1Overview
The Model 865B-M-40-X is a multi-channel wideband low phase noise synthesizer settable from 100 kHz to 43.5 GHz. The unit is available with two or four fully independently configurable outputs. For each channel, frequency, power, phase, and modulation can be set independently, and the settable output power range spans −10 to +25 dBm.
The 865B-M-40-X ships with an intuitive graphical user interface and is compatible with C++, Python, Java, and other programming languages. It carries the synthesizer family's best close-in phase noise, reaching −132 dBc/Hz at a 1 kHz offset, and offers a high channel-to-channel isolation option for dense multichannel systems.
2Key Features
- Up to four fully independent outputs, each with its own frequency, power, phase, and modulation.
- Best-in-family phase noise at −132 dBc/Hz, 1 kHz offset.
- Fast switching down to 20 µs with option FS.
- FM, PM, and pulse modulation.
- Internal OCXO with an external variable clock reference.
- High channel-to-channel isolation chassis option for dense systems.
3Frequency & Output Power
The 865B-M-40-X covers 100 kHz to 40 GHz, settable to 43.5 GHz, with 0.001 Hz resolution and 0.1 ppm accuracy. Settable output power reaches +25 dBm per channel, enough to drive multi-channel beamforming and mixer networks.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Frequency range | 100 kHz to 40 GHz (settable to 43.5 GHz) |
| Frequency resolution | 0.001 Hz |
| Frequency accuracy | 0.1 ppm |
| Output power | −10 to +25 dBm (verify) |
4Phase Noise & Spectral Purity
Each channel carries the family's best close-in phase noise. At a 1 GHz carrier the synthesizer reaches −132 dBc/Hz at 1 kHz, falling to −155 dBc/Hz at a 10 MHz offset.
| Offset (1 GHz) | Phase Noise |
|---|---|
| 1 kHz | −132 dBc/Hz |
| 20 kHz | −145 dBc/Hz |
| 10 MHz | −155 dBc/Hz |
5Modulation
Each channel supports pulse, frequency, and phase modulation independently, so a single chassis can emulate several distinct sources at once.
| Mode | Specification |
|---|---|
| Pulse modulation | Supported, per channel |
| Frequency modulation | Supported, per channel |
| Phase modulation | Supported, per channel |
6Frequency Switching & Sweep
In sweep mode the standard switching speed is 500 µs, dropping to 20 µs with option FS applied per channel. The unit runs frequency and list sweeps across all channels.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Switching speed (sweep mode) | 500 µs (20 µs with option FS) |
| Sweep modes | List, frequency |
7Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Channels | 1, 2, 3, or 4 (verify 3-channel) |
| Frequency range | 100 kHz to 40 GHz (settable to 43.5 GHz) |
| Frequency resolution | 0.001 Hz |
| Frequency accuracy | 0.1 ppm |
| Output power | −10 to +25 dBm (verify) |
| Switching speed (sweep mode) | 500 µs (20 µs with option FS) |
| Phase noise @ 1 GHz, 1 kHz | −132 dBc/Hz |
| Phase noise @ 1 GHz, 20 kHz | −145 dBc/Hz |
| Phase noise @ 1 GHz, 10 MHz | −155 dBc/Hz |
| Modulation | Pulse, FM, PM |
| Sweeps | List, frequency |
| Remote control | Ethernet, USB, GPIB (optional); SCPI v1999. APIs: C++, Python, Java |
| Reference | Internal OCXO; external variable clock reference |
| Dimensions (W × L × H) | 16.93″ × 18.11″ × 1.69″ [430 × 460 × 43 mm] |
| Weight | 22 lbs [10 kg] |
| Shipping dimensions | 23 × 23 × 9 in |
| Shipping weight | 24 lbs [11 kg] |
| Power supply | Not specified (verify) |
8Interfaces & Form Factor
The 865B-M-40-X controls over Ethernet and USB, with optional GPIB, using SCPI v1999. An intuitive GUI ships with the unit, and programmatic control is available through C++, Python, Java, and other languages. An internal OCXO holds frequency, with an external variable clock reference for system synchronization.
The chassis is a 1U 19″ rackmount measuring 16.93″ × 18.11″ × 1.69″ and weighing about 22 lbs. A high channel-to-channel isolation chassis is available for dense multichannel systems.
9Options & Configurations
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Channels | 1, 2, 3, or 4 channels in 1U rackmount |
| -8k | Frequency range extension down to 8 kHz |
| -HI | High channel-to-channel isolation chassis |
| -LN | Enhanced close-in phase noise |
| -FS | Fast switching (per channel) |
| -FLASH | Removable MicroSD card slot |
| -FILT | Harmonic filtering |
| -VREF | Variable external reference input, 1 MHz to 250 MHz |
| -GPIB | GPIB communication port |
10Applications
- Automated test environment
- Local oscillator for frequency converters
- Telecom and SatCom systems
- Quantum computers
11Ordering
Configure the 865B-M-40-X by channel count (one to four channels in a 1U rackmount), then add option HI for high isolation, LN for enhanced phase noise, FS for fast switching, 8k for extended low-frequency coverage, and VREF or GPIB for reference and bus integration. For configuration help, pricing, or a quotation, contact Berkeley Nucleonics at info@berkeleynucleonics.com or 800-234-7858.