Product Data Sheet

Model 835 Microwave/RF Signal Generator

Low-noise, fast-switching analog RF signal generator covering 9 kHz to 6.1 GHz. A cost-effective benchtop source with sub-Hertz resolution and a full modulation suite in a 12 watt package.

Specifications drawn from the current Model 835 product page. Some values marked (verify).
Berkeley Nucleonics Model 835 RF signal generator

1Overview

The Model 835 is a low-noise, fast-switching analog RF signal generator covering 9 kHz to 6.1 GHz. It is designed as a cost-effective alternative to high-end units, pairing a stabilized OCXO and sub-Hertz frequency resolution with an extensive modulation suite. The compact chassis draws only 12 watts, and optional battery modules make it practical for portable field work.

Three frequency builds match the instrument to the job: the 835-2 reaches 2 GHz, the 835-4 reaches 4 GHz, and the 835-6 covers the full 6.1 GHz span. A single channel keeps the design simple and the price accessible for R&D benches, education labs, and production test.

2Key Features

  • Fast switching. 400 microsecond frequency switching time.
  • Low phase noise. Excellent SSB phase noise across the band.
  • Comprehensive modulation. AM, FM, PM, and high-speed pulse modulation.
  • Flexible remote control. LAN and USB standard, GPIB optional.
  • USB power sensor input for direct power measurement.
  • Trigger and sweep modes for automated test sequences.
  • Compact and low-power. 12 watt consumption with optional battery operation.

3Frequency & Output Power

The Model 835 tunes with 0.001 Hz resolution. Choose the build that matches your top frequency:

BuildFrequency Range
835-29 kHz to 2.0 GHz
835-49 kHz to 4.0 GHz
835-69 kHz to 6.1 GHz

Standard leveled output power runs from -30 to +17 dBm with 0.01 dB resolution and better than 0.8 dB power accuracy. The PE3 mechanical step attenuator extends the lower limit to -120 dBm for receiver sensitivity testing.

4Phase Noise & Spectral Purity

SSB phase noise measured at 1 GHz:

Offset from carrierSSB phase noise (1 GHz)
10 Hz-80 dBc/Hz
1 kHz-117 dBc/Hz
20 kHz-128 dBc/Hz
100 kHz-130 dBc/Hz
1 MHz-135 dBc/Hz
10 MHz-150 dBc/Hz
Verification notes. Harmonic and spurious specifications are not listed on the current product page and are marked (verify) in Section 7.

5Modulation

The Model 835 supports AM, FM, PM, pulse, and chirp modulation. An optional avionics modulation package (VOR/ILS) is available for navigation-signal simulation, and a narrow-pulse option sharpens the pulse path.

  • AM amplitude modulation.
  • FM frequency modulation.
  • PM phase modulation.
  • Pulse high-speed pulse modulation.
  • Chirp swept-frequency stimulus.
  • Avionics (option AVIO) VOR/ILS modulation.

6Frequency Switching & Sweep

Frequency switching time is 400 microseconds. List, frequency, and power sweeps support automated measurement, and the trigger modes coordinate the generator with external instruments.

ParameterSpecification
Switching speed400 µs
Sweep modesList, Frequency, Power

7Specifications

SpecificationValue
Frequency range835-2: 9 kHz to 2.0 GHz; 835-4: 9 kHz to 4.0 GHz; 835-6: 9 kHz to 6.1 GHz
Channels1 (single channel)
Frequency resolution0.001 Hz
Output power range-30 to +17 dBm (-120 to +16 dBm with PE3 option)
Power resolution0.01 dB
Power accuracy<0.8 dB
Switching speed400 µs
Phase noise @ 1 GHz (10 Hz)-80 dBc/Hz
Phase noise @ 1 GHz (1 kHz)-117 dBc/Hz
Phase noise @ 1 GHz (20 kHz)-128 dBc/Hz
Phase noise @ 1 GHz (100 kHz)-130 dBc/Hz
Phase noise @ 1 GHz (1 MHz)-135 dBc/Hz
Phase noise @ 1 GHz (10 MHz)-150 dBc/Hz
Harmonics(verify)
Spurious(verify)
Modulation typesAM, FM, PM, Pulse, Chirp
Sweep modesList, Frequency, Power
Remote control / interfacesEthernet, USB, GPIB (optional)
Control protocolSCPI v1999
Form factorBenchtop (optional 19-inch 1U rackmount, OEM board-level)
Dimensions6.77 x 10.63 x 4.21 in (172 x 250 x 106 mm)
Weight5.5 lbs (2.5 kg)
Shipping dimensions18 x 12 x 9 in
Shipping weight10 lbs
Power consumption12 watts
Power supply(verify)
Verification notes. Harmonics, spurious, and power supply detail are not listed on the current product page and are marked (verify). Confirm against the latest Model 835 datasheet before release.

8Interfaces & Form Factor

The Model 835 is a compact benchtop instrument. Remote control follows SCPI v1999 over Ethernet and USB, with GPIB available as an option. A USB power sensor input supports direct power measurement at the device under test.

For rack integration, the 1URM option adds a 19-inch 1U chassis and the REAR option relocates the output to the rear panel. An OEM board-level package is available for embedded integration.

9Options & Configurations

OptionDescription
-AVIOAvionics modulation (VOR/ILS)
-PE3Power extension down to -120 dBm (mechanical step attenuator)
-GPIBGPIB communication port
-FILTImproved harmonic filtering
-FLASHMicroSD card slot
-NPNarrow pulse modulation
-1URM19-inch 1U rackmount chassis
-REARMove output to rear (requires -1URM)
-OEMBoard-level package

Accessories

  • 19-inch 3U single/dual rackmount kit (P/N 7091)
  • Spare power supply (P/N 7134)
  • Ruggedized protective bumper (P/N 7144)

10Applications

  • Research and development labs
  • Education
  • Production test and measurement
  • Installation and maintenance
  • EMC/EMI testing

11Ordering

Specify the frequency build (835-2, 835-4, or 835-6) and append option codes as needed. For a configured quote or a demo unit, contact Berkeley Nucleonics.

ModelConfiguration
835-29 kHz to 2.0 GHz, single channel
835-49 kHz to 4.0 GHz, single channel
835-69 kHz to 6.1 GHz, single channel

Berkeley Nucleonics Corporation · info@berkeleynucleonics.com · 800-234-7858