1Overview
The Model 870A covers the widest frequency span in the family, reaching 54 GHz. It is built for engineers working at the top of the microwave band who still need agility and clean signals. Broad coverage pairs with fast switching, advanced output filtering for signal purity, and an intuitive touch screen.
Flexible multi-channel builds run from one to four channels, and connectivity covers Ethernet, USB, and optional GPIB. Typical work includes radar and electronic warfare development, 5G and 6G test, satellite communications, quantum research, and production verification. With the LN plus option, close-in phase noise reaches -100 dBc/Hz at 10 Hz offset.
2Key Features
- Coverage from 100 kHz to 54 GHz, the widest span in the family.
- OCXO aging below 20 ppb/yr with option LN plus.
- Wide, accurately leveled output power range with 0.01 dB resolution.
- Fast switching down to 15 µs with option FS (500 µs standard).
- Outstanding phase noise, harmonic, and spurious performance.
- Sweep and trigger functions, plus a user-programmable external reference from 1 to 250 MHz.
- One to four channels for synchronized multi-channel work.
- Powerful touch-display control with low power consumption.
- Portable benchtop or rack-mountable housing.
3Frequency & Output Power
Each variant starts at 100 kHz and reaches a selectable top frequency. The 870A-50 extends to 54 GHz. Output power is leveled across the band, and option PE2.20 extends the floor to -120 dBm with a mechanical step attenuator.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| 870A-12 | 100 kHz to 12.75 GHz |
| 870A-20 | 100 kHz to 20 GHz |
| 870A-40 | 100 kHz to 40 GHz |
| 870A-50 | 100 kHz to 54 GHz |
| Frequency resolution | <0.001 Hz |
| Output power range | -20 to +20 dBm (to -120 dBm with PE2.20) |
| Power resolution | 0.01 dB |
| Channels | 1, 2, 3, or 4 (multi-channel in 2U rack) |
4Phase Noise & Spectral Purity
Phase noise is specified at a 1 GHz carrier. The standard instrument already reaches -85 dBc/Hz at 10 Hz, and option LN plus improves close-in performance to -100 dBc/Hz at the same offset.
| Offset from carrier (1 GHz) | Phase noise |
|---|---|
| 10 Hz | -85 dBc/Hz (-100 dBc/Hz with LN plus) |
| 1 kHz | -140 dBc/Hz |
| 100 kHz | -152 dBc/Hz |
| 10 MHz | -158 dBc/Hz |
5Modulation
The 870A generates pulse and CW signals as standard. The MOD option adds analog amplitude, frequency, and phase modulation. Vector modulation is not described on the product page.
| Mode | Availability |
|---|---|
| Pulse, CW | Standard |
| AM, FM, PM (analog) | Option MOD |
| Vector modulation | (verify) |
6Frequency Switching & Sweep
Standard switching is 500 µs, and option FS brings it down to 15 µs for fast swept and stepped tests. Sweep modes cover frequency, list, phase, and power. Option PHS adds phase-coherent switching across channels.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Switching speed | 500 µs standard; 15 µs with option FS |
| Sweep / list modes | Frequency, List, Phase, Power |
| Phase-coherent switching | Option PHS |
| External reference | 1 to 250 MHz, user-programmable (option VREF) |
7Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Frequency range (selectable) | 870A-12: 100 kHz to 12.75 GHz; 870A-20: 100 kHz to 20 GHz; 870A-40: 100 kHz to 40 GHz; 870A-50: 100 kHz to 54 GHz |
| Frequency resolution | <0.001 Hz |
| Number of channels | 1, 2, 3, or 4 (multi-channel in 2U rack) |
| Output power range | -20 to +20 dBm |
| Power resolution | 0.01 dB |
| Switching speed | 500 µs standard; 15 µs with option FS |
| Phase noise @ 1 GHz | 10 Hz: -85 dBc/Hz (-100 with LN plus); 1 kHz: -140; 100 kHz: -152; 10 MHz: -158 dBc/Hz |
| Harmonics / spurious | (verify, see datasheet PDF) |
| Modulation | Pulse & CW; AM, FM, PM (option MOD) |
| Vector modulation | (verify) |
| Sweeps / list | Frequency, List, Phase, Power |
| Interfaces | Ethernet, USB (standard); GPIB optional |
| Form factor | Benchtop/portable or 1U/2U rackmount |
| Dimensions (benchtop) | 6.75 × 10.75 × 4.175 in; ≤8 lbs |
| Dimensions (rackmount 1U) | 19 × 16.8 × 1.75 in; ≤32 lbs |
| Power requirements | (verify) |
8Interfaces & Form Factor
The 870A is controlled locally through a touch display or remotely through Ethernet and USB, with GPIB available as an option. Sweep and trigger functions and a user-programmable external reference support integration into automated test systems.
The instrument ships as a portable benchtop unit or a 1U or 2U rack chassis. Multi-channel builds occupy the rack form factor, with rear-panel reference I/O for synchronization.
9Options & Configurations
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| -LN | Enhanced close-in phase noise |
| -LN plus | Low noise with improved long-term frequency stability |
| -9k | Frequency range extension down to 9 kHz |
| -MOD | Analog modulation (AM, FM, PM) |
| -VREF | Variable external reference input, 1 MHz to 250 MHz |
| -PHS | Phase-coherent switching |
| -PE2.20 | Power extension to -120 dBm (mechanical step attenuator) |
| -GPIB | GPIB communication port |
| -FLASH | MicroSD card slot |
| -RM | 2U rackmount chassis (single channel) |
10Applications
- Radar and electronic warfare development.
- 5G and 6G test, satellite communications.
- Quantum research and production verification.
- Automated test equipment and production testing.
- R&D low-noise signal source and signal simulation.
- Defense and aerospace, service and maintenance.
11Ordering
Specify the frequency variant (870A-12, 870A-20, 870A-40, or 870A-50), channel count, and options 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 |