Berkeley Nucleonics has introduced a new series of 2-Channel, 4-Channel, and 8-Channel RF/Microwave Signal Generators that operate up to 40 GHz. The Model 855B Series are Multi-channel signal sources that expand the testing capability by enabling multiplexing, increasing data throughput and improving signal-to-noise ratios. The phase relationship of each channel is extremely significant, and Berkeley Nucleonics claims industry-leading phase coherence and phase memory stability between channels with this most recent design. The company claims to have virtually eliminated phase drift, thereby ensuring days or weeks of operation with constant phase coherence.
BNC Will be Showcasing this Series of Signal Generators at the Upcoming IMS Event in Boston in June.
The growing need for testing multiple channels in multi-antenna applications is driving new signal simulation and characterization capabilities. The ultra-compact Model 855B offers superior performance in several critical areas. The new design increases power range to an impressive -80 dBm to 25 dBm on each output. The operator’s frequency selection has been expanded to 300 kHz – 40 GHz and ultra-fast switching speeds are now down to 25uS. The new design boasts a very respectable Phase Noise measurement of – 150 dBc/Hz at a 100 kHz offset from a 1 GHz carrier (-100 dBc/Hz at 10 Hz offset).
Each channel can be programmed independently in frequency, phase, amplitude, and modulation. By programming each channel, users can perform synchronized power and frequency sweeps concurrently, an order of magnitude increase in output flexibility. This functionality can be done manually, by loading set point lists into the utility or by using standard ASCII command sets. Other applications for the multiple channels RF/Microwave Signal Generators include Radar Simulation, Quantum Computing, EW/Defense systems, and Beamforming.
A software GUI and periodic updates ensure users they will always be working with the latest version of the product. The software GUI also drives down the product cost, front panel complexity and overall space required. A 4-channel, 40 GHz system is packaging in a 1U 19” module for easy Rack Mounting.
For even more complex test applications, the Model 855B offers a dedicated clock synchronization mode to maintain phase coherence across multiple instruments. The units feature a pair of high-frequency 3 GHz SYSREF ports (one input, one output) for phase synchronization among multiple Model 855B instruments. (See Green Plot showing phase coherence across multiple instruments).
