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Product Data Sheet

Model 865B-M-40-X 8 kHz to 40 GHz Multi-Channel Wideband Synthesizer

A multi-channel wideband low phase noise synthesizer settable from 100 kHz (8 kHz with option 8K) to 40 GHz, settable to 43.5 GHz, with 1, 2, 3, or 4 fully independent outputs. Each channel sets its own frequency, output power, phase, and modulation. Settable output power range is −5 to +25 dBm.

8 kHz to 40 GHz (settable 43.5 GHz) · 1 to 4 channels · −130 dBc/Hz @ 1 kHz, 1 GHz (option LN / LN+)
Berkeley Nucleonics Model 865B-M-40-X multi-channel wideband synthesizer

1Overview

The Model 865B-M-X is a multi-channel wideband low phase-noise synthesizer settable from 100 kHz (8 kHz with option 8K) to 40 GHz. The product is available with 1, 2, 3 or 4 fully independently configurable outputs. For each output channel, frequency, output power, phase and modulation can be set. The settable output power range is from −5 to +25 dBm.

The Model 865B-M-X has a milli-Hz frequency resolution and uses a high-stability OCXO internal reference. The reference can be phase-locked to a 10 or 100 MHz external reference. With option VREF, a user-settable range from 1 to 250 MHz is available. For highest phase coherence, multiple 865B-M-Xs can be cascaded with just one master reference clock.

When ordered with option FILT, the 865B-M-X provides excellent harmonic rejection even at full output power. The 865B-M-X offers dedicated sweeping capabilities with switching speeds of only 500 µs (20 µs with option FS) and internal phase and narrow pulse modulation. The module has USB and LAN interfaces (optionally also GPIB) and can be controlled using the SCPI 1999 command set.

Definitions. Specifications describe the warranted performance of the instrument for 23 ±5 °C after a 30-minute warm-up period. Typical: expected mean values, not warranted performance. Min and max: parameter range guaranteed by product design and/or production tested, including guard-bands for statistical performance distribution, measurement uncertainties, and environmental conditions.

2Key Features

  • Highly phase synchronous, with multiple units cascaded on one master reference clock.
  • Fast switching down to 20 µs (option FS).
  • Angular and pulse modulation (FM, PM, pulse).
  • Internal OCXO with external variable reference (option VREF).
  • 1, 2, 3 or 4 fully independent outputs, each with its own frequency, power, phase, and modulation.

Applications: ATE; LO for frequency converters; Telecom / SatCom; system integration.

3Signal & Reference

Signal Specifications

ParameterMinTypicalMaxNote
Frequency Range100 kHz
8 kHz		40 GHzSettable to 43.5 GHz; Option 8K
Resolution0.001 Hz
Phase Resolution0.01 deg
Switching Speed (CW Mode)1.5 msafter SCPI command received
Switching Speed (Sweep / List Mode)500 µs
20 µs		500 µsOption FS

Frequency Reference

ParameterMinTypicalMaxNote
Internal reference frequency100 MHz
10 MHz		Option LN
Temperature stability±100 ppb
±20 ppb		0 to 50 degC; Option LN / LN+
Aging 1st year1 ppm
0.03 ppm
0.02 ppm		Option LN; Option LN+
Aging per day5 ppb
0.5 ppb
< 0.5 ppb		after 30 days operations; Option LN; Option LN+
Warm-up time5 min
Output of internal reference100 MHz
10 / 100 MHz		Option LN / LN+
Output power0 dBm5 dBm
Output impedance50 Ohms
Bypass Internal reference Input100 MHzHigh phase synchronous mode
Phase Lock to External Reference1 MHz10 MHz, integer MHz
100 MHz		250 MHzOption VREF; Reference Bypass Mode
Reference input level (10 MHz or 1–250 MHz)−5 dBm
5 dBm		0 dBm
 		+13 dBm
+15 dBm		Bypass 100 MHz
Reference input impedance50 Ohm
Lock Range (10 MHz or 1–250 MHz)±1.5 ppm
>100 ppm		Bypass 100 MHz

4Level Performance & Accuracy

Level Performance (Output power range)

Maximum output power versus frequency, without option FILT
Figure 1: Maximum Output Power (without option FILT).
BandMinMaxNote
8 kHz to 10 MHz−10 dBm+20 dBmoption 8K
10 MHz to 5 GHz−10 dBm+20 dBm
5 to 20 GHz−5 dBm+20 dBm
20 to 28 GHz10 dBm+19 dBm
28 to 40 GHz0 dBm+16 dBm
10 MHz to 5 GHz−10 dBm+15 dBmOption FILT
5 to 20 GHz−10 dBm+12 dBmOption FILT
20 to 28 GHz5 dBm+12 dBmOption FILT
28 to 40 GHz−10 dBm+10 dBm
+8 dBm		Option FILT; Option FILT + 8K
Maximum output power versus frequency, with option FILT
Figure 2: Maximum Output Power with FILT.
Maximum output power at 8 to 250 kHz, option 9K
Figure 3: Maximum Output Power at 8 to 250 kHz (option 9K).

Level Accuracy

ParameterMinTypicalMaxNote
Power Resolution0.5 dB
Power Accuracy±1.0 dB± 2.5 dB

Reverse Power Protection and VSWR

ParameterMinTypicalMaxNote
Reverse Power Protection (DC Voltage)7 V
Reverse Power Protection (RF Power)20 dBm
Output impedance50 Ohms
VSWR1.8

5Phase Noise & Spectral Purity

Phase Noise

SSB phase noise versus offset frequency, with option LN
Figure 4: Phase Noise Performance with option LN.
SSB Phase noise at 1 GHzTypicalNote
at 10 Hz from carrier−93 dBc/HzOption LN / LN+
at 1 kHz from carrier−130 dBc/Hz
at 100 kHz from carrier−145 dBc/Hz
Wideband noise−160 dBc/Hz
SSB Phase noise at 10 GHzTypicalNote
at 10 Hz from carrier−73 dBc/HzOption LN / LN+
at 1 kHz from carrier−110 dBc/Hz
at 100 kHz from carrier−125 dBc/Hz
Wideband noise−160 dBc/Hz
SSB phase noise versus offset frequency, without option LN
Figure 5: Phase Noise Performance without option LN.
Amplitude noise versus offset frequency at 10 GHz
Figure 6: Amplitude Noise at 10 GHz.
Note. Datasheet revision V125.1 (dc-51105202) lists figures 4–6 as removed from the released PDF. The plots above are reproduced from the prior released revision and are marked for engineering re-verification before publication. (verify)

Spectral Purity

Output harmonics @ 5 dBmTypicalMaxNote
< 1.2 GHz−25 dBc−20 dBc(see also plots)
1.2 to 2.5 GHz−15 dBc−9 dBc
2.5 to 5 GHz−30 dBc−23 dBc
5 to 12 GHz−15 dBc−9 dBc
12 to 20 GHz−25 dBc−20 dBc
> 20 GHz−20 dBc−12 dBc
Output harmonics @ 0 dBm (Option FILT)TypicalMax
< 1 GHz−35 dBc−25 dBc
> 1 GHz−55 dBc−45 dBc
Sub-harmonics @ 5 dBmTypicalMax
< 20 GHz−75 dBc−55 dBc
> 20 GHz−50 dBc−25 dBc
Non-harmonic spurious @ 5 dBm
(CW, offset from 10 kHz until 500 MHz)		TypicalMax
< 1.2 GHz−90 dBc−55 dBc
1.2 – 2.5 GHz−85 dBc−55 dBc
2.5 – 5 GHz−80 dBc−55 dBc
5 – 10 GHz−75 dBc−55 dBc
10 – 20 GHz−70 dBc−50 dBc
> 20 GHz−65 dBc 
Note. Harmonics plots Figure 7 (Harmonics @ 0 dBm with option FILT), Figure 8 (Harmonics +15 dBm with option FILT), and Figure 9 (Harmonics at lower frequencies and 0 dBm with option 9K) appear in the source PDF as vector charts and were not extractable as standalone raster figures. (verify)

6Modulation

Pulse Modulation

Pulse modulation on-off ratio versus frequency
Figure 10: Pulse Modulation on-off ratio.
ParameterMinTypicalMaxNote
Modulation sourceInternal / External
Pulse rise/fall time10 ns
On/off ratio25 dB40 dBPout > +10 dBm, see plot
Pulse overshoot10%
Pulse delay20 ns
Pulse polarityNormal, inverse selectable
External input threshold0.85 V0.9 V0.95 VTTL compatible
External input voltage range−0.5 V+5.5 VTTL compatible
External input hysteresis60 mV

Internal Pulse Generator

ParameterMinTypicalMaxNote
Repetition frequency (PRF)0.1 Hz100 MHz= 1/T
Duty cycle1 %99 %in 1% steps, within specified minimum pulse width
Minimum pulse settling range30 ns20 s
Pulse Pattern Modulation & Staggered PRFUsing internal pattern generator
Pulse width30 ns5 s
Programmable pattern length265536
Duty cycle0.05%99.95%
Pulse width resolution5 ns
Pulse period (T) accuracy0.00005×T + 3 ns
Pulse width accuracy0.00005×T + 5 ns
Pulse jitter< 100 ps1 ns
Polarityselectable

Frequency Modulation

ParameterMinTypicalMaxNote
Modulation sourceInternal
Maximum Frequency deviation (peak)N · 400 MHz< 1.25 GHz (N=1); 1.25 to 2.5 GHz (N=0.125); 2.5 to 5 GHz (N=0.25); 5 to 10 GHz (N=0.5); 10 to 20 GHz (N=1); 20 to 40 GHz (N=2)
Deviation accuracy0.50%2%
Distortion (THD)< 1 %1 kHz rate, 10 kHz deviation
Modulation rate0.1 Hz80 kHz
Modulation waveformsSine

Phase Modulation

ParameterMinTypicalMaxNote
Modulation sourceInternal
Phase deviation (peak)0300 · N · rad
Deviation accuracy0.50%2%
Modulation rate0.1 Hz80 kHz
Modulation waveformsSine
Distortion (THD)< 1%1 kHz rate & N x rad deviation

7Sweep & Trigger

Sweeping Capability

Sweep type: linear, logarithmic, random.

Frequency SweepTypicalNote
Step time (tstep)500 µs
20 µs		Option FS
Dwell time (tdwell)15 µs

Trigger (TRIG IN): Input is TRIG IN at front panel

ParameterMinTypicalMaxNote
Trigger TypesContinuous, single (point), gated, gated direction
Trigger Sourceexternal, bus (LAN, USB)
Trigger ModesContinuous free run, trigger and run, reset and run
Trigger latency5 ns
Trigger uncertainty10 ns
External Trigger delay50 ns40 s
External Delay Resolution5 ns
Trigger Modulo1255Execute only on Nth trigger event
Trigger PolarityRising, falling
External trigger input threshold0.85 V0.9 V0.95 VTTL compatible
External trigger input voltage range−0.5 V+5.5 VTTL compatible
External trigger input hysteresis60 mV

8Connectors & Casings

Front Connectors

Model 865B-M-40-X front panel connectors
Front panel: DC power switch, pulse modulation inputs, RF outputs.
  1. DC power switch
  2. External pulse modulation inputs: BNC female (1 to 4)
  3. RF outputs: K (2.92 mm) female (1 to 4)

Rear Connectors

Model 865B-M-40-X rear panel connectors
Rear panel: SYNC, CLK, TRIG, REF, GPIB, LAN, USB, fuse and AC inlet.
  1. Unit-to-unit synchronization signal input (SYNC IN): SMA female
  2. Unit-to-unit synchronization signal output (SYNC OUT): SMA female
  3. High Stability Reference input (CLK IN, 3 GHz): SMA female
  4. High Stability Reference output (CLK OUT, 3 GHz): SMA female
  5. Trigger output (TRIG OUT): BNC female
  6. Trigger input (TRIG IN): BNC female
  7. Reference output (REF OUT): BNC female
  8. Reference input (REF IN): BNC female
  9. GPIB: IEEE-488.2, 1987 with listen and talk (optional)
  10. LAN connection: RJ-45
  11. USB 2.0 device
  12. FUSE (3.15 A)
  13. 100-240V AC power plug

Casings

Standard 19 inch 1U casing
Standard 19″ 1U casing.

Standard 19″ 1U casing. High Isolation Casing 19″ 1U is available as option HI (rack mount kit included).

High Isolation 19 inch 1U casing, option HI
High Isolation Casing 19″ 1U (Option HI).

9General Characteristics

ParameterSpecification
Remote programming interfacesEthernet 100BaseT LAN interface, USB 2.0 host & device, GPIB (IEEE-488.2, 1987) with listen and talk (optional), Control language SCPI Version 1999.0
Power requirements24V ± 3.0 VDC; 25 W maximum
Mains adapter supplied100-240 VAC in / 24 V 4.0 A DC out
EnvironmentalLevels similar to MIL-PRF-28800F Class 3/4
Operating temperature range0 to 45 °C
Storage temperature range−40 to 70 °C
Operating and storage altitudeup to 15,000 feet (4600 m)
Safety / EMCComplies with applicable Safety and EMC regulations and directives
Weight≤ 10.0 kg (22 lbs) net
Dimensions (19″ 1U enclosure)43 mm H x 426 mm W x 460 mm L [1.7 in H x 16.8 in W x 18.1 in L]

10Ordering Information

ProductDescription
865B-M-1Single output, 19″ 1U rack-mount module
865B-M-2Dual-Output, 19″ 1U rack-mount module
865B-M-3Triple-Output, 19″ 1U rack-mount module
865B-M-4Quad-Output, 19″ 1U rack-mount module
Option LNEnhanced close in phase noise & frequency stability
Option LN+Enhanced close in phase noise & further enhanced long term frequency stability
Option FSUltra-fast switching speed
Option VREFVariable external reference
Option GPIBGPIB interface
Option HIHigh isolation 19″ 1U casing
Option FILTEnhanced harmonic rejection
Option 8KFrequency range extension to 8 kHz

For configuration help, pricing, or a quotation, contact Berkeley Nucleonics at info@berkeleynucleonics.com or 415-453-9955.

11Applications

  • ATE (Automated Test Equipment)
  • LO for Frequency Converters
  • Telecom / SatCom
  • System Integration