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Model 865B | 100 kHz to 40 GHz (settable to 42 GHz) RF / Microwave Signal Generator
The Model 865B is one of BNC’s flagship RF microwave signal generators, delivering exceptional signal purity and flexibility in a compact package—making it a trusted choice for engineers who need clean, stable sources without compromise.
- Wide Frequency Coverage: Continuous output from 100 kHz to 40 GHz (settable to 42 GHz) with ultra-low phase noise across the entire band.
- Broad Dynamic Range: Precise power control over a wide amplitude span, supporting applications from low-level receiver testing to high-power component characterization.
- Fast Switching Performance: Rapid frequency and power changes enable efficient swept measurements, receiver sensitivity tests, and dynamic signal simulation.
- Compact & Rack-Friendly: Small footprint with touchscreen front-panel control—ideal for bench use, ATE racks, or field-deployed systems.
- Flexible Connectivity: USB, LAN, and GPIB interfaces plus a simple remote GUI for seamless integration into automated setups or lab environments.
This low-phase-noise RF microwave generator excels in real-world scenarios such as radar and electronic warfare development, satellite and 5G/6G component validation, antenna pattern testing, receiver sensitivity checks, and high-frequency research. Its combination of broad coverage, fast agility, accurate power leveling, and superior spectral purity makes it especially valuable when signal quality directly impacts measurement accuracy.
Applications
- Ideal ADC clock (analog-to-digital converter)
- Lowest Close-in Low Phase Noise (with option LN)
- Radar Receiver Testing
Features
- Excellent Signal Purity: Ultra-Low Phase Noise and Low Spurious emission
- Combination of Highest Output Power and Fastest Switching Speed
- Powerful and Intuitive Touch-Display control
- Portable (External battery modules available)
Model 865 SIGNAL GENERATOR CONFIGURATOR
| Frequency Range: | 12.75 GHz 20 GHz 26 GHz 40 GHz |
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| Options: | [-LN] Enhanced Close-In Phase Noise [-LN+] Enhanced Close-In Phase Noise and Enhanced Long Term Stability [-FS] Fast Switching [-MOD] Analog Modulation (Pulse, AM, FM, Phase Modulation) [-FILT] Enhanced Harmonic Rejection Filter [-8K] Frequency Range Extension Down to 8kHz [-VREF] Variable External Reference Input from 1 MHz to 250 MHz [-PE] Power Extension down to -90dBm (Mechanical Step Attenuator) [-PE2] Power Extension down to -120dBm (Mechanical Step Attenuator) [-PE4] Power Extension down to -55dBm (Electrical Step Attenuator) [-GPIB] GPIB Communication Port [-FLASH] MicroSD Card Slot (for removable SD Memory) [-1URM] 19" 1U Rackmount Chassis [-REAR] Move Output to Rear (*Requires Rackmount Chassis -1URM) |
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| Accessories: | [-EB] External Battery Bank [P/N 7146] 19" 3U Single/Dual Rackmount Kit [P/N 7091] Spare Power Supply [P/N 7143] Ruggedized Protective Bumper [P/N 7144] |
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Model 865B-20
100kHz - 20GHz Microwave/RF Signal Generator
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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)
Resolution: 0.001 Hz
Power
-25 dBm to +24 dBm (standard)
-55 dBm to +24 dBm (with option PE4) *see datasheet
-90 dBm to +24 dBm (with option PE3) *see datasheet
-120 dBm to +18 dBm (with option PE2) *see datasheet
Switching Speed (Sweep Mode)
500µs (30µs with option FS)
Phase Noise ( 1 GHz )
10 Hz offset: -87 dBc/Hz [-100 dBc/Hz with option LN]
1 kHz offset: -130 dBc/Hz
100 kHz offset: -145 dBc/Hz
10 MHz offset: -150 dBc/Hz
Harmonics (at +5 dBm Pout)
-40 dBc
-60 dBc (with option FILT)
Remote Control (SCPI v1999)
Ethernet, USB, and GPIB (option)
Modulation
Pulse, AM, FM, PM (with MOD Option)
Sweeps
List, Frequency, Power
Dimensions (W x L x H)
Weight
6.77 x 11.42 x 4.21 in [172 x 290 x 106 mm]
5.5 lbs [2.5 kg]
Shipping Dimensions
18 x 12 x 9″
Shipping Weight
10 lbs
App Note – Automatic Leveling Correction
App Note – Mixer Measurements
App Note – Pulse Descriptor Word for VSG
App Note – How to Program Sweeps in Signal Generators
App Note – Selecting the Optimal Clock Source for Your Needs
Press Room – Ultrafast Electron Diffraction (UED) – 1/3/24
RF / Microwave To Optics Generation And Conversion
Press Room – Ferromagnetic Resonance Research
Press Room – LN vs. LN+ Options
Press Room – How To Choose A Multichannel Microwave Signal Generator
BNC Model 865A Signal Generator Datasheet v1.39 (legacy)
BNC Model 865B Signal Generator Datasheet v1.46
Downloadable resources such as datasheets, firmware, software, drivers and products manuals. Alternatively, you can browse resources directly by visiting our downloads page.
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To check price and delivery, to place a Purchase Order, or to expedite an existing order, please call 415-453-9955, email info@berkeleynucleonics.com or fill out a Get a Quote form. Typical response time is less than 2 hours.
The Model 865 is a new product for 2018. The 1 GHz phase noise is extremely low in the standard unit (-87 dBc/Hz @ 10 Hz offset ). For even more demanding applications, we can install a special Low Noise option as in previous models. We believe the performance of the 865 with LN option is the market leading signal source in this class. (-100dBc/Hz @ 10 Hz offset)
The key difference between LN and LN+ is that LN+ will have better long-term performance—for example, a better Allan variance for a longer time. For short-time performance, they are identical.
Here’s another example…Option LN adds a 100 MHz OCXO on the ref board, applying to all channels. Option LN+ will do the same. The only difference is that the OCXO will have better long-term stability.
You can incorporate either LN or LN+. Options can’t be combined and priced per unit.
Phase noise is the noise produced by fast, short term fluctuations in a signal. Phase noise diminishes the signal quality and increases error rates in communication links. Although there is no such thing as “no” phase noise, the less you have, the better.
