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Product Data Sheet

Model 866-M 1 MHz to 40 GHz Compact Frequency Synthesizer

A compact, flange-mount frequency synthesizer covering 1 MHz to 40 GHz in both CW and pulse form, with fast switching of 50 µs and output power of -20 to +25 dBm. Multiple units phase synchronize as master and slaves for multi-channel phase-coherent operation. The module weighs less than 1.3 lbs, consumes less than 23 W, and is passively cooled.

Data Sheet · Model 866-M · datasheet v105 (dc-13013202) · Berkeley Nucleonics Corp.
Berkeley Nucleonics Model 866-M frequency synthesizer

1Overview

Model 866-M mechanical outline and mounting hole pattern
Flange-mount outline: 165 x 60 x 26 mm with 4x Ø3.4 mm mounting holes.

The Model 866-M is a compact-size frequency synthesizer for the generation of accurate and stable frequency signals in both CW and pulse form, covering a frequency range of 1 MHz to 40 GHz, with a fast-switching time of 50 µs, an output power of -20 to +25 dBm. The device shows excellent phase noise performance, e.g., at 10 GHz and 20 kHz offset -127 dBc/Hz is measured.

The synthesizer is in a very compact flange-mountable form of 6.5 x 2.4 x 1 inches [165 x 60 x 26 mm], weighs less than 1.3 lbs, and consumes less than 23 W and is only passively cooled. The Ethernet communication port is used for remote connection to a PC for control over GUI software using standard SCPI commands.

The module can receive and provide external references of 100 MHz or 1 GHz. Multiple units can be phase synchronized with one unit acting as the master and the others as slaves, to implement multi-channel phase-coherent outputs.

The product is suitable for many applications: as low phase noise system clock or reference sources, in the multi-channel phase-coherent configurations for radar, EW, quantum computing, etc.

Definitions. Specifications describe the warranted performance of the instrument for 23 ±5 °C after a 30-minute warm-up period unless otherwise stated. Min/Max: range guaranteed by product design and/or production tested, with guard-bands. Typical: expected mean values, not warranted performance.

2Key Features & Applications

Features

  • Small size flange-mount module
  • CW and pulse modulation
  • Low power consumption as low as 23 W, passive cooling

Applications

  • System clock source
  • Multi-channel phase-coherent configurations for radar signal generation and testing
  • Spectroscopy

3Frequency & Output Power

Signal Specifications

ParameterMinTypicalMaxNote
Frequency Range1 MHz40 GHz
Frequency Resolution0.001 HzGUI SW setting resolution
Phase Adjustment Range0 deg360 deg
Phase Resolution0.1 deg
Switching Speed500 µs
50 µs		85 µsOption FS

Frequency Reference

ParameterMinTypicalMaxNote
Internal reference frequency100 MHz
Calibrated accuracy of int. reference±30 ppbCalibrated at 23 ± 3 °C
Temperature stability (0 to 50 °C)±100 ppb
Aging 1st year500 ppb
Aging per day5 ppbAfter 30 days operation
Warm-Up time5 min
Reference frequency input100 MHz, 1 GHz
Reference input level (100 MHz
1 GHz)		-5 dBm
-5 dBm		+10 dBm
+10 dBm
Reference input impedance50 Ω
Reference frequency output100 MHz, 1 GHz100 MHz reference out not possible when using 1 GHz external reference
Output power (100 MHz
1 GHz)		0 dBm
-1 dBm		5 dBm
5 dBm
Reference output impedance50 Ω
Multi-Channel configurability
Recommended configurationOne master and multiple slave units are synchronized by the common 1 GHz reference from the master unit
Relative phase stability among the multi-channels (phase coherence)15 mrad@ 5 GHz over 5 hours

Level Performance

Typical maximum output power versus frequency
Figure 1: Typical Maximum Output Power.
ParameterMinTypicalMaxNote
Output power levelSee plot below
< 1 GHz-10 dBm24 dBm
1 GHz to 18 GHz-10 dBm25 dBm
18 GHz to 23 GHz-10 dBm23 dBm
23 GHz to 32 GHz-20 dBm21 dBm
32 GHz to 40 GHz-20 dBm17 dBm
Power resolution0.5 dB

Level Uncertainty

Power level linearity across multiple carrier frequencies
Figure 2: Power Level Linearity.
ParameterMinTypicalMaxNote
Power level uncertaintySee plots below
<15 GHz0.5 dB1.0 dB0 to 15 dBm
15 GHz to 35 GHz1.0 dB1.5 dB0 to 15 dBm
35 GHz to 40 GHz1.0 dB2.0 dB0 to 15 dBm
Frequency response across power levels
Figure 3: Frequency Response.

Reverse Power Protection and VSWR

ParameterMinTypicalMaxNote
Output impedance
VSWR		50 Ω
1.7
Reverse power protection
DC voltage7 V
RF power23 dBm

4Phase Noise & Spectral Purity

Phase Noise

SSB phase noise versus offset frequency for several carriers
Figure 4: SSB Phase Noise Performance.
ParameterMinTypicalMaxNote
SSB Phase noise at 1 GHzSee plot below
at 10 Hz from carrier-87 dBc/Hz-80 dBc/Hz
at 1 kHz from carrier-130 dBc/Hz-125 dBc/Hz
at 100 kHz from carrier-145 dBc/Hz-140 dBc/Hz
at 10 MHz from carrier-155 dBc/Hz-150 dBc/Hz
SSB Phase noise at 10 GHzSee plot below
at 10 Hz from carrier-66 dBc/Hz-60 dBc/Hz
at 1 kHz from carrier-113 dBc/Hz-108 dBc/Hz
at 100 kHz from carrier-129 dBc/Hz-124 dBc/Hz
at 10 MHz from carrier-138 dBc/Hz-133 dBc/Hz

Spectral Purity

2nd and 3rd harmonic levels versus frequency at 10 dBm output power
Figure 5: Harmonics (at 10 dBm Output Power).
ParameterMinTypicalMaxNote
HarmonicsAt 10 dBm; See plot below
< 1 GHz-30 dBc-25 dBc
1 GHz to 4 GHz-15 dBc-10 dBc
4 GHz to 20 GHz-25 dBc-15 dBc
20 GHz to 40 GHz-20 dBc
Sub-harmonicsAt 10 dBm
< 4 GHz-80 dBc-70 dBc
4 GHz to 20 GHz-70 dBc-75 dBc
20 GHz to 40 GHz-55 dBc-40 dBc
Non-harmonic spurious>10 kHz offset
< 1 GHz-55 dBc-50 dBc
1 GHz to 20 GHz-70 dBc-60 dBc
20 GHz to 40 GHz-60 dBc

5Sweeping & Trigger

Sweeping Capability

ParameterMinTypicalMaxNote
Sweep parametersFrequency, power, list
Sweep typeLinear, logarithmic, random
Step Time500 µs
50 µs		20 s
20 s		Option FS
Timing resolution10 ns
Timing accuracy per point20 ns
Generalized list sweepAllows for individual setting of frequency, power, step-time, and off-time for each point.

Trigger (TRIG)

ParameterMinTypicalMaxNote
Trigger typesContinuous; Single (point); Gated; Gated direction
Trigger sourceExternal; Ethernet
Trigger modesContinuous free run; Trigger and run; Reset and run
External trigger latency140 ns
External trigger uncertainty20 ns
External trigger delay0 s20 sSettable
External delay resolution10 ns
Trigger modulo1255Execute only on Nth trigger event
Trigger polarityRising; Falling
External trigger input threshold0.85 V0.9 V0.95 VTTL compatible
External trigger input voltage range-0.5 V+5.5 VTTL compatible
External trigger input hysteresis60 mV

6Modulation

Modulation Capability

On/Off ratio of pulse modulation versus frequency at 10 dBm
Figure 6: On/Off Ratio – Pulse Modulation (at 10 dBm Output Power).
ParameterMinTypicalMaxNote
Pulse modulation
Modulation sourceInternal; ExternalTrigger port can be reconfigured as external modulation port
On/off ratio
< 1 GHz
1 GHz to 20 GHz
20 GHz to 27 GHz
27 GHz to 40 GHz
50 dB
30 dB
35 dB
45 dB
60 dB
40 dB
45 dB
55 dB		At 10 dBm; See plot below.
Repetition frequencyDC10 MHz
Pulse width30 ns20 s
Pulse rise/fall time9 ns
Pulse train length14096

7Mechanical & Connectors

Dimensions & Weight

Dimensions / WeightIncluding Connectors
W x L x H6.5 x 2.4 x 1” [165 x 60 x 26 mm] / 1 lb [0.45 kg]

Installation Instructions

The module relies on passive cooling. It is mandatory to mount the device on a heatsinking surface. Make sure the synthesizer operates under the conditions specified in the datasheet. Otherwise, the thermal protection will turn off the RF output.

Front Panel

Model 866-M front panel connectors and indicators
Front panel: TRIG, PWR / REM / RF indicators, and RF OUT.
LabelTypeDescription
1. TRIGSMATrigger Signal input
2. PWRLEDPower ON/OFF indicator
3. REMLEDRemote connection status indicator
4. RFLEDRF output ON/OFF indicator
5. RF OUT2.92 mmRF output

Rear Panel

Model 866-M rear panel connectors
Rear panel: DC IN, ETH, REF IN, RST, and REF OUT.
LabelTypeDescription
1. DC IN1053141104 (Molex)DC input (see also chapter “Power Connector Assembly”)
2. ETHRJ-45Ethernet port
3. REF INSMAReference Signal input
4. RSTButtonReset Button
5. REF OUTSMAReference Signal output

Power Connector Assembly

Power connector pin assignment, 4-pin double-row header
Power connector pin assignment (4-pin, 2.50 mm double-row header).
PinAssignment
1DC Supply (see also “Power requirements”)
2GND
3DC Supply (see also “Power requirements”)
4GND

The power connector is a 4 pin, 2.50 mm spaced double-row header. BNC recommends Molex manufactured receptacles 1053081204 and contacts 1053002200 with TPA retainer 1053252002 from its Nano-Fit series.

Reset Functionality

The reset functionality of the device can be used if the device has a wrong configured IP address and cannot be found in the local area network anymore. While pressing the reset button (>2 s), the device will be reconfigured to auto IP addressing mode (DHCP/Zero-conf) and restarts itself. After the device is up and running again, it gets a new IP address and can be discovered by the BNC Signal Generator UI.

8General Characteristics

ParameterSpecification
Remote Programming InterfacesEthernet
Control languageSCPI Version 1999.0
Power requirements24±6 VDC; 23 W maximum
Mains adapter supplied100-240 VAC in / 24 V, 2.7 A DC out
Storage temperature range-40 to 70 °C
Operating temperature range0 to 45 °C, non-condensing
Operating and storage altitudeup to 15,000 feet
Safety/EMCcomplies with applicable Safety and EMC regulations and directives
Recommended calibration cycle24 months

9Ordering Information

Host ModelProductDescription
866-M866-M40 GHz wideband frequency synthesizer module (with AC adapter)
866-MOption FSFast Switching

10Applications

  • System clock source
  • Multi-channel phase-coherent configurations for radar signal generation and testing
  • Spectroscopy

The product is suitable for many applications: as low phase noise system clock or reference sources, in the multi-channel phase-coherent configurations for radar, EW, quantum computing, etc.