Model 855B | 300 kHz up to 42 GHz Multi-Channel RF / Microwave Signal Generator
Model 855B is a phase-coherent multi-channel signal generator covering 300 kHz to 40 GHz (options up to 42 GHz settable). Each channel provides independent control of frequency, power, and phase, with configurations supporting 2, 3, or 4 channels in a compact 19″ 1U rackmount chassis.
- Frequency Coverage & Switching: Continuous range from 300 kHz to 40 GHz (6.2, 12.5, 20, 33, or 40 GHz models) with 25 µs switching speed.
- Phase-Coherent Operation: Low phase noise, excellent spurious and harmonic rejection, and optional Phase-Coherent Switching mode to maintain phase alignment during frequency changes.
- Power & Stability: Wide power range per channel, supported by high-stability OCXO reference; accepts flexible external clocks (10/100 MHz standard, 1–250 MHz compatible).
- Synchronization Scalability: Dedicated 3 GHz system reference I/O ports allow multiple units to synchronize, enabling expansion to many channels while preserving phase coherence.
- Control & Integration: USB, LAN, and GPIB interfaces; SCPI 1999 command set; intuitive GUI software; programming examples and APIs for MATLAB, LabVIEW, and C++.
This phase-coherent multi-channel RF microwave signal generator is suited for applications requiring synchronized signals across channels, such as phased-array radar testing, beamforming network validation, MIMO system development, electronic warfare simulation, and multi-antenna communication receiver evaluation.
Applications
- Radar simulation
- Quantum Computing
- High volume Automated Testing
- Phased Array Antenna/Beamforming
- Electronic Warfare
- SatCom R&D
Features
- Very Low Phase Noise
- Industry Lowest Phase Drift
- Ultra-Fast Switching
- Phase-Coherent Switching option
- Multi-channel Phase-Coherent outputs
- Variable External Clock Reference Input
Model 855B Device Configurator
| Number of Channels: | 2 Channels in 1U Rackmount 3 Channels in 1U Rackmount 4 Channels in 1U Rackmount |
 |
| Frequency Range: | 6 GHz (settable to 6.5GHz) 12 GHz 20 GHz 33 GHz 40 GHz (settable to 42GHz) |
|
| Options: | [-LN] Enhanced Close-In Phase Noise [-LN plus] Low Noise and Improved Long Term Frequency Stability [-PHS] Phase Coherence Switching (*Requires Low Noise -LN or -LN plus) [-FS] Fast Switching (per channel) [-MOD] Analog Modulation (AM, FM, Phase Modulation) [-VREF] Variable External Reference Input from 1 MHz to 250MHz [-VF] Varied Frequencies - Different Frequency Ranges on Each Output [-PE4.20] Power Extension down to -60dBm (Electrical Step Attenuator) [-HI] High Isolation Chassis [-GPIB] GPIB Communication Port [-FLASH] MicroSD Card Slot (for removable SD Memory) |
|
|
Model 855B-20-2CH
2 Channels, 300kHz - 20GHz Microwave/RF Signal Generator
|
||
Number of Channels
2, 3 or 4 in 1U, 19″ Rackmount.
8 Channels in 3U Benchtop
Frequency Range
855B-6: 300 kHz to 6 GHz (settable to 6.5 GHz)
855B-12: 300 kHz to 12 GHz (settable to 12.5 GHz)
855B-20: 300 kHz to 20 GHz
855B-33: 300 kHz to 33 GHz
855B-40: 300 kHz to 40 GHz (settable to 42 GHz)
Resolution
0.001 Hz
Power Range
-20 to +25 dBm ( -60 dBm to +25 dBm with option PE4 )
Switching Speed (Sweep Mode)
500 µs (25 µs with option FS)
Phase Noise (1 GHz CW)
10 Hz offset: -87 dBc/Hz [-100 dBc/Hz with option LN]
1 kHz offset: -130 dBc/Hz
20 kHz offset: -145 dBc/Hz
100 kHz offset: -150 dBc/Hz
Remote Control (SCPI v1999)
Ethernet and USB, GPIB (optional)
Modulation
Pulse
Sweeps
List, Frequency, Power
Dimensions (W x L x H)
19″ 1U enclosure: 19″ x 18.25″ x 1.75″ [483 x 463 x 44mm ] for 2, 3 or 4 channels
19″ 3U enclosure: 19″ x 12.25″ x 5.25″ [483 x 311 x 133mm] for 8 channels
Weight
2 Channels: 13 lbs (5.9 kg)
4 Channels: 17 lbs (7.7 kg)
8 Channels: 22 lbs (10 kg)
Shipping Dimensions
23x23x19″
Shipping Weight
19 lbs
Front and Rear Panel Ports
Model 855B, 40GHz, 4 Channel, 1U 19″ Rackmount Front Panel
- Power Switch
- Power and Remote Indicator
- Pulse Modulation Input (x number of channels)
- RF Active Indicator (x number of channels)
- RF Output (x number of channels)
855B-6, 855B-12 and 855B-20: 26GHz SMA
855B-33 and 855B-40: k (2.92 mm)
Model 855B Rear Panel
- Equipment Ground Point
- Dedicated 3 GHz Clock IN and OUT for High Stability Application
- TRIG OUT and TRIG IN
- REF OUT and REF IN
- Communication (GPIB, LAN, and USB)
- Fuse Protection and AC Power Entry
BNC Model 855B Multi-channel Signal Generator Product Spotlight
App Note – Model 855B: How To Program Multi-Channel Synthesizers
App Note – Model 855B Phase Coherence
App Note – Automatic Leveling Correction
App Note – Advanced Frequency Switching
App Note – Model 855B Phased Array Antenna
App Note – Model 855B Phase Coherence Terminology
App Note – Mixer Measurements
App Note – Pulse Descriptor Word for VSG
Press Room – Multichannel Signal Generators And Local Oscillators
Press Room – LN vs. LN+ Options
Press Room – How To Choose A Multichannel Microwave Signal Generator
BNC Model 855B Signal Generator Datasheet v1.74
Downloadable resources such as datasheets, firmware, software, drivers and products manuals. Alternatively, you can browse resources directly by visiting our downloads page.
Playlist
1:40
3:47
1:01:11
1:48
1:46
1:20
40:11
42:35
34:59
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.
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 Multi-Channel Model 855 allows for up to 4 channels in each 1U 19″ rack Mount enclosure. This design can be stacked as needed. We believe this is the most compact multi-channel offering with high performance on the market.
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.
See this article for details – https://www.berkeleynucleonics.com/july-5th-2022-model-855b-product-high…
