1Introduction

Ultra-Low Noise Microwave Signal Generator, 8 kHz to 12.75, 20, 26 and 40 GHz

The Model 865B is an ultra-low-noise and fast-switching microwave signal generator covering a continuous frequency range from 100 kHz (8 kHz with option) up to 12.75, 20 GHz, 26 or 40 GHz, respectively, with a lower than 0.001 Hz resolution.

The Model 865B provides an accurately levelled output power range and high spurious suppression. Advanced frequency synthesis combines the fastest switching speed with ultra-low SSB phase noise and fine frequency and power resolution.

The 865B supports analog AM, FM, PM modulation, as well as frequency chirps and pulse modulation with programmable patterns and narrow pulses.

The 865B allows for fast digital sweeps including flexible list sweeps, where frequency, power and dwell times can be set individually. A flexible triggering system simplifies synchronization within test environments.

All 865B models operate with ultra-stable temperature compensated frequency reference (OCXO) to ensure minimal drift and can be phase-locked to an external reference.

The compact unit allows for full front panel control via touch panel display. It can also be intuitively controlled by a PC based GUI Software. Moreover, the instrument offers various communication interfaces like USB, LAN or GPIB. Each interface allows for easy and fast communication using SCPI 1999 command set. Remote control of the instrument can be quickly attained from any host system. A customer-supplied application programming interface (API) or programming examples for Matlab, Labview, C++ and other commercially available tools make the control implementation very straightforward.

Definitions

The specifications in the following pages describe the warranted performance of the instrument for 23 ±5 °C after a 30-minute warm-up period.

Typical: Expected mean values, not warranted performance.
Min and Max: Parameter range that is guaranteed by product design, and/or production tested. Warranted performance specifications include guard-bands to account for the expected statistical performance distribution, measurement uncertainties, and changes in performance due to environmental conditions.

Applications

Ideal ADC clock (analog-to-digital converter)
Lowest close-in low phase (with Option LN)
Radar receiver testing

Communications antenna tower — Communications and broadcast infrastructure.

Satellite in orbit — Satellite and SATCOM systems.

Radar dish antenna — Radar receiver test.

2Available Options

The following options can be ordered to extend or enhance the 865B. See Ordering Information for the full option list and model combinations.

Option	Description
LN	Enhanced close in phase noise & frequency stability.
LN+	Enhanced close in phase noise & further enhanced long term frequency stability.
FS	Ultra-fast switching speed.
NP	Narrow pulse modulation.
NEC	Narrow pulse modulation / fast switching (see specifications).
MOD	Analog modulation (AM, FM, PM, pulse).
FILT	Harmonic filtering (not in combination with option PE4).
8K	Frequency range extension to 8 kHz.
VREF	Variable external reference.
PE / PE2 / PE4	Electrical or mechanical step attenuators (level extension). See Ordering Information for model-specific ranges.

3Frequency Parameters / Range

See Figures 5 to 8 (maximum output power vs. frequency) in Level Performance.

Parameter	Min	Typical	Max	Note
Frequency Range	100 kHz		12.75 GHz	865B-12
	100 kHz		20 GHz	865B-20
	100 kHz		26 GHz	865B-26
	100 kHz		40 GHz	865B-40
	8 kHz		Fmax	Option 8K
Resolution		0.001 Hz
Phase Resolution		0.01 deg
Switching Speed		1.5 ms (SCPI CW mode)		Valid signal after SCPI received.
		500 µs (Sweep / List Mode)
		30 µs		Option FS
	See sweep		Option NEC

4Phase Noise

Figure 1: SSB Phase Noise Performance with option LN.

Figure 2: SSB Phase Noise Performance, without option LN.

Parameter	Typical	Max	Note
SSB Phase noise at 1 GHz (See also plots / tables)
At 10 Hz from carrier	-87 dBc/Hz
At 10 Hz from carrier	-100 dBc/Hz	-86 dBc/Hz	Option LN
At 1 kHz from carrier	-130 dBc/Hz	-125 dBc/Hz
At 100 kHz from carrier	-148 dBc/Hz	-144 dBc/Hz
SSB Phase noise at 4 GHz
At 10 Hz from carrier	-74 dBc/Hz	-68 dBc/Hz
At 10 Hz from carrier	-86 dBc/Hz	-74 dBc/Hz	Option LN
At 1 kHz from carrier	-118 dBc/Hz	-114 dBc/Hz
At 100 kHz from carrier	-136 dBc/Hz	-132 dBc/Hz
SSB Phase noise at 10 GHz
At 10 Hz from carrier	-67 dBc/Hz	-60 dBc/Hz
At 10 Hz from carrier	-78 dBc/Hz	-66 dBc/Hz	Option LN
At 1 kHz from carrier	-108 dBc/Hz	-104 dBc/Hz
At 100 kHz from carrier	-127 dBc/Hz	-123 dBc/Hz
SSB Phase noise at 40 GHz
At 10 Hz from carrier	-55 dBc/Hz	-48 dBc/Hz
At 10 Hz from carrier	-66 dBc/Hz	-53 dBc/Hz	Option LN
At 1 kHz from carrier	-96 dBc/Hz	-92 dBc/Hz
At 100 kHz from carrier	-115 dBc/Hz	-111 dBc/Hz

5Spectral Purity

Figure 3: Harmonics (2nd, 3rd at P=+5 dBm, 865B-40 with option FILT).

Figure 4: Harmonics (2nd, 3rd at P=5 dBm, 865B-20).

Parameter	Typical	Max	Note
Harmonics (at 0 dBm Pout)
0.01 to 6 GHz	-40 dBc	-30 dBc
>6 GHz	-35 dBc	-30 dBc
>10.5 GHz	-55 dBc	-45 dBc	865B-12/20
>10.5 GHz	-30 dBc	-25 dBc	865B-26/40
Option FILT, >20 GHz	-60 dBc	-48 dBc	All models, see plots
Sub-harmonics
<5 GHz	-75 dBc	-65 dBc
5 - 20 GHz	-70 dBc	-60 dBc
>20 GHz	-55 dBc	-50 dBc
Option FILT, >20 GHz	-65 dBc	-55 dBc
Non-harmonic spurious (> 10 kHz offset)
<1.2 GHz	-90 dBc	-60 dBc
1.2 - 2.5 GHz	-92 dBc	-60 dBc
2.5 - 5 GHz	-90 dBc	-58 dBc
5 - 10 GHz	-84 dBc	-58 dBc
10 - 20 GHz	-80 dBc	-58 dBc
>20 GHz	-70 dBc	-50 dBc

6Level Performance

Figure 5: Maximum Output Power 0.01 to 40 GHz.

Figure 6: Max Output Power 0.01 to 40 GHz (865B-40 with option PE4).

Figure 7: Max Output Power 0.01 to 40 GHz (with option FILT+PE2).

Figure 8: Max Output Power 0.01 to 40 GHz (with option PE/PE2).

Parameter	Min	Typical	Max	Note
Output Power Range (865B-12/20)
8 to 100 kHz	-25 dBm		+15 dBm	Option 8K
0.1 to 10 MHz	-25 dBm		+24 dBm
0.01 to 5 GHz	-25 dBm		+26 dBm
5 to 12.75 GHz	-25 dBm		+24 dBm
12.75 to 18 GHz	-25 dBm		+22 dBm
18 to 20 GHz	-25 dBm		+20 dBm
Output Power Range (865B-12/20 with mechanical step attenuator, option PE)
0.1 to 10 MHz	-90 dBm		+23 dBm
0.01 to 5 GHz	-90 dBm		+25 dBm
5 to 12.75 GHz	-90 dBm		+23 dBm
12.75 to 18 GHz	-90 dBm		+19 dBm
18 to 20 GHz	-90 dBm		+17 dBm
Output Power Range (865B-12/20 with mechanical step attenuator, option PE2)
0.1 to 10 MHz	-120 dBm		+23 dBm
0.01 to 6 GHz	-120 dBm		+24 dBm
6 to 12.75 GHz	-120 dBm		+21 dBm
12.75 to 20 GHz	-120 dBm		+19 dBm
18 to 20 GHz	-120 dBm		+17 dBm
Output Power Range (865B-40)
8 to 100 kHz	-25 dBm		+15 dBm	Option 8K
0.1 to 10 MHz	-25 dBm		+24 dBm
0.01 to 6 GHz	-25 dBm		+25 dBm
6 to 12.75 GHz	-25 dBm		+24 dBm
12.75 to 26 GHz	-25 dBm		+21 dBm
26 to 40 GHz	-25 dBm		+18 dBm	See plot
Output Power Range (865B-40 with electrical step attenuator, option PE4)
0.1 to 10 MHz	-55 dBm		+23 dBm
0.01 to 6 GHz	-55 dBm		+24 dBm
6 to 12.75 GHz	-55 dBm		+22 dBm
12.75 to 20 GHz	-55 dBm		+20 dBm
20 to 30 GHz	-55 dBm		+17 dBm
30 to 40 GHz	-55 dBm		+14 dBm	See plot
Output Power Range (865B-40 with mechanical step attenuator, option PE)
0.1 to 10 MHz	-90 dBm		+24 dBm
0.01 to 6 GHz	-90 dBm		+24 dBm
6 to 12.75 GHz	-90 dBm		+22 dBm
12.75 to 20 GHz	-90 dBm		+21 dBm
20 to 30 GHz	-90 dBm		+18 dBm
30 to 35 GHz	-90 dBm		+17 dBm
35 to 40 GHz	-90 dBm		+16 dBm
Output Power Range (865B-40 with mechanical step attenuator, option PE2)
0.1 to 10 MHz	-120 dBm		+23 dBm
0.01 to 6 GHz	-120 dBm		+24 dBm
6 to 12.75 GHz	-120 dBm		+21 dBm
12.75 to 20 GHz	-120 dBm		+21 dBm
20 to 30 GHz	-120 dBm		+17 dBm
30 to 35 GHz	-120 dBm		+16 dBm
35 to 40 GHz	-120 dBm		+15 dBm	See plot
Output Power Range (all 865B with option FILT)
0.1 to 10 MHz	-25 dBm		+15 dBm
0.01 to 20 GHz	-25 dBm		+13 dBm
20 to 40 GHz	-25 dBm		+10 dBm	See plot
Output Power Range (all 865B with option FILT, PE/PE2)
0.1 to 10 MHz	-120 dBm		+15 dBm
0.01 to 20 GHz	-120 dBm		+13 dBm
20 to 35 GHz	-120 dBm		+10 dBm
35 to 40 GHz	-120 dBm		+6 dBm	See plot
Power Resolution		0.01 dB

Note: Figure 9 (Max Output Power 8 kHz to 100 kHz, with option 8K) is listed in the source datasheet as "to be added" and is not yet available.

7Reverse Power Protection and Output Impedance

Parameter	Typical	Max
Reverse Power Protection
DC Voltage		±10 V
RF Power		30 dBm
Output Impedance
Output impedance	50 Ohms
VSWR	1.4	1.9

8Power Level Uncertainty

Figure 11: Typical Frequency Response 0 to 20 GHz at different power levels (865B-20).

Figure 12: Typical Output Power Linearity (865B-20).

Values shown are Min/Max; the value in parentheses is the Typical Value.

Frequency	Max power to -15 to +15 dBm	-70 to -15 dBm, option PE/PE2	-110 to -70 dBm, option PE/PE2
< 6 GHz	0.8 dB (0.25 dB)	1.1 dB	2.0 dB
6 to 12.75 GHz	0.9 dB (0.3 dB)	1.2 dB	2.0 dB
12.75 to 26 GHz	1.0 dB (0.3 dB)	1.4 dB	2.0 dB
26 to 40 GHz	1.2 dB (0.4 dB)	1.5 dB	2.1 dB

9Modulation Capabilities (Option MOD)

Figure 13: 865B-40 no options, 100 ns Pulse Modulation, 40 GHz Carrier Frequency.

Figure 14: 865B-40 option NP or NEC Pulse Modulation 30 ns, 40 GHz Carrier Frequency.

Figure 15: 865B-40 option FS Pulse Modulation 20 ns, 40 GHz Carrier Frequency.

Parameter	Min	Typical	Max	Note
Pulse Modulation
Modulation Source		Internal / external
Pulse rise / fall time		5 ns
On / off ratio (high ON/OFF mode)	70 dB	80 dB		Pout > +10 dBm, f<18 GHz
On / off ratio (high ON/OFF mode)	65 dB	75 dB		> 18 GHz
Pulse overshoot			10%
Pulse delay		20 ns
Pulse polarity		Normal, inverse		Selectable
External input threshold	0.85 V	0.9 V	0.95 V	TTL compatible
External input voltage range	-0.5 V		+5.5 V	TTL compatible
External input hysteresis		60 mV
Internal pulse generator
Repetition frequency (PRF)	0.1 Hz		50 MHz	=1/T
Duty cycle	1 % to 99 % in 1% steps			within specified minimum pulse width
Minimum pulse settling range	100 ns		20 s
	25 ns			Option NEC or NP
	15 ns			Option FS
Pulse Pattern Modulation & Staggered PRF				Using internal pattern generator
Programmable pattern length	2		4096
Duty cycle	0.05%		99.95%
Pulse width resolution		5 ns
Pulse period (T) accuracy		0.00005×T + 3ns
Pulse width accuracy		0.00005×T + 5ns
Pulse jitter		1 ns
Polarity		selectable

10Chirped Pulse Modulation (Options MOD and FS / NEC)

Parameter	Min	Typical	Max	Note
Modulation source		Internal
Chirp span	1 Hz		3%	Of RF
Chirp rate	1 Hz		100 kHz
Pulse width	10 µs		1 sec	Option FS
	10 µs			Option NEC, f<31.8 GHz, BW<2.2 GHz
	500 µs			Option NEC, f<31.8 GHz, BW>2.2 GHz
	10 µs			Opt.NEC, f>31.8 GHz, BW<0.55 GHz
	500 µs			Opt.NEC, f>31.8 GHz, BW>0.55 GHz
Chirp slope			0.5% / µs	Of RF
Chirp mode		Linear, exponential, up, down, bidirectional

11Amplitude Modulation

Parameter	Min	Typical	Max	Note
Modulation source		Internal
Modulation depth	0%		80%	Settable to 95%
Deviation accuracy		2%	4%	1 kHz rate, 30% depth
Deviation resolution		1%
Distortion (THD)		1%	3%	1 kHz rate, 30% depth
Modulation rate	0.1 Hz		30 kHz
Modulation waveforms		Sine

12Frequency Modulation

Parameter	Min	Typical	Max	Note
Modulation source		Internal/external
Maximum frequency deviation (peak)		N · 200 MHz		< 1.25 GHz (N=1); 1.25 GHz to 2.5 GHz (N=0.125); 2.5 GHz to 5 GH (N=0.25); 5 GHz to 10 GHz (N=0.5); 10 GHz to 20 GHz (N=1); 20 GHz to 40 GHz (N=2)
Deviation accuracy		0.50%	2%
Distortion (THD)		< 1%
Modulation rate	0.1 Hz		80 kHz
Modulation waveforms		Sine
External input voltage range	0 V		+10 V	Input voltage must be positive
External input termination		600 Ohms		Internal termination
External input cooling		AC		Cutoff 1 Hz typical (-3 dB) DC coupling on request

13Phase Modulation

Parameter	Min	Typical	Max	Note
Modulation source		Internal / external
Phase deviation (peak)	0		300 · N· rad
Deviation accuracy		0.50%	2%
Modulation rate	0.1 Hz		80 kHz
Modulation waveforms		Sine
Distortion (THD)	< 1%	1 kHz rate & N x rad deviation	Distortion (THD)	< 1%
External input voltage range	0 V		+10 V	Input voltage must be positive
External input termination		600 Ohms		Internal termination
External input cooling		AC		Cutoff 1 Hz typical (-3 dB)

14Sweeping Capability

Parameter	Min	Typical	Max	Note
Sweep Parameters	Frequency, power, phase, list
Sweep Types	Linear, logarithmic, random
Step time (t_step)	500 µs		19998 s
	30 µs			Option FS
	30 µs (f< 31.8 GHz, fstep<2.2 GHz)			Option NEC
	100 µs (f< 31.8 GHz, fstep>2.2 GHz)			Option NEC
	30 µs (f> 31.8 GHz, fstep<0.55 GHz)			Option NEC
	500 µs (f> 31.8 GHz, fstep>0.55 GHz)			Option NEC
Settling time (t_set)			15 µs	To stabilize phase and amplitude, depends on frequency step
Time resolution		5 ns
Timing accuracy per point		5 ns

Sweep step timing: TRIG IN, TRIG OUT (signal valid), and RF valid showing t_step, t_de, t_inv and t_val intervals — Sweep step timing relationship between TRIG IN, TRIG OUT (signal valid), and RF valid.

15Frequency Reference

Parameter	Min	Typical	Max	Note
Internal Reference Frequency		100 MHz
Internal Reference Frequency		10 MHz		Option LN
Temperature stability 0 to 50 °C			±100 ppb
Temperature stability 0 to 50 °C			±20 ppb	Option LN
Aging first year			1 ppm
			0.03 ppm	Option LN
			0.02 ppm	Option LN+
Aging per day			5 ppb	after 30 days operations
Aging per day			0.5 ppb	Option LN
Warm-up time		5 min
Output of internal reference		100 MHz
Output of internal reference		10/100 MHz		Option LN
Output power		0 dBm
Output impedance		50 Ohms
Bypass Internal reference input		100 MHz		High phase synchronous mode. *Options LN/LN+ are bypassed
Phase Lock to External Reference	5	10 MHz Integer MHz	250	Option VREF
Phase Lock to External Reference	Bypass Mode: 100 MHz			*Options LN/LN+ are bypassed
Reference input level
10 MHz to 1-250 MHz	-5 dBm	0 dBm	+10 dBm
100 MHz	5 dBm		+15 dBm
Lock Range
10 MHz or 1-250 MHz			±1.5 ppm
100 MHz			>100 ppm
Reference input impedance		50 Ohms

16Trigger

Parameter	Min	Typical	Max	Note
Trigger Types	Continuous, single (point), gated, gated direction
Trigger Source	External, bus (LAN, USB)
Trigger Modes	Continuous free run, trigger and run, reset and run
Trigger uncertainty		10 ns
External trigger delay	50 ns		40 s	Settable
External delay resolution		5 ns
Trigger Modulo	1		255	Execute only on Nth trigger event
Trigger Polarity		Rising, falling
External trigger input threshold	0.85 V	0.9 V	0.95 V	TTL compatible
External trigger input voltage range	-0.5 V		+5.5 V	TTL compatible
External trigger input hysteresis		60 mV

17Multi-Purpose Output (FUNC OUT)

Output is TRIG OUT at rear panel.

Parameter	Min	Typical	Max	Note
MULTIFUNCTION GENERATOR (Sine, triangle, square wave)
Frequency range	1 Hz		3 MHz	Sine
	1 Hz		1 MHz	Triangle
			50 kHz	Square
Frequency resolution		0.1 Hz
Output voltage amplitude peak-peak	10 mV		2 V	Sine, triangle
Output voltage amplitude peak-peak		5 V		Square (CMOS output)
Harmonic Distortion		1%		< 100 kHz, 1 Vpp
Output impedance		50 Ohms		Sine, triangle
Output impedance		CMOS		Square wave
VIDEO OUTPUT (of internal pulse modulator)
Output		CMOS
Period	30 ns		50 s
Pulse width	15 ns		50 s
RF delay		10 ns
TRIGGER OUT Synchronization mode for multiple sources
Modes	Trigger on sweep start, Trigger on each point, Signal valid

18GUI

The 865B can be operated from the full front panel touch display, from the PC-based Desktop App GUI, or from a Web Browser GUI served by the instrument. The desktop and web applications expose control of CW frequency, power, phase, sweep, modulation, reference, and trigger functions.

19Connectors

Front Panel

Color touch display
RF output
- 865B-40: K (2.92 mm) female
- 865B-12, 20, 26: SMA female
Rotary knob

Rear Panel

TRIG IN: Trigger input: BNC female
TRIG OUT: Trigger output: BNC female
REF OUT: Internal reference output: BNC female
REF IN: External reference output: BNC female
MOD IN: Modulation input for FM/PM: BNC female
PULSE IN: Pulse modulation input: BNC female
LAN connection: RJ-45
USB 2.0 host and device
GPIB: IEEE-488.2, 1987 with listen and talk
DC Power plug (24 V, 3 A)
DC power switch

20Ordering Information

Host Model	Product	Description
865B-12	865B-12	100 kHz - 12.75 GHz
865B-20	865B-20	100 kHz - 20 GHz
865B-26	865B-26	100 kHz - 26 GHz
865B-40	865B-40	100 kHz - 40 GHz
865B-XX	Option LN	Enhanced close in phase noise & frequency stability
865B-XX	Option LN+	Enhanced close in phase noise & further enhanced long term frequency stability
865B-XX	Option FS	Ultra-fast switching speed
865B-XX	Option NP	Narrow pulse modulation
865B-XX	Option MOD	Analog modulation
865B-XX	Option FILT	Harmonic filtering (not in combination with option PE4)
865B-XX	Option 8K	Frequency range extension to 8 kHz
865B-XX	Option VREF	Variable external reference
865B-12/20/26	Option PE4-12/20226	Electrical step attenuator (12, 20 & 26 GHz version) (not in combination with option FILT)
865B-40	Option PE4-40	Electrical step attenuator (40 GHz version) (not in combination with option FILT)
865B-12/20	Option PE-12/20	Mechanical step attenuator down to -90 dBm (12 & 20 GHz version)
865B-26/40	Option PE-26/40	Mechanical step attenuator down to -90 dBm (26 & 40 GHz version)
865B-12/20/26	Option PE2-12/20/26	Mechanical step attenuator down to -120 dBm (12, 20 & 26 GHz version)
865B-40	Option PE2-40	Mechanical step attenuator down to -120 dBm (40 GHz version)
865B-XX	Option EB	External power bank adapter cable
865B-XX	Option GPIB	GPIB interface
865B-XX	Option RM	19" 3U rack-mount kit
865B-XX	Option 1URM	19" 1U rack-mount module
865B-XX	Option REAR	Move output to rear panel
865B-XX	Option FLASH	MicroSD card slot for removable SD memory
865B-XX	Option IEC	IEC 17025 calibration with certificate
865B-XX	Option Bag	Portable bag
865B-XX	Option Retrofit	Applies when options are back-ordered

21General Characteristics

Remote programming interfaces

Ethernet 100BaseT LAN interface
USB 2.0 host & device
GPIB (IEEE-488.2,1987) with listen and talk (optional)
Control language SCPI Version 1999.0

Parameter	Specification
Power requirements	24V ± 3.0 VDC; 25 W maximum
AC adapter supplied	100-240 VAC in/ 24 V 4.0 A DC out
Environmental	Levels similar to MIL-PRF-28800F Class 3/4. Samples of this product have been type-tested to be robust under the environmental conditions of storage, transportation, and end-use with different temperature, humidity, shock, vibration, altitude, and power line conditions.
Operating temperature range	0 to 45 °C
Storage temperature range	-40 to 70 °C
Operating and storage altitude	up to 15,000 feet (4600 m)
EMC	Complies and EMC regulations and directives for emission and immunity to interference (EN 61326-1 Industrial, EN/IEC 61326-2-1).
Safety	Complies with applicable Safety regulation in line with IEC/EN 61010-1. This product complies with directive 2011/65/EU.
Weight	6 lbs (2.5 kg) net, ≤ 9 lb (4 kg) with ship-ready package
Dimensions	4.21 in H x 6.77 in W x 11.42 in L / 106 mm H x 172 mm W x 290 mm L, incl. connectors
Recommended calibration cycle	24 months

Compliance. EMC complies with EMC regulations and directives for emission and immunity to interference (EN 61326-1 Industrial, EN/IEC 61326-2-1). Safety complies with applicable safety regulation in line with IEC/EN 61010-1. This product complies with directive 2011/65/EU. The 865B carries the CE mark shown.

Model 865B RF / Microwave Signal Generator