Product Data Sheet

Model 865B-M Wideband Low Noise Synthesizer

An ultra-compact, fast and ultra-low phase noise frequency synthesizer with USB and LAN interface. The 865B-M is settable from 100 kHz to 40 GHz (8 kHz with option 8K) at milli-Hz resolution, with internal phase and pulse modulation and dedicated sweeping.

100 kHz to 40 GHz · settable to 43.5 GHz · −130 dBc/Hz @ 1 kHz (1 GHz carrier) · switching to 20 µs with option FS
Berkeley Nucleonics Model 865B-M wideband low noise frequency synthesizer

1Overview

The Model 865B-M is a wideband low phase-noise synthesizer settable from 8 kHz to 40 GHz. The settable output power range is from −10 to +25 dBm. The module has milli-Hz frequency resolution and uses a high-stability internal reference. The internal reference can be phase-locked to a user-settable external reference. For highest phase coherence, multiple 865B-Ms can be cascaded with just one master reference clock.

The Model 865B-M 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 and can be controlled using the SCPI 1999 command set. Operated with an external 24 V DC supply, it consumes less than 25 W. The instrument ships in a desktop enclosure with a color touch display.

2Key Features

  • Low phase noise, −130 dBc/Hz at 1 kHz from a 1 GHz carrier.
  • Fast switching down to 20 µs with option FS.
  • FM, chirps, and pulse modulation.
  • Internal OCXO with external variable reference input.
  • USB and LAN interface, SCPI 1999 command set, single 24 V DC supply.
  • Milli-Hz resolution at 0.001 Hz steps to 40 GHz.

3Frequency & Output Power

The 865B-M covers 100 kHz to 40 GHz, settable to 43.5 GHz, with 0.001 Hz frequency resolution and 0.01 deg phase resolution. The settable output power range is −10 to +25 dBm.

Signal Specifications

ParameterMinTypicalMaxNote
Frequency Range100 kHz
8 kHz
40 GHz
40 GHz
Settable from 100 kHz to 43.5 GHz
Option 8K
Resolution0.001 Hz
Phase Resolution0.01 deg
Switching Speed
CW Mode
Sweep / List Mode
1.5 ms
500 µs
500 µs
20 µsAfter SCPI command received

Option FS

Level Performance

Model 865B-M maximum output power, standard configuration
Figure 1: Maximum Output Power (Standard).
ParameterMinTypicalMaxNote
Output power level(see also plot)
10 MHz to 1.2 GHz0 dBm+20 dBm
+18 dBm

Option FILT
1.2 GHz to 20 GHz-10 dBm+20 dBm
+13 dBm

Option FILT
20 to 30 GHz10 dBm+20 dBm
+13 dBm

Option FILT
30 to 40 GHz0 dBm+18 dBm
+10 dBm

Option FILT
Power Resolution0.5 dB
Power Accuracy±0.5 dB±2 dB
Model 865B-M maximum output power with option FILT
Figure 2: Maximum Output Power with FILT.

Reverse Power Protection and VSWR

ParameterMinTypicalMaxNote
Reverse power protection
DC Voltage7 V
RF Power+20 dBm
Output impedance50 Ohm
VSWR1.8

4Phase Noise & Spectral Purity

The 865B-M delivers low SSB phase noise across the band. At a 1 GHz carrier it reaches −130 dBc/Hz at 1 kHz from carrier, with a wideband noise floor of −160 dBc/Hz.

Phase Noise

ParameterMinTypicalMaxNote
SSB Phase noise at 1 GHz(see also plot)
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 GHz
At 10 Hz from carrier-73 dBc/HzOption LN / LN+
At 1 kHz from carrier-110 dBc/Hz
At 100 kHz from carrer-125 dBc/Hz
Wideband noise-160 dBc/Hz
Model 865B-M phase noise performance with option LN at 100 MHz to 20 GHz
Figure 3: Phase Noise Performance with Option LN.
Model 865B-M phase noise performance without option LN at 10, 20, 30 and 40 GHz
Figure 4: Phase Noise Performance without Option LN (10, 20, 30, 40 GHz).
Model 865B-M amplitude noise at 10 GHz
Figure 5: Amplitude Noise at 10 GHz.

Spectral Purity

ParameterMinTypicalMaxNote
Output harmonics-15 dBc-55 dBc-45 dBcOption FILT, > 1 GHz
Sub-harmonics-75 dBc
-50 dBc
-45 dBc
-30 dBc
< 20 GHz
> 20 GHz
Non-harmonic spurious-75 dBc-60 dBc
Model 865B-M harmonics at 0 dBm with option FILT
Figure 6: Harmonics @ 0 dBm (with option FILT).
Model 865B-M harmonics at +15 dBm with option FILT
Figure 7: Harmonics +15 dBm (with option FILT).

5Modulation

The 865B-M offers internal and external pulse modulation, an internal pulse generator, and internal frequency and phase modulation.

Pulse Modulation

Model 865B-M pulse modulation on-off ratio versus frequency
Figure 8: Pulse Modulation on-off ratio.
ParameterMinTypicalMaxNote
Modulation sourceInternal/ external
Pulse rise/fall time10 ns
On/off ratio40 dBPout > +10 dBm, see plot
Pulse overshoot10%
Pulse delay20 ns
Pulse polarityNormal, inverseSelectable
External input threshold0.85 V0.9 V0.95 VTTL compatible
Expernal 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 % to 99 % in 1% stepswithin specified minimum pulse width
Pulse width settling range30 ns5 s
Pulse pattern modulation & staggered PRFUsing internal pattern generator
Programmable pattern length265536
Duty cycle0.05%99.95%
Pulse period (T) accuracy0.00005xT+ 3ns
Pulse width accuracy0.00005xT+ 5ns
Pulse width resolution5 ns
Pulse jitter2 ns5 ns
Polarityselectable

Frequency Modulation

ParameterMinTypicalMaxNote
Frequency Modulation
Modulation sourceInternal
Maximum frequency deviation (peak)N · 400 MHz< 1.25 GHz (N=1)
1.25 GHz to 2.5 GHz (N=0.125)
2.5 GHz to 5 GHz (N=0.25)
5 GHz to 10 GHz (N=0.5)
10 GHz to 20 GHz (N=1)
20 GHz 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

6Frequency Switching & Sweep

Standard switching is 500 µs, dropping to 20 µs with option FS for agile hopping. The module runs linear, logarithmic and random sweeps for automated band coverage.

Sweeping Capability

Sweep type: linear, logarithmic, random.

ParameterMinTypicalMaxNote
Frequency sweep
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, gates 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

7Specifications

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
*Options LN/LN+ are bypassed
Phase lock to external reference1 MHz10 MHz
Integer MHz
250 MHzOption VREF
*Options LN/LN+ are bypassed
Reference bypass mode100 MHz
Reference input level
10 MHz or 1-250 MHz-5 dBm0 dBm+13 dBm
Bypass 100 MHz5 dBm+15 dBm
Reference input impedance50 Ohm
Lock Range
10 MHz or 1-250 MHz±1.5 ppm
Bypass 100 MHz>100 ppm

General Characteristics

ParameterSpecification
Remote programming interfacesEthernet 100BaseT LAN interface, USB 2.0, 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≤ 2.2 lbs (1.0 kg) net
Dimensions (W x L x H)6.77 x 11.42 x 4.17 in [172 x 290 x 106 mm]

8Interfaces & Form Factor

The 865B-M controls over Ethernet 100BaseT LAN and USB 2.0 using SCPI Version 1999.0. A high-stability internal reference holds frequency, and an external reference input lets you phase-lock the module to a system clock. The instrument ships in a desktop enclosure with a color touch display.

The module measures 6.77 x 11.42 x 4.17 in [172 x 290 x 106 mm] and weighs ≤ 2.2 lbs (1.0 kg) net. It runs from an external 24 V DC supply (24 V ± 3.0 VDC, 25 W maximum), with a 100-240 VAC mains adapter supplied.

Connectors

Model 865B-M front panel: rotary button and RF 50 ohm K-type output
Front panel: rotary button and RF 50 Ω output.

Front.

  1. Rotary Button: The rotary button is used to change the value selected on the screen.
  2. RF 50Ω connector: This female K-type connector provides the output for generator signals. The impedance is 50 ohm. The reverse power damage level is +20 dBm maximum. The maximum allowed DC level is +/- 7 V. Please check the data sheet for more details.
Model 865B-M rear panel connector layout
Rear panel connector layout.

Rear.

  1. REF IN External reference input: BNC female
  2. MOD IN Modulation input for FM/PM: BNC female
  3. TRIG IN Trigger input: BNC female
  4. LAN connection RJ-45
  5. USB 2.0 host and device
  6. REF OUT Internal reference output: BNC female
  7. PULSE IN Pulse modulation input: BNC female
  8. TRIG OUT Trigger output: BNC female
  9. DC power switch
  10. DC Power plug (24 V, 3 A)

9Options & Configurations

Host ModelProductDescription
865B-M865B-M40 GHz Synthesizer, desktop enclosure & color touch display
865B-MOption 8KFrequency range extension to 8 kHz
865B-MOption LNEnhanced close in phase noise & frequency stability
865B-MOption LN+Enchanced close in phase noise & further enhanced long term frequency stability
865B-MOption EBExternal power bank adapter cable
865B-MOption FILTImproved harmonic rejection
865B-MOption IECIEC 17025 calibration with certificate
865B-MOption FLASHMicroSD card slot for removable SD memory
865B-MRetrofitApplies when options are back-ordered per channel
865B-MOption VREFVariable external reference

10Applications

  • Automated test equipment (ATE)
  • Local oscillator for frequency converters
  • Telecom and SatCom systems

11Ordering

Order the base 865B-M (40 GHz synthesizer, desktop enclosure and color touch display), then add option 8K to extend the range to 8 kHz, LN or LN+ for enhanced close-in phase noise and frequency stability, FS for 20 µs switching, FILT for improved harmonic rejection, VREF for a variable external reference, EB for an external power bank adapter cable, IEC for IEC 17025 calibration, and FLASH for removable SD memory. For configuration help, pricing, or a quotation, contact Berkeley Nucleonics at info@berkeleynucleonics.com or 415-453-9955.