Model 870A | 10 MHz to 54 GHz Single or Multi Channel Signal Generator
Our most current rf/microwave signal generator, the Model 870A, designed to deliver exceptional agility and phase noise performance across an extremely wide frequency range making it a go-to tool for engineers tackling high-frequency challenges.
- Broad Frequency Span: Continuous coverage from 100 kHz to 54 GHz with ultra-low phase noise for clean, precise signals in demanding applications.
- Fast Switching Options: Standard switching as low as 500 μs; add the Fast Switching (FS) option to drop to 15 μs—ideal for frequency-agile systems and time-critical tests.
- Superior Signal Purity: Advanced output filtering minimizes harmonics and spurious signals, ensuring high-fidelity output even at microwave and mmWave frequencies.
- Intuitive Touch-Screen Control: Redesigned front-panel interface that simplifies setup and operation, whether you’re working standalone or in a production environment.
- Flexible Multi-Channel Configurations: Available in 1, 2, 3, or 4 channels; multi-channel models fit neatly in a compact 19″ 1U rack-mount enclosure for easy scaling.
- Seamless Connectivity: Ethernet, USB, and GPIB interfaces support integration into automated test setups, lab benches, or research systems.
This ultra-low phase noise signal generator supports a wide range of real-world uses, including radar and electronic warfare development, 5G/6G component testing, satellite communications, quantum research, and high-speed production verification. Its combination of wideband coverage, rapid switching, and clean output makes it especially valuable when signal quality and speed cannot be compromised.
Applications
- ATE
- Production Testing
- R&D Low Noise Signal Source
- Signal Simulation
- Defense & Aerospace
- Service and Maintenance
Features
- OCXO <20 ppb/yr Aging (option LN+)
- Wide and Accurately Leveled Output Power Range
- Fast Switching of 5 µs (option FS)
- Outstanding Phase Noise, Harmonic, and Spurious Performance
- Sweep, Trigger Function, and User-programmable External Reference Frequency from 1 to 250 MHz
- Low Power Consumption
- Powerful Touch-Display Control
- Portable / Bench-Top or Rack Mountable Housing Form
Model 870A SIGNAL GENERATOR CONFIGURATOR
| Number of Channels: |
1 Channel 2 Channels in 2U Rackmount 3 Channels in 2U Rackmount 4 Channels in 2U Rackmount |
|
| Frequency Range: |
100kHz to 12.75 GHz 100kHz to 20 GHz 100kHz to 40 GHz 100kHz to 54 GHz |
|
| Options: |
[-LN] Enhanced Close-In Phase Noise [-LN plus] Low Noise and Improved Long-Term Frequency Stability [-9k] Frequency Range Extension down to 9kHz [-MOD] Analog Modulation (AM, FM, Phase Modulation) [-VREF] Variable External Reference Input from 1 MHz to 250MHz [-PHS] Phase Coherent Switching [-PE2.20] Power Extension down to -120dBm (Mechanical Step Attenuator) [-GPIB] GPIB Communication Port [-FLASH] MicroSD Card Slot (for removable SD Memory) [-RM] 2U Rackmount Chassis (for 1-Channel) |
|
|
Model 870A-20
100kHz - 20GHz Microwave/RF Signal Generator
|
||
Frequency Range
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
Power Range
-20 to +20 dBm
Power Resolution
0.01 dB
Switching Speed
500 µs
15 µs with option FS
Phase noise at 1 GHz
10 Hz: -85 dBc/Hz (-100 dBc/Hz with option LN(+))
1 kHz : -140 dBc/Hz
100 kHz: -152 dBc/Hz
10 MHz: -158 dBc/Hz
Remote Control
Ethernet, USB (standard), GPIB (optional)
Modulation
Pulse & CW
AM, FM, PM (with MOD Option)
Sweeps
Frequency, List, Phase, Power
Dimensions (W x D x H) / Weight
Benchtop: 6.75″ x 10.75″ x 4.175″ / ≤ 8 lbs [Touch Screen Display]
Rackmount : 19″ x 16.8″ x 1.75″ / ≤ 32 lbs [1U Chassis]
Shipping Dimensions
18″ x 12″ x 9″
Shipping Weight
10 lbs
Part Numbering – Model 870A
App Note – Pulse Descriptor Word for VSG
RF / Microwave To Optics Generation And Conversion
Press Room – Introducing The Model 870A RF / Microwave Signal Generator
Press Room – Multichannel Signal Generators And Local Oscillators
Press Room – Ferromagnetic Resonance Research
Press Room – New Product Launch
Press Room – The Necessity of Radar in Fighting Megafires
Press Room – A Closer Look at MRI
Model 870A Datasheet v1.04
Downloadable resources such as datasheets, firmware, software, drivers and products manuals. Alternatively, you can browse resources directly by visiting our downloads page.
Playlist
47:26
Price lists are available to our registered users. To view pricing for this and other products, please log in or create a free account.
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.








