---
title: "Model 871 | 1 kHz to 12.75, 20, 40 and 51 GHz Single or Multi Channel Signal Generator"
date: 2024-12-13T08:49:00Z
modified: 2026-02-25T21:51:42Z
permalink: "https://www.berkeleynucleonics.com/model-871-1-khz-1275-20-40-and-51-ghz/"
type: page
status: publish
excerpt: ""
wpid: 18543
---

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![Single or Multi Channel Signal Generator 871](https://www.berkeleynucleonics.com/wp-content/uploads/870-871-875_back_tilt_web_0.jpg)

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CREATOR: gd-jpeg v1.0 (using IJG JPEG v62), quality = 75[](https://www.berkeleynucleonics.com/wp-content/uploads/multi-channel_rear_pannel_both2.jpg)

![Single or Multi Channel Signal Generator 871](https://www.berkeleynucleonics.com/wp-content/uploads/multi-channel_rear_pannel_both2.jpg)

CREATOR: gd-jpeg v1.0 (using IJG JPEG v62), quality = 75- [ 
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     LabVIEW
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#### Model 871 | 1 kHz to 12.75, 20, 40 and 51 GHz
Single or Multi Channel Signal Generator

The Model 871 series provides phase-coherent signal generation with configurations tailored for applications requiring precise power control, consistent multi-channel phase alignment, and clean output signals. Available in single- or multi-channel setups covering 1 kHz to 20 GHz, 40 GHz, or 51 GHz, this RF microwave signal generator supports ultra-fast switching and low phase noise performance.

- **Frequency & Phase Performance**: Covers 1 kHz to 51 GHz with 10 μs switching speed, strong spurious and harmonic suppression, and superior phase noise.
- **High-Stability Reference**: Built-in OCXO for accurate frequency control; accepts external references from 1–250 MHz, plus standard 10/100 MHz inputs for synchronization.
- **CLK Ports for Synchronization**: Two 3 GHz high-frequency clock ports (one input, one output) enable tight phase alignment across multiple instruments.
- **Enclosure Options**: 19-inch 2U rack-mountable chassis for up to 4 channels, or compact desktop version for single-channel use.
- **Control & Integration**: Operates via PC GUI software; supports LAN, USB, and GPIB interfaces with SCPI 1999 command set. Includes programming examples for MATLAB, LabVIEW, C++, and other tools, plus a customer-accessible API for custom integration.

This phase-coherent RF microwave generator is suited for applications such as phased-array radar testing, beamforming networks, MIMO system validation, electronic warfare simulation, and multi-channel receiver development where stable phase relationships and clean signals are required across channels.

 
 Overview
 
 
 Configurator
 
 
 Specifications
 
 
 Technical Resources
 
 
 Downloadable Resources
 
 
 Media
 
 
 Price Lists
 
 
 FAQ

##### Applications

- ATE
- Production Testing
- R&D Low Noise Signal Source
- Signal Simulation
- Defense & Aerospace
- Service and Maintenance

##### Features

- Wide and Accurately Leveled Output Power Range
- Fast Switching of 10 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 871 SIGNAL GENERATOR CONFIGURATOR


input[type='checkbox'], input[type='radio'] {
    display: inline !important;
    appearance: checkbox !important;
    width: auto !important;
    margin-right: 5px;
    margin-bottom: 5px;
}
.tables-no-border-and-back, .tables-no-border-and-back td, .tables-no-border-and-back tr {
    border: 0 !important;
    background-color: transparent !important;
}
.option-list label {
    display: block;
    margin-bottom: 5px;
}
.option-list input:disabled + span {
    color: #888;
}


| **Number of Channels:** | 1 Channel 2 Channels in 2U Rackmount 3 Channels in 2U Rackmount 4 Channels in 2U Rackmount |
| --- | --- |
| **Frequency Range:** | 10 MHz to 12.75 GHz 10 MHz to 20 GHz 10 MHz to 40 GHz 10 MHz to 51 GHz |
| **Options:** | \[-LN\] Enhanced Close-In Phase Noise \[-LN plus\] Low Noise + Long-Term Stability \[-1k\] Frequency Extension down to 1kHz \[-MOD\] Analog Modulation \[-VREF\] Variable Reference \[-PULSE\] Pulse Modulation \[-PHS\] Phase Coherent Switching \[-PE2\] Mechanical Step Attenuator down to -120 dBm (per channel) \[-PE2-50\] Mechanical Step Attenuator down to -110 dBm (per channel) \[-GPIB\] GPIB Port \[-FLASH\] MicroSD Card Slot \[-RM\] 2U Rackmount Chassis |
| INQUIRE |  |

**Frequency Range**

**871-12:** 10 MHz to 12.75 GHz
**871-20:** 10 MHz to 20 GHz
**871-40:** 10 MHz to 40 GHz
**871-50:** 1 kHz to **\***51 GHz
**\*Option 1K:** 1 kHz to fmax

**Resolution**

<0.001 Hz

**Power Range**

-120 to +20 dBm

**Power Resolution**

0.01 dB

**Switching Speed**

10 µs

**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: 9.1 x 15.5 x 3.8 in / ≤22 lbs \[Desktop\]
Rackmount : 17.5 x 23.4 x 3.5 in / ≤ 39.7 lbs \[1U Chassis\]

 [ App Note – Pulse Descriptor Word for VSG](https://www.berkeleynucleonics.com/download/21230/?tmstv=1772056302)

 [ Press Room – Ferromagnetic Resonance Research](https://www.berkeleynucleonics.com/download/21583/?tmstv=1772056302)

 [ Press Room – Multichannel Signal Generators And Local Oscillators](https://www.berkeleynucleonics.com/download/21456/?tmstv=1772056302)

 [ RF / Microwave To Optics Generation And Conversion](https://www.berkeleynucleonics.com/download/21259/?tmstv=1772056302)

 [ Model 871 Datasheet v1.0](https://www.berkeleynucleonics.com/download/34196/?tmstv=1772056302 "Version 1 (updated)")

Downloadable resources such as datasheets, firmware, software, drivers and products manuals. Alternatively, you can browse resources directly by visiting our [downloads page](/downloads).

- [Product Datasheets](/downloads#rf-datasheets)
- [Product Firmware](/downloads#rf-firmware)
- [Product Software and Drivers](/downloads#rf-softwaredrivers)
- [Product Manuals](/downloads#rf-manuals)

## Playlist

 
 ![Ultimate Guide!  The Perfect RF & Microwave Signal Generator](https://img.youtube.com/vi/XIq4aKUcbDQ/maxresdefault.jpg)

####  Ultimate Guide! The Perfect RF & Microwave Signal Generator
 

 47:26

 [ Berkeley Nucleonics Price List 2026](https://www.berkeleynucleonics.com/download/19881/?tmstv=1772056302)

 






 [ A](#)

####  RF Configuration Options | What are the differences between LN and LN+? 

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.

##### Applications

- ATE
- Production Testing
- R&D Low Noise Signal Source
- Signal Simulation
- Defense & Aerospace
- Service and Maintenance

##### Features

- Wide and Accurately Leveled Output Power Range
- Fast Switching of 10 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 871 SIGNAL GENERATOR CONFIGURATOR


input[type='checkbox'], input[type='radio'] {
    display: inline !important;
    appearance: checkbox !important;
    width: auto !important;
    margin-right: 5px;
    margin-bottom: 5px;
}
.tables-no-border-and-back, .tables-no-border-and-back td, .tables-no-border-and-back tr {
    border: 0 !important;
    background-color: transparent !important;
}
.option-list label {
    display: block;
    margin-bottom: 5px;
}
.option-list input:disabled + span {
    color: #888;
}


| **Number of Channels:** | 1 Channel 2 Channels in 2U Rackmount 3 Channels in 2U Rackmount 4 Channels in 2U Rackmount |
| --- | --- |
| **Frequency Range:** | 10 MHz to 12.75 GHz 10 MHz to 20 GHz 10 MHz to 40 GHz 10 MHz to 51 GHz |
| **Options:** | \[-LN\] Enhanced Close-In Phase Noise \[-LN plus\] Low Noise + Long-Term Stability \[-1k\] Frequency Extension down to 1kHz \[-MOD\] Analog Modulation \[-VREF\] Variable Reference \[-PULSE\] Pulse Modulation \[-PHS\] Phase Coherent Switching \[-PE2\] Mechanical Step Attenuator down to -120 dBm (per channel) \[-PE2-50\] Mechanical Step Attenuator down to -110 dBm (per channel) \[-GPIB\] GPIB Port \[-FLASH\] MicroSD Card Slot \[-RM\] 2U Rackmount Chassis |
| INQUIRE |  |

**Frequency Range**

**871-12:** 10 MHz to 12.75 GHz
**871-20:** 10 MHz to 20 GHz
**871-40:** 10 MHz to 40 GHz
**871-50:** 1 kHz to **\***51 GHz
**\*Option 1K:** 1 kHz to fmax

**Resolution**

<0.001 Hz

**Power Range**

-120 to +20 dBm

**Power Resolution**

0.01 dB

**Switching Speed**

10 µs

**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: 9.1 x 15.5 x 3.8 in / ≤22 lbs \[Desktop\]
Rackmount : 17.5 x 23.4 x 3.5 in / ≤ 39.7 lbs \[1U Chassis\]

 [ App Note - Pulse Descriptor Word for VSG](https://www.berkeleynucleonics.com/download/21230/?tmstv=1778700933)
 [ Press Room - Ferromagnetic Resonance Research](https://www.berkeleynucleonics.com/download/21583/?tmstv=1778700933)
 [ Press Room - Multichannel Signal Generators And Local Oscillators](https://www.berkeleynucleonics.com/download/21456/?tmstv=1778700933)
 [ RF / Microwave To Optics Generation And Conversion](https://www.berkeleynucleonics.com/download/21259/?tmstv=1778700933)
 [ BNC Model 871 Signal Generator Datasheet v1.0](https://www.berkeleynucleonics.com/download/34196/?tmstv=1778700933 "Version 1 (updated)")

Downloadable resources such as datasheets, firmware, software, drivers and products manuals. Alternatively, you can browse resources directly by visiting our [downloads page](/downloads).

- [Product Datasheets](/downloads#rf-datasheets)
- [Product Firmware](/downloads#rf-firmware)
- [Product Software and Drivers](/downloads#rf-softwaredrivers)
- [Product Manuals](/downloads#rf-manuals)

## Playlist

 
 ![Ultimate Guide!  The Perfect RF & Microwave Signal Generator](https://img.youtube.com/vi/XIq4aKUcbDQ/maxresdefault.jpg)

####  Ultimate Guide! The Perfect RF & Microwave Signal Generator
 

 47:26

 [ Berkeley Nucleonics Price List 2026](https://www.berkeleynucleonics.com/download/19881/?tmstv=1778700933)


  [ A 

####  RF Configuration Options | What are the differences between LN and LN+? 

 



 ](#) 

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.



 



 

 


 [ ![](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg xmlns%3D'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg' viewBox%3D'0 0 1105 130'%2F%3E) ](/products/microwave-rf-signal-generators)