1Overview
The Model 865B is one of Berkeley Nucleonics’ flagship single-channel microwave sources. It delivers exceptional signal purity and flexibility in a compact package, which makes it a trusted choice for engineers who need clean, stable sources without compromise.
Continuous coverage runs from 100 kHz to 40 GHz, settable to 42 GHz, with ultra-low phase noise and a broad dynamic range. Fast switching supports swept measurements, and touchscreen control sits on a small, rack-friendly footprint. External battery modules make the 865B genuinely portable for field and lab work alike.
2Key Features
- Continuous output from 100 kHz to 40 GHz (settable to 42 GHz) with ultra-low phase noise.
- Broad dynamic range with precise power control over a wide amplitude span.
- Fast frequency and power switching for swept measurements.
- Excellent signal purity: ultra-low phase noise and low spurious emission.
- Compact, rack-friendly footprint with intuitive touch-display control.
- USB, LAN, and GPIB interfaces, plus a remote GUI.
- Portable operation with available external battery modules.
3Frequency & Output Power
Each variant starts at 100 kHz, with the 865-40 reaching 40 GHz and settable to 42 GHz. Output power covers a broad span, and power extension options drop the floor to -120 dBm.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| 865-12 | 100 kHz to 12.75 GHz |
| 865-20 | 100 kHz to 20 GHz |
| 865-26 | 100 kHz to 26 GHz |
| 865-40 | 100 kHz to 40 GHz (settable to 42 GHz) |
| Frequency resolution | 0.001 Hz |
| Output power range | -25 to +24 dBm (std); to -120 dBm with PE2 |
| Channels | Single channel |
4Phase Noise & Spectral Purity
The 865B is the low-phase-noise member of the family. Phase noise is specified at a 1 GHz carrier, reaching -87 dBc/Hz at 10 Hz as standard and -100 dBc/Hz with option LN. Harmonics are -40 dBc as standard, improving to -60 dBc with the FILT harmonic-rejection filter.
| Offset from carrier (1 GHz) | Phase noise |
|---|---|
| 10 Hz | -87 dBc/Hz (std); -100 dBc/Hz (option LN) |
| 1 kHz | -130 dBc/Hz |
| 100 kHz | -145 dBc/Hz |
| 10 MHz | -150 dBc/Hz |
| Spectral purity | Specification |
|---|---|
| Harmonics | -40 dBc (std, at +5 dBm output); -60 dBc with option FILT |
5Modulation
The 865B generates pulse modulation as standard. The MOD option adds analog amplitude, frequency, and phase modulation. Vector modulation is not described on the product page.
| Mode | Availability |
|---|---|
| Pulse | Standard |
| AM, FM, PM (analog) | Option MOD |
| Vector modulation | (verify) |
6Frequency Switching & Sweep
In sweep mode the 865B switches in 500 µs, and option FS brings switching down to 30 µs for fast swept and stepped tests. Sweep modes cover list, frequency, and power.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Switching speed (sweep mode) | 500 µs standard; 30 µs with option FS |
| Sweep / list modes | List, Frequency, Power |
| External reference | Option VREF: variable input 1 MHz to 250 MHz |
7Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Frequency range | 865-12: 100 kHz to 12.75 GHz; 865-20: 100 kHz to 20 GHz; 865-26: 100 kHz to 26 GHz; 865-40: 100 kHz to 40 GHz (settable to 42 GHz) |
| Frequency resolution | 0.001 Hz |
| Number of channels | Single channel |
| Output power range | -25 to +24 dBm (std); -55 to +24 (PE4); -90 to +24 (PE3); -120 to +18 (PE2) |
| Switching speed (sweep mode) | 500 µs (std); 30 µs with option FS |
| Phase noise @ 1 GHz | 10 Hz: -87 dBc/Hz (std), -100 (LN); 1 kHz: -130; 100 kHz: -145; 10 MHz: -150 dBc/Hz |
| Harmonics | -40 dBc (std, at +5 dBm output); -60 dBc with option FILT |
| Modulation | Pulse (standard); AM, FM, PM (option MOD) |
| Vector modulation | (verify) |
| Sweeps / list | List, Frequency, Power |
| Interfaces | SCPI v1999 via Ethernet, USB, and GPIB (option) |
| Form factor | Benchtop with touchscreen front-panel control |
| Dimensions (W × L × H) | 6.77 × 11.42 × 4.21 in [172 × 290 × 106 mm] |
| Weight | 5.5 lbs [2.5 kg] |
| Shipping dimensions / weight | 18 × 12 × 9 in; 10 lbs |
| Power requirements | (verify) |
8Interfaces & Form Factor
The 865B uses the SCPI v1999 command set over Ethernet, USB, and optional GPIB, with a remote GUI for desktop control. Local control is through the touchscreen front panel.
The instrument is a compact benchtop unit that drops into a 19-inch 1U rack with option 1URM, and the output can move to the rear with option REAR. External battery modules support portable operation.
9Options & Configurations
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| -PE | Power extension to -90 dBm (mechanical step attenuator) |
| -PE2 | Power extension to -120 dBm (mechanical step attenuator) |
| -PE4 | Power extension to -55 dBm (electrical step attenuator) |
| -LN | Enhanced close-in phase noise |
| -LN+ | Enhanced close-in phase noise with enhanced long-term stability |
| -FS | Fast switching |
| -MOD | Analog modulation (pulse, AM, FM, PM) |
| -FILT | Enhanced harmonic-rejection filter |
| -8K | Frequency range extension down to 8 kHz |
| -VREF | Variable external reference input, 1 MHz to 250 MHz |
| -GPIB | GPIB communication port |
| -FLASH | MicroSD card slot |
| -1URM | 19-inch 1U rackmount chassis |
| -REAR | Move output to rear (requires -1URM) |
| -EB | External battery bank (P/N 7146) |
10Applications
- Ideal ADC clock and clean reference source.
- Lowest close-in phase noise work with option LN.
- Radar receiver testing and radar and electronic warfare development.
- Satellite and 5G/6G component validation.
- Antenna pattern testing and receiver sensitivity checks.
- High-frequency research.
11Ordering
Specify the frequency variant (865-12, 865-20, 865-26, or 865-40), power-extension grade, phase-noise option, and accessories when requesting a quote. For configuration help, pricing, or a demonstration, contact Berkeley Nucleonics.
| Contact | Detail |
|---|---|
| info@berkeleynucleonics.com | |
| Phone | 800-234-7858 |
| Quote / demo | berkeleynucleonics.com/get-quote |