Product Data Sheet

Model 865B-M 100 kHz to 40 GHz Wideband Low Noise Synthesizer

A compact wideband synthesizer covering 100 kHz to 40 GHz, settable to 43.5 GHz, with the best close-in phase noise of the BNC synthesizer family. Outstanding signal purity and ultra-fast switching in a single-channel module.

100 kHz to 40 GHz (settable 43.5 GHz) · −132 dBc/Hz @ 1 kHz · 20 µs switching
Berkeley Nucleonics Model 865B-M wideband low noise frequency synthesizer

1Overview

The Model 865B-M is a 100 kHz to 43.5 GHz compact frequency synthesizer with settable output power, outstanding phase noise performance and signal purity, and ultra-fast switching. It delivers milli-Hz frequency resolution from a high-stability internal reference and controls over USB and LAN using the SCPI 1999 command set.

The unit is available with a modern touch display interface and in a 1U 19″ rack-mountable chassis, in single- or multi-channel configurations. Within the synthesizer family, the 865B-M holds the best close-in phase noise, reaching −132 dBc/Hz at a 1 kHz offset.

2Key Features

  • Best-in-family phase noise at −132 dBc/Hz, 1 kHz offset.
  • Fast switching down to 20 µs with option FS.
  • FM, chirp, and pulse modulation.
  • Internal OCXO with an external variable reference input.
  • Single DC supply for simple integration.
  • Milli-Hz resolution at 0.001 Hz steps to 40 GHz.

3Frequency & Output Power

The 865B-M covers 100 kHz to 40 GHz and is settable to 43.5 GHz, with 0.001 Hz resolution and 0.1 ppm accuracy. Output power is settable across the range to support both sensitive receiver work and mixer drive.

ParameterSpecification
Frequency range100 kHz to 40 GHz (settable to 43.5 GHz)
Frequency resolution0.001 Hz
Frequency accuracy0.1 ppm
Output powerSettable −5 to +20 dBm (verify)
Verification notes. The output power lower bound differs between sources: the spec table cites −5 dBm while the page overview cites −10 dBm. The value is marked (verify). Confirm the settable power range against the latest released 865B-M datasheet before quoting.

4Phase Noise & Spectral Purity

The 865B-M sets the close-in phase noise benchmark for the family. At a 1 GHz CW carrier it reaches −132 dBc/Hz at 1 kHz, falling to −155 dBc/Hz at a 10 MHz offset.

Offset (1 GHz CW)Phase Noise
1 kHz−132 dBc/Hz
20 kHz−145 dBc/Hz
10 MHz−155 dBc/Hz

5Modulation

The 865B-M supports phase, frequency, and pulse modulation, covering FM, chirp, and pulsed-carrier work for radar and test applications.

ModeSpecification
Phase modulationSupported
Frequency modulationSupported (FM, chirp)
Pulse modulationSupported
Verification notes. Amplitude modulation (AM) is not listed on the 865B-M product page and is marked (verify). Do not advertise AM on this synthesizer module until confirmed against the released datasheet.

6Frequency Switching & Sweep

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

ParameterSpecification
Switching speed500 µs (20 µs with option FS)
Sweep modesList, frequency

7Specifications

ParameterSpecification
Number of channels1
Frequency range100 kHz to 40 GHz (settable to 43.5 GHz)
Frequency resolution0.001 Hz
Frequency accuracy0.1 ppm
Output powerSettable −5 to +20 dBm (verify)
Switching speed500 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
ModulationPhase, frequency, and pulse
SweepsList, frequency
Remote controlEthernet and USB; SCPI v1999
ReferenceInternal OCXO; external variable reference; single DC supply
Dimensions (W × L × H)10.63″ × 4.13″ × 2.36″ [270 × 105 × 60 mm]
Weight2.1 lbs [1.0 kg]
Power supplySingle DC supply (voltage not specified, verify)

8Interfaces & Form Factor

The 865B-M controls over Ethernet and USB using SCPI v1999. An internal OCXO holds frequency, and an external variable reference input lets you phase-lock the module to a system clock. A modern touch display interface is available for bench use.

The single-channel module measures 10.63″ × 4.13″ × 2.36″ and weighs about 2.1 lbs. A 1U 19″ rack-mountable chassis is available, including single- and multi-channel configurations. The unit runs from a single DC supply.

9Options & Configurations

OptionDescription
-LNEnhanced close-in phase noise
-FSFast switching (20 µs)
-VREFVariable external reference input, 1 MHz to 250 MHz
-1URM19″ 1U rackmount chassis
-GPIBGPIB communication port
-EBExternal battery bank [P/N 7146]
P/N 714519″ 2U single/dual rackmount kit
P/N 7143Spare power supply

10Applications

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

11Ordering

Order the base 865B-M as a single-channel module, then add option LN for enhanced close-in phase noise, FS for 20 µs switching, VREF for a variable reference, and 1URM or GPIB for rack and bus integration. For configuration help, pricing, or a quotation, contact Berkeley Nucleonics at info@berkeleynucleonics.com or 800-234-7858.