50 °C
  • Protection: Internal reverse and overcurrent protection, protection voltage up to 30V
  • Dimensions (SG-003A): 92mm*72mm*30mm
  • Dimensions (SG-004A): 112mm*82mm*27mm
  • Weight (SG-003A): 165g
  • High-concerned chemical: None
  • Active Current Output Range: 0~24mA
  • Active Current Output Maximum Load: 750Ω
  • Passive Current Output Range: 0-24 mA
  • Passive Current Output Resolution: 0.01 mA
  • Voltage Output Range: 0-24 V
  • Voltage Output Maximum Current: 30mA
  • 24V Voltage Output Drive Current: 24mA
  • Current Input Measurement Range: 0-24 mA
  • Current Input Measurement Input Impedance: 100Ω
  • Voltage Input Measurement Range: 0-30 V
  • Voltage Input Impedance: 2MΩ
  • PWM Output (Frequency) Range: 0-9999Hz
Available Versions

Available Versions & Selection Guide

The FNIRSI signal generator is available in several versions to suit different user preferences and needs. The core models are SG-003A and SG-004A. Additionally, the SG-004A is offered in different color variants, specifically SG-004A-BU (Blue) and SG-004A-YE (Yellow), providing aesthetic choices without compromising functionality.

Package Contents

What’s in the Box?

For SG-003A: 1*FNIRSI SG-003A, 4*Test Clip, 1*Type-C Charging Cable, 1*EU Charger
For SG-004A: 1*FNIRSI SG-004A, 4*Test Clip, 1*Type-C Charging Cable, 1*EU Charger

Features and benefits

Why I love FNIRSI SG-003A SG-004A

  • Comprehensive Signal Generation and Measurement: The FNIRSI SG-003A/SG-004A offers an extensive range of output signals, including active current (0-24mA with ±(0.02%+0.003) precision and 0.001mA resolution), passive current (0-24mA with similar precision and 0.001mA resolution, supporting external power up to 30V), and voltage (0-24V with ±(0.02%+0.003) precision and 0.001V resolution). This broad capability allows users to simulate virtually any industrial sensor or actuator, making it an invaluable tool for testing and calibrating PLCs, DCS systems, and other process control equipment. The high precision and fine resolution ensure that even subtle signal variations can be accurately generated and detected, critical for sensitive applications.
  • Advanced Temperature and Resistance Simulation: Beyond standard current and voltage, the device excels in simulating and measuring a wide array of thermocouples (TC-S, B, E, K, R, J, T, N, WRe3/25, WRe5/26) across vast temperature ranges (e.g., TC-S up to 1760°C, WRe up to 2320°C) with impressive precision (e.g., ±(0.2%+1) for many types) and 1°C resolution. It also handles resistance (0-390Ω) and thermal resistance types like Pt100 (-200~650°C) and Cu50 (-20~150°C) with high accuracy. This makes it an indispensable tool for HVAC technicians, metallurgists, and anyone working with temperature-sensitive industrial processes, eliminating the need for multiple specialized calibrators.
  • Robust Power Management and Portability: Equipped with a 3.7V 3000mAh lithium battery, the SG-003A/SG-004A provides a substantial standby time of 24-26 hours and an operational time of 8-10 hours with continuous 20mA output. This extended battery life, coupled with a compact size (e.g., 112mm*82mm*27mm for SG-004A, 92mm*72mm*30mm for SG-003A) and lightweight design (165g for SG-003A), ensures maximum portability and usability in the field, reducing downtime and enhancing productivity. The convenient Type-C charging interface (5V input) further simplifies power management, allowing for easy recharging with common adapters.
  • Enhanced Protection and User-Friendly Features: The device incorporates internal reverse and overcurrent protection, safeguarding both the calibrator and the connected equipment from potential damage, with a protection voltage up to 30V. This robust protection mechanism provides peace of mind during complex testing scenarios. Furthermore, features like automatic output, output timing, preset output, signal linear conversion, real-time curve display, and Modbus slave functionality significantly streamline calibration and troubleshooting workflows, making complex tasks more manageable and efficient for users of all skill levels.
  • Comprehensive Diagnostic and Programming Extensions: The inclusion of advanced programming extensions such as «Program automatic lift output,» «Output timing,» «Preset output,» «Modbus slave,» «Signal linear conversion output,» «Real-time curve,» «History record,» «USB analog serial communication,» and «USB Emulated U Disk Firmware Upgrade» transforms this signal generator into a powerful diagnostic and development platform. These features enable automated testing sequences, data logging, and seamless integration with PC-based analysis tools, providing unparalleled flexibility for advanced users to customize and optimize their testing procedures and maintain up-to-date functionality.
Pros and Cons

Strengths & Weaknesses:

What I Like

  • Wide range of signal outputs (active/passive current, voltage, frequency, mV, thermocouples, resistance, thermal resistance)
  • High precision and fine resolution across all measurement and output types (e.g., ±(0.02%+0.003) for current/voltage with 0.001mA/V resolution)
  • Long battery life (3000mAh, 8-10 hours continuous output, 24-26 hours standby) and portable design
  • Comprehensive protection features (internal reverse and overcurrent protection up to 30V)
  • Advanced programming extensions for automation, data logging, and firmware updates (Modbus slave, real-time curve, preset output, USB firmware upgrade)
  • Versatile input measurement capabilities for current, voltage, frequency, mV, thermocouples, and resistance
  • 2.4-inch LCD for clear display of parameters and real-time curves

Points to Consider

  • Some minor inconsistencies in reported dimensions and resolution units across different data sources (e.g., resolution for passive current and voltage output listed as mA instead of V/mA in some OCR data)
  • Charger plug issue reported by one user, though the device itself functioned
  • No explicit mention of a dedicated chip/MCU, though not critical for a signal generator
  • Information on technical support resources (e.g., GitHub, official documentation) is not readily available in the provided data
  • The «Resistance (ohm) output» resolution is listed as 0.1°C, which is likely a typo and should be 0.1Ω
Price and Availability

Where to Buy & Customer Reviews

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Store info

STORE

⭐ 98.6% Positive Feedback | 123.0K Followers 

Name:FNIRSI Official Store
Store no.:2939001
Location:China
Open since:Feb 26, 2017

Detailed seller ratings

Item as Described4.9 Above Average
Communication4.9 Above Average
Shipping Speed4.9 Above Average

OTHER GOODS

User reviews

User Reviews & Feedback Analysis ⭐ 4.9 (14) | Sold (70)

Reviews FNIRSI SG-003A SG-004A

Authentic Feedback Analysis:
⭐ 5.0/5 | M***s: The product arrived on time and without damage. Ok
⭐ 5.0/5 | Я***ч: Fast delivery. The device is excellent. For home use, it’s more than enough. Not the first time I’ve bought from this seller, always everything is great.
⭐ 5.0/5 | К***ч: Thank you. Delivered very quickly. Firmware 3.0. Checked functionality and features, everything works as stated by the manufacturer.
⭐ 5.0/5 | П***ч: Super device. Has everything you need!!!
⭐ 4.0/5 | Г***й: Everything arrived intact, packaging is good. The charger plug doesn’t work, connected another one, the device started charging then turned on and works. Minus one point for the faulty plug.


Pinout and Interface Map

PRODUCT PARAMETER FNIRSI SG-003A SG-004A

FNIRSI SG-003A SG-004A

Pinout and Interface Map

Technical Specifications & Comparison FNIRSI SG-003A SG-004A

Signal / ParameterRangePrecisionResolutionMax Load / Internal ImpedanceExternal Power Supply
Output: Active Current (mA)0~24mA±(0.02%+0.003)0.001mA750ΩN/A
Output: Passive Current (XMT)0~24mA±(0.02%+0.003)0.001mA100Ω0~30V
Output: Voltage (V)0~24V±(0.02%+0.003)0.001V500KN/A
Output: 24V Loop0~24mA±(0.1%+0.005)0.01mA100ΩN/A
Output: Frequency (Hz) / PWM0~9999Hz±2%5 digits1MKN/A
Output: Millivolt (mV)-10~100mV±(0.03%+0.03)0.01mV2KN/A
Output: Thermocouple (TC-S)0~1760°C±(0.2%+1)1°C2KN/A
Output: Thermocouple (TC-B)0~1810°C±(0.5%+1)1°C2KN/A
Output: Thermocouple (TC-E)0~990°C±(0.2%+1)1°C2KN/A
Output: Thermocouple (TC-K)0~1320°C±(0.2%+1)1°C2KN/A
Output: Thermocouple (TC-R)0~1760°C±(0.3%+1)1°C2KN/A
Output: Thermocouple (TC-J)0~1190°C±(0.3%+1)1°C2KN/A
Output: Thermocouple (TC-T)0~390°C±(0.2%+1)1°C2KN/A
Output: Thermocouple (TC-N)0~1290°C±(0.2%+1)1°C2KN/A
Output: Thermocouple (WRe3/25)0~2320°C±(0.2%+1)1°C2KN/A
Output: Thermocouple (WRe5/26)0~2320°C±(0.2%+1)1°C2KN/A
Output: Resistance (ohm)0~390Ω±(0.2%+1)0.1Ω/N/A
Output: Pt100-200~650°C±(0.5%+1)0.1°C/N/A
Output: Cu50-20~150°C±(0.5%+1)0.1°C/N/A
Input: Current (mA)0~24mA±(0.02%+0.003)0.001mA100ΩN/A
Input: Voltage (V)0~24V±(0.02%+0.003)0.001V500KN/A
Input: Frequency/PWM0~9999Hz±2%5 digits1MKN/A
Input: Millivolt (mV)/Thermocouple-10~110mV±(0.03%+0.03)0.01mV2KN/A
Input: Resistance/Thermal Resistance0~400Ω±(0.2%+1)0.1Ω/N/A
Battery Capacity3000mAhN/AN/AN/AN/A
Standby Time24-26 hoursN/AN/AN/AN/A
Operating Time (20mA output)8-10 hoursN/AN/AN/AN/A
Operating Environment0 °C — 50 °CN/AN/AN/AN/A
Protection Voltage30VN/AN/AN/AN/A
Display Size2.4in LCDN/AN/AN/AN/A
Dimensions (SG-003A)92mm*72mm*30mmN/AN/AN/AN/A
Dimensions (SG-004A)112mm*82mm*27mmN/AN/AN/AN/A
Weight (SG-003A)165gN/AN/AN/AN/A
Final summary

Final Verdict: FNIRSI SG-003A SG-004A

The FNIRSI SG-003A and SG-004A signal generators represent an exceptional value proposition for anyone involved in industrial automation, process control, or electrical calibration. Their unparalleled versatility in generating and measuring a vast array of signals—from precise current and voltage to a comprehensive suite of thermocouple and resistance types—makes them a true all-in-one solution, eliminating the need for multiple specialized devices. The high precision, robust battery life, and integrated protection features ensure reliable performance in demanding field environments, while advanced programming extensions like Modbus slave and real-time curve analysis empower users with sophisticated diagnostic capabilities. Despite minor inconsistencies in documentation, the overwhelmingly positive user feedback and the sheer breadth of functionality confirm that these devices are an ideal choice for both hobbyists seeking advanced tools and professionals requiring dependable, multi-functional calibrators. The main advantage that overshadows any minor drawbacks is their comprehensive signal generation and measurement capabilities combined with high accuracy, making them an indispensable asset for troubleshooting, maintenance, and development. For more in-depth analyses, visit andibond.com.

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