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Product Data Sheet

Model 871 Single & Multi-Channel Signal Generator

Phase-coherent RF and microwave generation from 1 kHz to 51 GHz, in one to four channels, with 5 µs switching and clean, accurately leveled output.

Specifications reproduced from Model 871 datasheet V018 (dc-71504202). Warranted at 23 ±5 °C after 30-minute warm-up unless stated.
Berkeley Nucleonics Model 871 signal generator, front view

1Introduction

The Model 871 is a series of phase-coherent, single or multi-channel, ultra-fast switching and ultra-low phase noise signal generators with a frequency range from 1 kHz to 12, 20, 40, and 51 GHz. It is ideally suited for a wide range of applications, where good signal quality, accurate and wide output power ranges, and very stable phase coherence among all channels are required. Outstanding phase noise is combined with good spurious, harmonic rejection and leading-edge switching speed of 5 µs.

A high-stability OCXO reference provides excellent frequency accuracy and stability. The generator accepts a wide range of external references including the commonly used 10 and 100 MHz for higher phase synchronization, and a flexible reference choice in the range of 1-250 MHz for those applications with customer- or system-specific reference frequencies. Moreover, the Model 871 features a pair of BNC-specific high-frequency CLK ports (3 GHz, one input and one output) that enables excellent phase synchronization among the outputs of multiple BNC instruments with similar ports.

The Model 871 comes in a desktop enclosure (single-channel) or 19-inch 2U (up to 4 channels) rack-mountable module form. It can 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 achieved 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.
Model 871 single-channel desktop signal generator
Model 871 single-channel desktop enclosure (1 kHz to 51 GHz).
Model 871 multi-channel 19-inch 2U rackmount signal generator
Model 871 multi-channel 19" 2 U rackmount module (up to 4 channels).

Features

  • Wide & 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

Applications

  • ATE
  • Production testing
  • R&D low noise signal source
  • Defense & Aerospace

2Signal Specifications

ParameterMinTypicalMaxNote
Channels14
Frequency Ranges
871-1210 MHz12.75 GHz
871-2010 MHz20 GHz
871-4010 MHz40 GHz
871-5010 MHz51 GHz
1 kHzfmaxOption 1K
Resolution<0.001 Hz
Phase Adjustment Range0 deg360 degIndividually adjustable per channel
Phase Resolution0.1 deg
Switching TimeFrequency > 10 MHz
CW Mode1.5 msAfter SCPI command received
Sweep/List Mode100 µs
3 µs5 µsOption FS
Thermal Drift0.015 dB / °C

3Frequency Reference

ParameterMinTypicalMaxNote
Internal Reference Frequency
100 MHz
10 MHzOption LN(+)
Temperature stability 0 to 50 °C
±100 ppb
±20 ppbOption LN(+)
Aging 1st year
1000 ppb
30 ppbOption LN
20 ppbOption LN+
Aging per day
5 ppbAfter 30 days operations
0.5 ppbOption LN
< 0.5 ppbOption LN+
Warm-up time5 min
Output of internal reference1, 5, 10, 20, 25, 50, 100 MHzREF OUT port
High phase synchronous mode
Output of High Frequency Clock3 GHzCLK OUT port
High phase synchronous mode
Output Power
+10 dBm+13 dBm3 GHz
+5 dBm+10 dBm1-100 MHz
Output Impedance50 Ohms
Phase lock to external reference
10, 100 MHz
Integer MHz		STD or Option LN(+)
Option VREF
1 MHz250 MHzHigh phase synchronous mode
High Frequency Clock Input
(Bypass Internal References)		3 GHzCLK IN port
High phase synchronous mode
Reference input level
1 to 250 MHz-10 dBm0 dBm+10 dBm
3 GHz+10 dBm+13 dBm
Lock Range
LN(+), LN(+)+VREF±0.3 ppm
STD, STD+VREF±1.5 ppm
Reference Input Impedance50 Ω

4Spectral Purity

Absolute SSB Phase Noise in dBc/Hz

Phase noise at different frequencies, Option LN(+)
Figure 1: Phase noise at different frequencies. Option LN(+). (20 dBm or maximum power whichever is lower)

Specified values in plain text, typical values in brackets. CW, level = 10 dBm or maximum available output power, whichever is lower.

Offset →
Frequency ↓		10 Hz100 Hz1 kHz20 kHz100 kHz1 MHz10 MHz
100 MHz-100 (-105)-130 (-135)-154 (-159)-150 (-155)-156 (-161)-156 (-161)-156 (-161)
1 GHz-80 (-85)-110 (-115)-143 (-145)-150 (-153)-150 (-152)-153 (-155)-153 (-155)
4 GHz-68 (-73)-98 (-103)-132 (-135)-144 (-147)-147 (-150)-153 (-156)-153 (-155)
10 GHz-60 (-65)-90 (-95)-124 (-127)-136 (-139)-140 (-143)-145 (-148)-144 (-146)
20 GHz-54 (-59)-84 (-89)-118 (-121)-130 (-133)-134 (-137)-139 (-142)-138 (-140)
40 GHz-48 (-53)-78 (-83)-112 (-115)-124 (-127)-128 (-131)-133 (-136)-132 (-134)
50 GHz-46 (-51)-76 (-81)-110 (-113)-122 (-127)-126 (-129)-131 (-134)-130 (-132)

Absolute SSB Phase Noise with LN(+) Option in dBc/Hz

3 GHz CLK out signal phase noise, Option LN(+)
Figure 2: 3 GHz CLK out signal phase noise. Option LN(+).

Specified values in plain text, typical values in brackets. CW, level = 10 dBm or maximum available output power, whichever is lower.

Offset →
Frequency ↓		10 Hz100 Hz1 kHz20 kHz100 kHz1 MHz10 MHz
100 MHz-120 (-123)-130 (-135)-154 (-159)-150 (-155)-156 (-161)-156 (-161)-156 (-161)
1 GHz-100 (-103)-110 (-115)-143 (-145)-150 (-153)-150 (-152)-153 (-155)-153 (-155)
4 GHz-88 (-91)-98 (-103)-132 (-135)-144 (-147)-147 (-150)-153 (-156)-153 (-155)
10 GHz-80 (-83)-90 (-95)-124 (-127)-136 (-139)-140 (-143)-145 (-148)-144 (-146)
20 GHz-74 (-77)-84 (-89)-118 (-121)-130 (-133)-134 (-137)-139 (-142)-138 (-140)
40 GHz-68 (-71)-78 (-83)-112 (-115)-124 (-127)-128 (-131)-133 (-136)-132 (-134)
50 GHz-66 (-69)-76 (-81)-110 (-113)-122 (-127)-126 (-129)-131 (-134)-130 (-132)

5Phase Noise & Jitter

Harmonics, Subharmonics, Non-Harmonics

ParameterMinTypicalMaxNote
HarmonicsAt +10 dBm output power
1 kHz to 350 MHz-35 dBc-30 dBc
350 MHz to 8 GHz-60 dBc-50 dBc
8 GHz to 22 GHz-60 dBc-55 dBc
22 GHz to 30 GHz-25 dBc-20 dBc
30 GHz to 51 GHz-60 dBc-50 dBc
Sub-HarmonicsAt +10 dBm output power
1 kHz to 350 MHz-80 dBc
350 MHz to 12.75 GHz-75 dBc-65 dBcIncl. high-order subharmonics
12.75 GHz to 51 GHz-70 dBc-50 dBc
Non-Harmonic Spurious10 kHz to 0.5 GHz offset from carrier
1 kHz to 350 MHz-90 dBc-80 dBc
350 MHz to 4.5 GHz-85 dBc-80 dBc
4.5 GHz to 12.75 GHz-80 dBc-75 dBc
12.75 GHz to 25.5 GHz-75 dBc-70 dBc
25.5 GHz to 51 GHz-70 dBc-65 dBc

RMS Jitter

Amplitude noise at different frequencies, power level +10 dBm
Figure 3: Amplitude noise at different frequencies. Power level +10 dBm.
Carrier FrequencyMinTypicalMaxNote
155 MHz11 fs15 fsBW 100 Hz to 1.5 MHz
622 MHz8.5 fs10 fsBW 1 kHz to 5 MHz
1 GHz15 fs20 fsBW 10 Hz to 10 MHz
2.488 GHz8.5 fs10 fsBW 5 kHz to 20 MHz
9.952 GHz8.5 fs10 fsBW 10 kHz to 80 MHz

6Harmonics & Spurious

2nd harmonic levels at different output power levels
Figure 4: 2nd harmonic levels at different output power levels (+20 dBm or maximum power whichever is lower).

Harmonic, subharmonic, and non-harmonic spurious specifications are detailed in Phase Noise & Jitter above. The plots here characterize 2nd and 3rd harmonic levels across output power and carrier frequency.

3rd harmonic levels at different output power levels
Figure 5: 3rd harmonic levels at different output power levels (+20 dBm or maximum power whichever is lower).

Levels are referenced to the carrier in dBc across the full carrier-frequency range.

7Level Performance

Maximum power level statistics over 20 devices
Figure 6: Maximum power level statistics over 20 devices.
ParameterMinTypicalMaxNote
Output Power Level
1 kHz to 1 MHz-20 dBm+10 dBm
1 MHz to 10 MHz-20 dBm+12 dBm
10 MHz to 2.5 GHz-20 dBm+18 dBm
2.5 GHz to 44 GHz-20 dBm+19 dBm
44 GHz to 51 GHz-20 dBm+15 dBm
Output Power LevelOption PE2
1 kHz to 1 MHz-120 dBm+10 dBm
1 MHz to 10 MHz-120 dBm+12 dBm
10 MHz to 2.5 GHz-120 dBm+16 dBm
2.5 GHz to 44 GHz-120 dBm+18 dBm
44 GHz to 51 GHz-110 dBm+12 dBm
Power Resolution0.01 dB
Reverse Power Protection
DC Voltage0 V
RF Power26 dBm
Output Impedance50 Ohms
VSWR
1.31.5<15 GHz
1.61.815 to 35 GHz
1.92.2> 35 GHz

8Power Level Error

Power Level Error

Power level error between -15 and +15 dBm over frequency
Figure 7: Power level error between -15 and +15 dBm over frequency.

Specified values in plain text, typical values in brackets.

Frequency Range-110 to -50 dBm
Option PE2		-50 to -15 dBm
Option PE2		-15 to +15 dBm+15 dBm to Max Power
1 kHz to 10 MHz2.0 dB1.2 dB1 dB (0.5 dB)1.3 dB
10 MHz to 1 GHz2.0 dB1.3 dB0.8 dB (0.15 dB)1.3 dB
1 to 22 GHz2.0 dB1.8 dB0.5 dB (0.2 dB)2.0 dB
22 to 42 GHz2.3 dB2.0 dB1.2 dB (0.4 dB)2.0 dB
42 to 51 GHz2.5 dB2.0 dB1.3 dB (0.4 dB)2.5 dB

Relative Power Level Error (0.1 dB steps)

Specified values in plain text, typical values in brackets.

Frequency Range-110 to -50 dBm
Option PE2		-50 to -15 dBm
Option PE2		-15 to +15 dBm+15 dBm to Max Power
1 kHz to 10 MHz2.0 dB1.2 dB1 dB (0.5 dB)1.3 dB
10 MHz to 1 GHz2.0 dB1.3 dB0.8 dB (0.15 dB)1.3 dB
1 to 22 GHz2.0 dB1.8 dB0.5 dB (0.2 dB)2.0 dB
22 to 42 GHz2.3 dB2.0 dB1.2 dB (0.4 dB)2.0 dB
42 to 51 GHz2.5 dB2.0 dB1.3 dB (0.4 dB)2.5 dB

Relative Power Level Error (0.1 dB step)

Absolute power level error at different frequencies
Figure 8: Absolute power level error at different frequencies.

Specified values in plain text, typical values in brackets.

Frequency Range-110 to -50 dBm
Option PE2		-50 to -15 dBm
Option PE2/PE4		-15 to +15 dBm+15 dBm to Max Power
1 kHz to 10 MHz(< 0.1 dB)0.5 dB (< 0.1 dB)0.5 dB (< 0.1 dB)(< 0.1 dB)
10 MHz to 1 GHz(< 0.1 dB)(< 0.1 dB)(< 0.1 dB)(< 0.1 dB)
1 to 51 GHz(< 0.1 dB)(< 0.1 dB)(< 0.1 dB)(< 0.1 dB)

9Modulation Capabilities

Pulse Modulation

Pulse modulation ON/OFF ratio over frequency at different output power levels
Figure 9: Pulse Modulation ON/OFF Ratio over frequency at different output power levels (+20 dBm or maximum power whichever is lower).
ParameterMinTypicalMaxNote
Pulse ModulationOption Pulse
Modulation SourceInternal / external
External input amplitudeTTL
Pulse rise/fall time3 ns5 ns
On/off ratio (power>=+5 dBm)80 dB95 dB
Pulse overshoot10%
Pulse delay20 ns
Pulse polarityNormal, inverseSelectable

Internal Pulse Generator

10 GHz pulse-modulated signal
Figure 10: 10 GHz pulse-modulated signal.
50 GHz pulse-modulated signal
Figure 11: 50 GHz pulse-modulated signal.
ParameterMinTypicalMaxNote
Repetition Frequency (PRF)0.1 Hz50 MHz= 1/T
Duty Cycle1% to 99%
in 1% steps		Within specified minimum pulse width
Pulse Pattern Modulation & Staggered PRFUsing internal pattern generator
Pulse width10 ns20 s
Programmable pattern length265536
Duty cycle0.05%99.95%
Pulse width resolution5 ns
Pulse period (T) accuracy5·10-6·T+ 3ns
Pulse width accuracy5-6x T +5ns
Pulse jitter2 ns5 ns
PolaritySelectable

Amplitude Modulation

ParameterMinTypicalMaxNote
Amplitude ModulationOption MOD
Modulation sourceInternal
Modulation depth0100%
Depth accuracy0.05·Depth +2
Depth resolution1%
Distortion (THD)3%
Modulation rateDC30 kHz
Modulation waveforms

Frequency Modulation

ParameterMinTypicalMaxNote
Frequency ModulationOption MOD
Modulation source
Maximum frequency deviation (peak)N·5 MHzSee Deviation Table Below
Deviation accuracy0.01·Dev +2Hz
Distortion (THD)3%
Modulation rateDC30 kHz
Modulation waveformsSine

Phase Modulation

ParameterMinTypicalMaxNote
Phase modulationOption MOD
Modulation source
Phase deviation (peak)N·100 rad
Deviation accuracy0.01·Dev +1 mrad
Modulation rateDC30 kHz
Distortion (THD)3%
Modulation waveforms

Deviation Table

Output FrequencyN Value
1 kHz to <350 MHz1
350 to <562.5 MHz1/16
562.5 to <1125 MHz1/8
1.125 to <2.25 GHz1/4
2.25 to <4.5 GHz1/2
4.5 to <12.75 GHz1
12.75 to <25.5 GHz2
25.5 to 51 GHz4

10Sweeping Capability

ParameterMinTypicalMaxNote
Sweep ParametersFrequency, power, phase, list
Sweep TypeLinear
Step time (tstep = tdwell + toff)
500 µs19998 s
5 µs19998 sOption FS
Dwell time (tdwell)0 µs9999 s
Off time (toff)0 µs9999 s
Time resolution5 ns
Timing delay (tde)50 ns
Transient time (tinv)5 µs
Timing accuracy per point5 ns
Number of points210000Per channel

11Trigger & Multi-Purpose Output

Trigger (TRIG IN)

Trigger timing: TRIG IN, TRIG OUT signal valid, and RF valid
Trigger input / output timing, showing τstep, τde, τinv, and τval across TRIG IN, TRIG OUT (signal valid), and RF valid.
ParameterMinTypicalMaxNote
Trigger typesContinuous, Single (point), Gated, Gated, direction
Trigger sourceExternal, Bus (LAN, USB)
Trigger modesContinuous free run, Trigger and run, Reset and run
Trigger latency5 ns
Trigger uncertainty10 ns
External trigger delay50 ns40 ssettable
External delay resolution5 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

Multi-Purpose Output (FUNC OUT)

ParameterMinTypicalMaxNote
PULM VIDEO OUTPUT
OutputCMOS
Period30 ns50 s
Pulse width15 ns50 s
RF delay10 ns
TRIGGER OUT Synchronization Mode for Multiple Sources
ModesTrigger on sweep start
Trigger on each point
Signal valid

12Connectors

Single-Channel Front Panel (Desktop enclosure)

Model 871 single-channel desktop front panel, showing power switch, rotary knob, touch display and RF OUT connector
Single-channel (desktop enclosure) front panel.
  • Power switch
  • Rotary knob
  • RF outputs:
    • 871-12/20: 3.5 mm male (female flange-mount optional)
    • 871-40: 2.92 mm male hand-tight (female flange-mount optional)
    • 871-50: 1.85/2.4 mm male hand-tight (female flange-mount optional)

Single-Channel Rear Panel (Desktop enclosure)

Model 871 single-channel desktop rear panel, showing trigger, reference, CLK, PULSE IN, GPIB, LAN, USB, SD card slot and AC power connectors
Single-channel (desktop enclosure) rear panel.
  • Trigger output (TRIG OUT): BNC female
  • PULSE IN: Pulse modulation input: BNC female
  • Reference input (REF IN): BNC female
  • High Stability Reference input (CLK IN, 3 GHz): SMA female
  • Trigger input (TRIG IN): BNC female
  • Reference output (REF OUT): BNC female
  • High Stability Reference output (CLK OUT, 3 GHz): SMA female
  • GPIB: IEEE-488.2, 1987 with listen and talk (optional)
  • LAN connection: RJ-45
  • USB 2.0 device
  • Card slot (SD)
  • 100-240V AC power plug
  • Ground reference screw (earth) M4

Multi-Channel Front Panel (19" 2 U)

Model 871 multi-channel 19-inch 2U front panel, showing cooling fans and RF OUT 1 to 4 connectors
Multi-channel (19" 2 U) front panel.
  • RF outputs:
    • 871-12/20: SMA female
    • 871-40: 2.92 mm female
    • 871-50: 1.85/2.4 mm female

Multi-Channel Rear Panel (19" 2 U)

Model 871 multi-channel 19-inch 2U rear panel, showing SYNC, CLK, reference, trigger, PULM, GPIB, LAN, USB, SD slot, fuse and AC power connectors
Multi-channel (19" 2 U) rear panel.
  • Unit-to-unit synchronization signal input (SYNC IN): SMA female
  • Unit-to-unit synchronization signal output (SYNC OUT): SMA female
  • Channel 1, 2, 3, 4 PULM input: BNC female
  • High Stability Reference input (CLK IN, 3 GHz): SMA female
  • High Stability Reference output (CLK OUT, 3 GHz): SMA female
  • Trigger input (TRIG IN): BNC female
  • Trigger output (TRIG OUT): BNC female
  • Reference input (REF IN): BNC female
  • Reference output (REF OUT): BNC female
  • GPIB: IEEE-488.2, 1987 with listen and talk (optional)
  • LAN connection: RJ-45
  • USB 2.0 device
  • Card slot (SD)
  • FUSE (3.15 A)
  • 100-240V AC power plug
  • Power switch
  • Ground reference screw (earth) M4

13Mechanical Specifications

Desktop enclosure: Dimensions & weight

Including connectorsW x L x H = 9.1 x 15.5 x 3.8 in [232 x 393 x 96.75 mm], ≤22 lbs [10 kg]
Model 871 desktop enclosure outline drawing with dimensions: front, rear and side views
Desktop enclosure outline and dimensions.

Rackmount 19" 2 U: Dimensions & Weight

Including connectorsW x L x H = 17.5 x 23.4 x 3.5 in [444 x 594 x 88 mm], ≤39.7 lbs [18 kg]
Model 871 rackmount 19-inch 2U outline drawing with dimensions: front, side and top views
Rackmount 19" 2 U outline and dimensions.

14Ordering Information

Host Model No.ProductDescription
871871-12High performance signal generator up to 12.75 GHz
871871-20High performance signal generator up to 20 GHz
871871-40High performance signal generator up to 40 GHz
871871-50High performance signal generator up to 51 GHz
871-XX-X871-XX-11-channel signal generator, 19" 1U rack-mount module
871-XX-X871-XX-22-channel signal generator, 19" 1U rack-mount module
871-XX-X871-XX-33-channel signal generator, 19" 1U rack-mount module
871-XX-X871-XX-44-channel signal generator, 19" 1U rack-mount module
871-XX-XOption FSUltra-fast frequency/power switching
871-XX-XOption 1KFrequency range extension up to 1 kHz
871-XX-XOption LNEnhanced close in phase noise and frequency stability
871-XX-XOption LN+Option LN with improved long term frequency stability
871-XX-XOption VREFExternal reference frequency in range 1 to 250 MHz
871-XX-XOption MODAnalog modulations
871-XX-XOption PULSEPulse modulation
871-XX-XOption PE2-12/20/40Mechanical step attenuator down to -120 dBm for 12, 20 and 40 GHz models
871-XX-XOption PE2-50Mechanical step attenuator down to -110 dBm for 51 GHz models
871-XX-XOption FLASHMicroSD card slot for removable SD memory
871-XX-XOption GBIBGPIB interface

15General Characteristics

Remote programming interfaces:

  • Gbit Ethernet interface
  • USB 2.0 device
  • GPIB (IEEE-488.2,1987) with listen and talk (Option GPIB)
  • Control Language SCPI Version 1999.0

Power requirements: 100 - 240 VAC, 50 or 60 Hz, 280W maximum (80W + 50W per channel)

Environmental: Levels similar to MIL-PRF-28800F Class ¾

CE mark

Safety/EMC: comply with applicable Safety and EMC regulations and directives.

Weight:
Multi-Channel: 19" 2U HI enclosure 39.7 lbs. (18 kg)
Single-Channel: desktop enclosure ≤22 lbs. (10 kg)

Dimensions:
Multi-Channel: 19" 2U HI enclosure W x L x H = 17.5 x 23.4 x 3.5 in [444 x 594 x 88 mm]
Single-Channel: Desktop enclosure W x L x H = 9.1 x 15.5 x 3.8 in [232 x 393 x 96.75 mm]