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Model 870A · RF & Microwave Signal Generators

Switch in 15 µs. Stay phase-coherent to 54 GHz.

A single- or multi-channel microwave signal generator covering 100 kHz to 12.75, 20, 40 or 54 GHz depending on model. Switching is 500 µs standard and 15 µs with option FS, and option PHS adds phase-coherent switching across up to four channels.

Berkeley Nucleonics Model 870A-50 microwave signal generator, front panel

Pictured: Model 870A-50, the 54 GHz flagship variant, single-channel benchtop unit.

54 GHz
Max. frequency
15 µs
Switching with option FS
1–4
Channels
−140 dBc/Hz
Phase noise, 1 kHz at 1 GHz

View full datasheet →

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1Top frequency needed
2Channel count
3What would help most

Your request goes straight to the Berkeley Nucleonics RF team.

One model line, several configurations.

Same platform, sized to your channel count and application.

Entry

870A-12

100 kHz to 12.75 GHz, the base frequency tier in the family.

Models
870A-12

Mid-range

870A-20

100 kHz to 20 GHz.

Models
870A-20

Wideband

870A-40

100 kHz to 40 GHz.

Models
870A-40

Flagship

870A-50

100 kHz to 54 GHz, the widest span in the family. This is the unit pictured at the top of the page.

Models
870A-50

Specified where timing actually matters.

Frequency range
100 kHz to 54 GHz
Top frequency 12.75, 20, 40 or 54 GHz by model; down to 9 kHz with option 9k; <0.001 Hz resolution
Channel configuration
1 to 4 channels
Benchtop or 1U/2U rackmount; multi-channel builds in a 2U rack
Output power
−20 to +20 dBm
0.01 dB resolution; down to −120 dBm with option PE2.20
Phase noise at 1 GHz
−140 dBc/Hz
1 kHz offset; −85 dBc/Hz at 10 Hz, −100 dBc/Hz with option LN plus
Switching speed
500 µs standard
15 µs with option FS
Phase-coherent switching
Option PHS
Phase-coherent switching across channels
External reference
1 to 250 MHz
User-programmable, with option VREF
Control interfaces
Ethernet, USB
GPIB optional; touch-display front panel for local control

Specifications reproduced from the Model 870A datasheet (v1.04) as published at berkeleynucleonics.com. Phase noise is specified at a 1 GHz carrier. FS, PHS, VREF, LN plus, PE2.20, 9k, MOD and GPIB are options.

Where the 870A goes to work.

Radar, EW and signal simulation
frequency agility with option FS and phase-coherent switching across channels with option PHS, up to 54 GHz.

ATE and production testing
automated test benches controlled over Ethernet, USB or optional GPIB, with sweep, list and trigger functions.

R&D low-noise signal source
bench work that needs −140 dBc/Hz phase noise at 1 kHz offset (1 GHz) and output power leveled with 0.01 dB resolution.

SATCOM, 5G and 6G test
wideband coverage to 54 GHz in benchtop or rackmount builds for satellite and next-generation wireless work.

Phase-coherent to 54 GHz, switched in microseconds.

Talk to a Berkeley Nucleonics engineer about the Model 870A configuration for your test system.

Request a demo, quote or engineer chat Or call 800-234-7858