Product Data Sheet

Model 685 Arbitrary Waveform Generator

A high-performance arbitrary waveform generator with 2, 4, or 8 analog channels, sample rates to 6.16 GS/s (12.32 GS/s in RF mode), 16-bit vertical resolution, and output frequency to 6 GHz. Three operating modes, deep waveform memory, and synchronized digital pattern generation make it a single instrument for the most demanding signal scenarios.

Model 685 · July 2021 · Specifications per published Berkeley Nucleonics data sheet
Berkeley Nucleonics Model 685 arbitrary waveform generator

1Overview

The Berkeley Nucleonics Model 685 is a high-performance arbitrary waveform generator that pairs a 6.16 GS/s sample rate (12.32 GS/s in RF mode) with 16-bit vertical resolution and output frequency up to 6 GHz. It is available with 2, 4, or 8 analog channels, with up to 4 Gpts of waveform memory per channel and up to 32 synchronized digital channels for mixed-signal generation. The instrument also operates as a Serial Pattern Generator (SPG) and Digital Pattern Generator.

Features

  • 2, 4 or 8 analog channels
  • 6.16 GS/s (12.32 GS/s in RF mode)
  • 16-bit vertical resolution
  • Up to 6 GHz output frequency
  • < 110 ps rise/fall time
  • Up to 5 Vpp output voltage and ± 2.5 V hardware offset into 50 Ω
  • Up to 4 Gpts waveform memory per channel
  • Up to 32 digital channels synchronous with analog generation

Applications

  • Aerospace and Defense
  • Institute and University Research
  • Semiconductor Tests
  • Automotive
  • IoT

2Features & Benefits

  • Sample rate can be programmed from 1 S/s to 6.16 GS/s (12.32 GS/s in RF mode), with 16-bit vertical resolution, ensuring exceptional signal integrity.
  • Arbitrary waveform memory up to 4 Gpts for each analog channel.
  • Mixed Signal Generation: 2, 4, or 8 analog channels with 8, 16, or 32 synchronized digital channels for debugging and validating digital design.
  • Three operation modes: Simple Rider AFG (DDS AFG mode), True Arb (variable clock Arbitrary AWG mode) and SPG (Serial Pattern Generator).
  • Digital outputs provide up to 1.54 Gb/s data rate in LVDS format. LVDS to LVTTL adapter is available.
  • Advanced sequencer with up to 16384 user-defined waveforms provides the possibility of generating complex signal scenarios with the most efficient memory usage.
  • Windows-based platform with 7 in touchscreen, front panel buttons and knob.
  • Compact form factor, convenient for bench top and fully fit with 3U, 19" rack-mount standard.
  • LAN, USB-TMC and GPIB interfaces for remote control.

3Model Configurations

The Model 685 is offered in single-ended (C) and differential (CD) variants with 2, 4, or 8 analog channels. Digital outputs and marker outputs scale with channel count.

ModelAnalog ChannelsOutput TypeDigital Out (optional)Marker Out
685-2C / 685-2CD2Single-ended (C) / Differential (CD)0 / 8 optional1
685-4C / 685-4CD4Single-ended (C) / Differential (CD)0 / 8 / 16 optional2
685-8C / 685-8CD8Single-ended (C) / Differential (CD)0 / 8 / 16 / 24 / 32 optional4

Up to 4 instruments can be synchronized to obtain a 32 analog / 128 digital channel generator. A dedicated synchronization bus guarantees intra-chassis synchronization.

4User Interface

Simple Rider AFG: Function Generator Mode

Simple Rider AFG function-generator touchscreen interface
Simple Rider AFG function-generator interface.

The Simple Rider AFG UI is designed using a touchscreen interface, developed to put all the capabilities of modern waveform generators at your fingertips. All instrument controls and parameters are accessible through an intuitive UI that recalls the simplicity of modern tablets and smartphones. Scientists and engineers can use gestures and touch commands to create advanced waveforms or digital patterns with ease.

  • The swipe gesture gives easy access to the output waveform parameters.
  • A touch-friendly virtual numeric keypad improves the user experience when entering data.
  • Time-saving shortcuts and intuitive icons simplify the instrument setup.

Simple Rider TrueArb: AWG and DPG Mode

Simple Rider TrueArb analog waveform sequencer interface
TrueArb analog waveform sequencer with per-entry parameters.

In the Simple Rider True-Arb interface, users can define complex waveforms with up to 16,384 sequence entries of analog waveforms and digital patterns, and define their execution flow by means of loops, jumps, and conditional branches. Digital output combined and synchronized with analog output signals is an ideal tool to troubleshoot and validate digital design. The waveform memory length of up to 4 GSamples on each channel, combined with up to 16,384 sequence entries and up to 4,294,967,294 repetitions, makes the Model 685 the ideal generator for the most demanding technical applications.

Simple Rider TrueArb digital pattern sequencer interface
TrueArb digital pattern sequencer, synchronized with analog output.

Thanks to the intuitive waveform sequencer user interface, you can create the most complex waveform scenarios with just a few screen touches. Model 685 supports the standard Ethernet interface for remote control and easy customized instrument programming.

Simple Rider SPG: Serial Pattern Generator Mode

Simple Rider SPG serial pattern generator transition editor
SPG transition editor with user-defined bit-transition shapes.

The touchscreen display interface allows creating pattern scenarios in a few screen touches. The Data Pattern Generator provides the capability to generate PRBS patterns and up to 2 MSymbols custom patterns where bit transitions can have arbitrarily user-defined shapes. The Model 685 Serial Pattern Generator can generate patterns up to 1.5 Gbaud. The software architecture makes it possible to generate the patterns in different generation modalities and to modulate the patterns with internal or external signals to generate different noise effects (jitter, ripple, and similar).

5Applications

Automotive

Today's cars include highly sophisticated and electronically controlled units with sensitive electronic components. The Model 685 combines a 6.16 GSa/s sampling rate with a 16-bit vertical resolution. It represents an ideal and successful tool for addressing the new testing challenges in the automotive industry. It includes:

  • EMI debugging, troubleshooting, and testing
  • Electrical standards emulation up to 5 V

IoT and Ind 4.0 Perfect RF Modulator

The Model 685 is the iconic instrument for this application. It can emulate complex RF I/Q modulation for simulation and test of wireless devices or for work on the Internet of Things and Industry 4.0 applications. Engineers may import waveforms to emulate devices for test purposes and impose distortion on waveforms (such as noise) to test device compliance with standards.

Semiconductor Testing

Emulation of complex signals with the inclusion of noise or distortions can be an excellent way to provide Compliance Components Test to help semiconductor engineers. The fast edges and pulse generation can be used to provide characterization in fast power devices.

Research Applications

Research centers and universities are key users of the Model 685. Complex waveform and sophisticated pulse emulation based on variable edges or multilevel signals can be perfectly created. The combination of fast edge generation, excellent dynamic range, and easy-to-use user interface meets the needs of scientists and engineers working on Quantum Research or large experiments such as Accelerators, Tokamak, or synchrotrons, to emulate signals without creating specific test boards.

  • Emulation of detectors
  • Emulation of signal sources adding noise
  • Generation/playback of real-world signals
  • Emulation of long PRBS sequences
  • Modulating and driving laser diodes

Aerospace and Defense

The Model 685 works perfectly with electronic warfare signals, such as those produced by radar or sonar systems. This generator can also be fitted into a modular system for radio or I/Q signal modulation. It can create pulses useful in pulse electron beams, X-ray sources, flash X-ray radiography, lightning pulse simulators, and high-power microwave modulators.

  • Frequency response, intermodulation distortion and noise-figure measurements
  • Phase Locked Loop (PLL) pull-in and hold-range characterization
  • Radar base-band signals emulation

6General Specifications

Conditions: All specifications are typical unless noted otherwise. The guaranteed performances are referred to a calibrated instrument that has been stored for a minimum of 2 hours within the operating temperature range of 5°C to 40°C and after a 45-minute warm-up period. Within ±10°C after auto-calibration.
ParameterModel 685-2C / 2CDModel 685-4C / 4CDModel 685-8C / 8CD
Operating ModeAFG Mode / True Arb Mode / SPG Mode
Analog Channels248
Digital Out0 / 8 optional0 / 8 / 16 optional0 / 8 / 16 / 24 / 32 optional
Marker Out124

Output Channels

ParameterSingle-ended (685-2C / 4C / 8C)Differential (685-2CD / 4CD / 8CD)
Output TypeSingle ended DC coupledDifferential DC coupled
Output ImpedanceSingle-ended: 50 ΩSingle-ended: 50 Ω
Differential: 100 Ω
ConnectorsSMA on front panel

DC Amplitude

ParameterSingle-endedDifferential
Amplitude Range±2.5 V (into 50 Ω)±0.75 V Se. (into 50 Ω)
±1.5 V Diff. (into 100 Ω)
Resolution100 µV (nom), 5 digits
Amplitude Accuracy (guaranteed)±(1% of |setting| + 5 mV)±(0.5% of |setting| + 2 mV)

DC Baseline Hardware Offset (Common mode offset)

ParameterSingle-endedDifferential
Resolution< 4 mV or 4 digits
Range (50 Ω into 50 Ω)-2.5 V to +2.5 V-2 V to +2 V
Range (50 Ω into High Z load)-2.5 V to +2.5 V-4 V to +4 V
Accuracy (50 Ω into 50 Ω) (guaranteed)± (1% of |setting| + 5 mV)
AC Accuracy (1 kHz sine wave, 0 V offset, > 5 mVp-p amplitude, 50 Ω load) (guaranteed)± (1% of setting [Vpp] + 5 mV)

7True Arb — Baseband Mode

ParameterModel 685-2C / 4C / 8C · 685-2CD / 4CD / 8CD
Operating ModeVariable clock (True Arbitrary), Baseband mode
Sample Rate1 S/s to 6.16 GS/s
Sin(x)/x2.72 GHz @ 6.16 GS/s
Run ModesContinuous, Triggered Continuous, Single/Burst, Stepped, Advanced
Vertical Resolution16 bit
Waveform Length128 to 2G samples per channel (up to 4G samples optional)
Waveform Granularity1 if the entry length is > 416 samples
32 if entry length is ≥ 128 and ≤ 416 samples
Sequence Length1 to 16384
Sequence Repeat Counter1 to 4294967294 or infinite
Timer Range / Resolution20 ns to 1.39 seconds / ± 1 sampling clock cycle
Analog Channel to Channels skew — Range0 to 2.63 µs
Analog Channel to Channels skew — Resolution100 fs
Analog Channel to Channels skew — Accuracy±(1% of setting + 20 ps)
Initial skew< 20 ps
ParameterSingle-ended (685-2C / 4C / 8C)Differential (685-2CD / 4CD / 8CD)
Calculated bandwidth (0.35 / rise or fall time)≥ 2 GHz≥ 2.2 GHz
SFDR @ 100 MHz (Fsa = 6 Gsa/s, measured across DC to Fs/2, excluding fsa - 2·fout and fsa - 3·fout and excluding harmonic)< -80 dBc< -90 dBc
SFDR (Fsa = 6.16 Gsa/s, measured across DC to Fs/2, excluding fsa - 2·fout and fsa - 3·fout and excluding harmonic) 11 µHz to ≤ 600 MHz: < -80 dBc
600 MHz to ≤ 1.5 GHz: < -75 dBc
1.5 GHz to ≤ 2 GHz: < -65 dBc
2 GHz to ≤ 3 GHz: < -55 dBc
1 µHz to < 100 MHz: < -90 dBc
100 MHz to ≤ 600 MHz: < -82 dBc
600 MHz to ≤ 1.5 GHz: < -75 dBc
1.5 GHz to ≤ 2 GHz: < -70 dBc
2 GHz to ≤ 3 GHz: < -62 dBc
Rise/fall time (1 Vp-p single-ended 10% to 90%)≤ 175 ps≤ 155 ps
Rise/fall time (1 Vp-p single-ended 20% to 80%)≤ 110 ps≤ 100 ps
Overshoot (1 Vp-p single-ended)< 5%< 6%
Random jitter on clock pattern (rms, typical)< 2 ps

1 For 685-2C/4C/8C models the SFDR is evaluated @ 2.5 Vpp single ended nominal output amplitude. For 685-2CD/4CD/8CD models the SFDR is evaluated @ 1.5 Vpp differential nominal output amplitude provided to the spectrum analyzer through a Minicircuit TC1-1-13M+ balun.

8True Arb — RF Mode

ParameterModel 685-2C / 4C / 8C · 685-2CD / 4CD / 8CD
Operating ModeVariable clock (True Arbitrary), RF mode
Output Sample Rate8.5 GS/s to 12.32 GS/s
Sin(x)/x5.04 GHz @ 12.32 GS/s
RF ModulationI/Q quadrature
RF Carrier Count per Output ChannelSingle Carrier (2 components I0, Q0 for channel)
Double Carrier (4 components, I0, Q0 and I1, Q1 for channel)
RF Carrier Frequency Range0 up to 6 GHz
RF Carrier Frequency Resolution1 mHz
RF Carrier PhaseProgrammable
I/Q Component Data Rate1/8 of the Output Sample rate
I/Q Component Prescaler0 to 2^32
Run ModesContinuous, Triggered Continuous, Single/Burst, Stepped, Advanced
I/Q Component Vertical Resolution16 bit
I/Q Component Waveform Length32M to 500M samples for component (up to 1G samples optional)
I/Q Component Waveform Granularity1 if the entry length is > 104 samples
8 if entry length is ≥ 32 and ≤ 104 samples
Sequence Length1 to 16384
Sequence Repeat Counter1 to 4294967294 or infinite
Timer Range / Resolution20 ns to 1.39 seconds / ± 1 Component sampling clock cycle
I/Q Component to Component skew — Range0 to [16200 · 8 / Output Sampling Clock] s
I/Q Component to Component skew — Resolution[8 / Output Sampling Clock] s
I/Q Component to Component skew — Accuracy±(1% of setting + 20 ps)
Initial Skew< 20 ps

9AFG Mode

General Specifications

ParameterSingle-ended (685-2C / 4C / 8C)Differential (685-2CD / 4CD / 8CD)
Amplitude0 to 5 Vpp (into 50 Ω)0 to 3 Vpp Diff. (into 100 Ω)
0 to 1.5 Vpp Se. (into 50 Ω)
Resolution100 µV (nom), 5 digits
Operating ModeDDS mode
Standard WaveformsSine, Square, Pulse, Ramp, more (Noise, DC, Sin(x)/x, Gaussian, Lorentz, Exponential Rise, Exponential Decay, Haversine)
Run ModesContinuous, modulation, sweep, burst
Arbitrary WaveformsVertical resolution: 16-bit; Waveform length: 16,384 points
Internal Trigger Timer — Range / Resolution / Accuracy10.4 ns to 88 s / 80 ps / ±(0.1% setting + 5 ps)

Sine Waves

ParameterSingle-endedDifferential
Frequency Range Sine (50 Ω into 50 Ω) 21 µHz to ≤ 1 GHz: 5 Vpp
1 GHz to ≤ 2 GHz: 4 Vpp
1 µHz to ≤ 2 GHz: 3 Vpp Diff.
1 µHz to ≤ 2 GHz: 1.5 Vpp Se.
Flatness (1 Vpp, relative to 1 kHz)DC to 2 GHz: ±0.5 dBDC to 2 GHz: ±0.5 dB (1 Vpp diff., relative to 1 kHz)
Harmonic Distortion (1 Vp-p)1 µHz to ≤ 20 kHz < -75 dBc
20 kHz to ≤ 400 MHz < -70 dBc
400 MHz to ≤ 1 GHz < -60 dBc
1 GHz to ≤ 2 GHz < -55 dBc
Total Harmonic Distortion (1 Vp-p)10 Hz to 20 kHz < 0.05%
Spurious (measured across DC to Fs/2) 31 µHz to ≤ 500 MHz: < -75 dBc
500 MHz to ≤ 1.5 GHz: < -70 dBc
1.5 GHz to ≤ 2 GHz: < -55 dBc
1 µHz to ≤ 250 MHz: < -85 dBc
250 MHz to ≤ 500 MHz: < -80 dBc
500 MHz to ≤ 1.5 GHz: < -70 dBc
1.5 GHz to ≤ 2 GHz: < -60 dBc
Phase Noise (1 Vp-p, 10 kHz offset)20 MHz: < -127 dBc/Hz typ.
100 MHz: < -123 dBc/Hz typ.
1 GHz: < -105 dBc/Hz typ.

Square Waves

ParameterValue
Frequency Range1 µHz to ≤ 770 MHz
Rise/fall Time (10% to 90%)400 ps
Rise/fall Time (20% to 80%)300 ps
Overshoot (1 Vp-p)< 2%
Jitter (rms)< 2 ps

Pulse Waves

ParameterValue
Frequency Range1 µHz to ≤ 770 MHz
Pulse Width500 ps to (Period – 500 ps) 4
Pulse Width Resolution20 ps or 15 digits
Pulse Duty0.1% to 99.9% (limitations of pulse width apply)
Leading/trailing edge transition time (10% to 90%)400 ps to 1000 s
Leading/trailing edge transition time (20% to 80%)300 ps to 1000 s
Transition Time Resolution2 ps or 15 digits
Overshoot (1 Vp-p)< 2%
Jitter (rms, with rise and fall time ≥ 400 ps)< 2 ps

Double Pulse Waves

ParameterSingle-endedDifferential
Frequency Range1 µHz to ≤ 385 MHz: 10 Vpp where Vpp = |Vpp1| + |Vpp2|1 µHz to ≤ 385 MHz: 6 Vpp Diff. (1 µHz to ≤ 385 MHz: 3 Vpp Se) where Vpp = |Vpp1| + |Vpp2|
Other Pulse ParametersSame as Pulse Waves

Ramp Waves

ParameterValue
Frequency Range1 µHz to 75 MHz
Linearity (< 10 kHz, 1 Vp-p, 100%)≤ 0.1%
Symmetry0% to 100%

Other Waves

WaveformFrequency Range
Exponential Rise, Exponential Decay1 µHz to 75 MHz
Sin(x)/x, Gaussian, Lorentz, Haversine1 µHz to 150 MHz

Additive Noise

ParameterSingle-endedDifferential
Bandwidth (-3 dB)2 GHz
Level0 V to 2.5 V - abs(carrier max value [Vpk])0 V to 0.75 V Single Ended - abs(carrier max value [Vpk])
0 V to 1.5 V Differential - abs(carrier max value [Vpk])
Resolution1 mV

Arbitrary

ParameterValue
Number of Samples2 to 16384
Frequency Range1 µHz to ≤ 770 MHz
Analog Bandwidth (-3 dB)950 MHz
Rise/Fall Time (10% to 90%)400 ps
Rise/Fall Time (20% to 80%)300 ps
Jitter (rms)< 2 ps

Frequency Resolution & Accuracy

ParameterValue
Frequency Resolution — Sine, Square, Pulse, Arbitrary, Sin(x)/x1 µHz or 15 digits
Frequency Resolution — Gaussian, Lorentz, Exponential Rise, Exponential Decay, Haversine1 µHz or 14 digits
Frequency Accuracy — Non-ARB± 2.0 ppm of setting | ± 500 ppb of setting (Opt.)
Frequency Accuracy — ARB± 2.0 ppm of setting ±1 µHz | ± 500 ppb of setting ±1 µHz (Opt.)

2 Amplitude doubles on HiZ load.   3 For 685-2C/4C/8C models the spurious are evaluated @ 1 Vpp single ended nominal output amplitude. For 685-2CD/4CD/8CD models the SFDR is evaluated @ 1 Vpp differential nominal output amplitude provided to the spectrum analyzer through a Minicircuit TC1-1-13M+ balun.   4 Below 500 ps width, the pulse amplitude will have some reduction respect to the set value.

10Modulation

Amplitude Modulation (AM)

Carrier WaveformsStandard waveforms (except Pulse, DC and Noise), ARB
Modulation SourceInternal or external
Internal Modulating WaveformsSine, Square, Ramp, Noise, ARB
Modulating FrequencyInternal: 500 µHz to 61 MHz, External: 10 MHz maximum
Depth0.00% to 120.00%

Frequency Modulation (FM)

Carrier WaveformsStandard waveforms (except Pulse, DC and Noise), ARB
Modulation SourceInternal or external
Internal Modulating WaveformsSine, Square, Ramp, Noise, ARB
Modulating FrequencyInternal: 500 µHz to 61 MHz, External: 10 MHz maximum
Peak DeviationDC to 2 GHz

Phase Modulation (PM)

Carrier WaveformsStandard waveforms (except Pulse, DC and Noise), ARB
Modulation SourceInternal or external
Internal Modulating WaveformsSine, Square, Ramp, Noise, ARB
Modulating FrequencyInternal: 500 µHz to 61 MHz, External: 10 MHz maximum
Phase Deviation Range0° to 360°

Frequency Shift Keying (FSK)

Carrier WaveformsStandard waveforms (except Pulse, DC and Noise), ARB
Modulation SourceInternal or external
Internal Modulating WaveformsSquare
Key RateInternal: 500 µHz to 61 MHz, External: 10 MHz maximum
Hop Frequency1 µHz to 2 GHz
Number of Keys2

Phase Shift Keying (PSK)

Carrier WaveformsStandard waveforms (except Pulse, DC and Noise), ARB
Modulation sourceInternal or external
Internal Modulating WaveformsSquare
Key RateInternal: 500 µHz to 61 MHz, External: 10 MHz maximum
Hop Frequency0° to +360°
Number of Keys2

Pulse Width Modulation (PWM)

Carrier WaveformsPulse
Modulation SourceInternal or external
Internal Modulating WaveformsSine, Square, Ramp, Noise, ARB
Modulating FrequencyInternal: 500 µHz to 61 MHz, External: 10 MHz maximum
Deviation Range0% to 50% of pulse period

11Sweep, Burst & Timing/Clock

Sweep

TypeLinear, Logarithmic, staircase, and user defined
WaveformsStandard waveforms (except Pulse, DC and Noise), ARB
Sweep Time30 ns to 2000 s
Hold/return Times0 to (2000 s - 30 ns)
Sweep/Hold/Return Time Resolution15 ns or 12 digits
Total Sweep Time Accuracy≤ 0.4%
Start/Stop Frequency RangeSine: 1 µHz to 2 GHz, Square: 1 µHz to 770 MHz
Trigger SourceInternal/External/Manual

Burst

WaveformsStandard waveforms (except DC and Noise), ARB
TypeTrigger or gated
Burst Count1 to 4,294,967,295 cycles or Infinite

Timing and Clock

Sampling Rate — Range1 S/s to 6.16 GS/s (1 S/s to 12.32 GS/s in RF mode)
Sampling Rate — Resolution32 Hz
Sampling Rate — Accuracy± 2.0 ppm | ± 500 ppb (Opt.)

12Digital Outputs (Optional)

Output Channels

ConnectorsMini-SAS HD connector on rear panel (custom pin-out)
Number of Connectors1, 2, 4
Number of Outputs8-bits, 16-bits, 32-bits
Output impedance100 Ω differential
Output typeLVDS
Rise/fall time (10% to 90%)< 1 ns
Jitter (rms)20 ps
Maximum update rate1.54 Gbps per channel
Memory depth512M Samples per digital channel (up to 1G optional)

8-bit LVDS to LVTTL Converter Probe (Optional AT-DTLL8)

Output Connector20 position 2.54 mm 2 Row IDC Header
Output TypeLVTTL
Output Impedance50 Ω nominal
Output Voltage0.8 V to 3.8 V programmable in group of 8 bits
Maximum Update Rate125 Mbps @ 0.8 V and 400 Mbps @ 3.6 V
DimensionsW 2 in x H 0.9 in x D 3 in [52 mm x 22 mm x 76 mm]
Input ConnectorProprietary standard
Cable Length1 meter
Cable TypeProprietary standard

Proprietary Mini SAS HD to SMA cable (Optional)

Output ConnectorSMA
Output TypeLVDS
Number of SMA16 (8 bits)
Cable TypeProprietary standard
Cable Length1 meter

13Auxiliary I/O & Marker

Sync In/Out

Connector TypeInfiniband 4X connector on rear panel (custom pinout)
Master to Slave Delay (typical)TBD

Marker Output

ConnectorsSMA on Front Panel
Number of Connectors1 | 2 | 4
Output Impedance50 Ω
Output level (into 50 Ω) — Voltage Window-0.5 V to 1.65 V
Output level (into 50 Ω) — Amplitude100 mVpp to 2.15 Vpp
Output level (into 50 Ω) — Resolution1 mV
Output level (into 50 Ω) — Accuracy±(5% setting + 25 mV)
Switching — Max Update Rate (True Arb Mode)6.16 Gbps
Switching — Max Data Rate (True Arb Mode)> 4 Gbps @ 1 Vpp swing
Switching — Max Frequency (AFG Mode)96.5 MHz (continuous mode)
Rise/fall time (10% to 90%, 2 Vpp)< 150 ps
Jitter (rms)< 10 ps
Marker out to analog channel skew — RangeTrue Arb Mode: 0 to 2.3 µs; AFG Mode: 0 to 100 sec. in Contin. Mode, 0 to 2.25 µs in Trig. Mode
Marker out to analog channel skew — ResolutionTrue Arb Mode: 1/64 of DAC sampling period, AFG Mode: 5 ps
Marker out to analog channel skew — Accuracy±(1% of setting + 5 ps)
Marker out to analog channel skew — Initial skew< 20 ps

14Trigger / Event Inputs

ConnectorSMA on the Front Panel
Number of Trigger Inputs2 (Trig.in 1, Trig.in 2)
Input Impedance50 Ω / 1 kΩ
Slope/PolarityPositive or negative or both
Input Damage Level< -15 V or > +15 V
Threshold Control Level-10 V to 10 V
Resolution50 mV
Threshold Control Accuracy±(10% of |setting| + 0.2 V)
Input Voltage Swing0.5 Vp-p minimum
Minimum Pulse Width (1 Vp-p)3 ns
Trigger/gate input to Analog Output Delay — Slow (synchronous) triggerAFG mode: < 355 ns (< 405 ns in triggered sweep mode)
True Arb mode: < 1550 · DAC clock period (ns) + 10 ns
Trigger/gate input to Analog Output Delay — Fast (asynchronous) triggerAFG mode: < 335 ns (< 385 ns in triggered sweep mode)
True Arb mode: < 1360 · DAC clock period (ns) + 27 ns
Trigger In to Output Jitter (rms)AFG mode: < 20 ps; True Arb mode: 0.29 · DAC clock period
Trigger In Programmable Delay Range0 ps to 2418 ps
Trigger In Programmable Delay Resolution78 ps
Maximum FrequencyAFG: 65 MTps on Rising/Falling Edge, 80 MTps on Both Edges
True Arb mode: 1 / (Period of the Analog Waveform + 48 DAC Clock period)
MTps = Mega Transitions per second

15Clock & Reference

Reference Clock Input

Connector TypeSMA on Rear Panel
Input Impedance50 Ω, AC coupled
Input Voltage Range0.2 Vpp to 2 Vpp
Damage LevelMaximum Input voltage: -0.3 V to 3.6 V; Maximum input power: 30 dBm (50 Ω)
Frequency Range5 MHz to 200 MHz
Frequency Resolution1 Hz

Reference Clock Output

Connector TypeSMA on Rear Panel
Output Impedance50 Ω, AC coupled
Frequency10 MHz TCXO | 100 MHz VCOCXO (Optional)
Initial Accuracy @ 25 °C± 1.0 ppm | ± 500 ppb (Opt.)
Aging± 1.0 ppm/year | ± 500 ppb/year (Opt.)
Stability vs. Temperature± 1 ppm | ± 50 ppb (Opt.)
Amplitude1.65 Vpp
Phase Noise @ 20 MHz Carrier-120 dBc/Hz at 100 Hz; -140 dBc/Hz at 1 kHz; -150 dBc/Hz at 10 kHz
Phase Noise @ 100 MHz Carrier (Opt.)-120 dBc/Hz at 100 Hz; -145 dBc/Hz at 1 kHz; -150 dBc/Hz at 10 kHz

External Clock Input

Connector TypeSMA on Rear Panel
Input Impedance50 Ω, AC coupled
Frequency 5True Arb: SampleRate / N where N = 4, 8, 16, 32 for SampleRate = 5.0 ÷ 6.16 GHz; N = 2, 4, 8, 16, 32 for SampleRate = 3.08 ÷ 5.0 GHz
AFG: 192.5 MHz, 385 MHz, 770 MHz or 1540 MHz (selectable)
Input Power Range+0 dBm to +10 dBm
Damage Level15 dBm

Sync Clk Out

Connector TypeSMA on Rear Panel
Output Impedance50 Ω, AC coupled
FrequencyAFG Mode: 6.16 GHz / N where N = 16, 32, 64, …, 2048
AWG Mode: 6.16 GHz / 16 to 6.16 GHz / 4096
Amplitude1 Vpp into 50 Ohm

External Modulation Input

Connector TypeSMA on Rear Panel
Input Impedance10 kΩ
Number of Inputs1
Bandwidth10 MHz with 50 MS/s sampling rate
Input Voltage Range-1 V to +1 V (except FSK, PSK). FSK, PSK: 0 V ÷ 3.3 V with 1.65 V fixed threshold
Vertical Resolution12-bit

Pattern Jump In (optional)

Connector TypeDSUB15
Input SignalsDATA[0..7] + Data Select + Load
Internal Data Width14 bit, multiplexed using Data_Select
Number of Addressable Entries16384
Data RateDC to 1 MHz
Input RangeVIL = 0 V to 0.8 V / VIH = 2 V to 3.3 V
ImpedanceInternal 1 kΩ pull-up resistor to Vcc (3.3 V)

5 When using the External Clock Input the SampleRate must be in the range 3.08 ÷ 6.16 GHz.

16Power, System & Environmental

Power

Source Voltage and Frequency100 to 240 VAC ±10% @ 45-66 Hz
Max. Power ConsumptionMax. 100 W (Model 685-2C / 2CD)
Max. 200 W (Model 685-4C / 4CD)
Max. 300 W (Model 685-8C / 8CD)

Environmental Characteristics

Temperature (operating)+41 °F to 104 °F [+5 °C to +40 °C]
Temperature (non-operating)-4 °F to 140 °F [-20 °C to +60 °C]
Humidity (operating)5% to 80% relative humidity with a maximum wet bulb temperature of 84°F (29°C) at or below +104°F (40°C), (upper limit de-rates to 20.6% relative humidity at +104°F (40°C)). Non-condensing.
Humidity (non-operating)5% to 95% relative humidity with a maximum wet bulb temperature of 104°F (40°C) at or below +140°F (60°C), upper limit de-rates to 29.8% relative humidity at +140°F (60°C). Non-condensing.
Altitude (operating)9,842 feet (3,000 meters) maximum at or below 77°F (25°C)
Altitude (non-operating)39,370 feet (12,000 meters) maximum

EMC and Safety

SafetyEN61010-1
Main StandardsEN 61326-1:2013 – Electrical equipment for measurement, control and laboratory use – EMC requirements – Part 1: General requirements
ImmunityEN 61326-1:2013

System Specifications

Display7", 1024x600, capacitive touch LCD
Operative SystemWindows 10
External DimensionsW 17.6 in – H 5.4 in – D 12.6 in (3U 19" rackmount) (445 mm – 135 mm – 320 mm)
WeightMax. 26.45 lbs (12 Kg)
Front panel connectorsCH N OUTPUT (SMA) where N=2,4,8 depending on the model; MARKER N OUT (SMA) where N=1,2,4 depending on the model; TRG IN N (SMA) where N=1,2; 2 USB 3.0 ports
Rear panel connectorsRef. Clk. IN (SMA); Ref. Clk. Out (SMA); Ext. Mod. IN (SMA); Sync Clk Out (SMA); Ext Clk IN (SMA); Sync IN (Infiniband 4X); Sync OUT (Infiniband 4X); Pattern Jump In (DSUB15) (685-XC-FSS opt. only); POD X[7..0] where X=A,B,C,D depending on the model (Customized Mini SAS HD); External Monitor ports (one or more); 2 USB 2.0 ports or more; 4 USB 3.0 ports; Ethernet port (10/100/1000BaseT Ethernet, RJ45 port); 2 PS/2 keyboard and mouse ports; 2 DPI ports; 1 DVI port
Hard Disk1 TB SSD or better
ProcessorIntel® Pentium 3.7 GHz (or better)
Processor Memory32 GB or better

Specifications transcribed from the published Berkeley Nucleonics Model 685 data sheet (July 2021). Specifications are subject to change without notice. To create a configured PDF of this data sheet, use the Create your own PDF button.