Name: Model 845-OEM Shielded Microwave/RF Signal Generator
Brand: Berkeley Nucleonics

1Introduction

Model 845-OEM board-level microwave signal generator module with RF shielding cans — Model 845-OEM board-level microwave signal generator module, shown with and without the RF shielding cans.

Very compact, portable analog signal generator models with a range from 9 kHz (with option 9K) up to 26.5 GHz. The Model 845-OEM is a series of low-noise and fast-switching microwave signal generators covering a continuous frequency range from as low as 100 kHz up to 12, 20, and 26 GHz, respectively, with a 0.001 Hz resolution.

The Model 845-OEM provides an accurately leveled output power range and high spurious suppression. Advanced frequency synthesis with fractional-N divider makes for low SSB phase noise and micro-Hz resolution.

The standard Model 845-OEM includes amplitude modulation (AM), DC-coupled low-distortion wideband frequency modulation (FM), PM, FSK and PSK, frequency chirp, and fast pulse modulation with internal pulse train generator. Three internal modulation sources are available, and all modulation modes can be combined. This allows the generation of complex modulation signals for modern communication and location systems. The combination of pulse modulation and FM simulates Doppler effects or chirp signals. Simultaneous AM and pulse modulation provide the types of signals occurring in pulse radar applications with rotating antenna. The combination of FM and AM can be used to check fading effects of FM receivers.

All Model 845-OEM units allow fast analog and digital sweeps including flexible list sweeps, where frequency, power, and dwell times can be set individually. A flexible triggering capability simplifies synchronization within test environments.

All units operate with an ultra-stable temperature-compensated 100 MHz reference (OCXO) to ensure minimal drift, and can be phase-locked to any stable external reference in a range from 1 to 250 MHz. Additionally, optimum phase-synchronous signals can be achieved by bypassing the internal reference and feeding a 100 MHz signal directly as reference. The 845-OEM supports various standard interfaces such as USB-TMC, LAN, and GPIB.

Definitions

The specifications describe the warranted performance of the instrument for 23 ±5 °C after a 30-minute warm-up period, unless otherwise stated.

Min/Max: Parameter range 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.
Typical: Expected mean values, not warranted performance.

Applications

R&D low-noise microwave source
Production testing (industry-leading switching times, high dynamic range)
Service and maintenance (battery operation)
Signal simulation (Radar, WiMax, UWB)
Aerospace & defense (pulse modulator, chirps)

Aerospace and defense application: fighter aircraft — Aerospace and defense: radar and EW signal simulation.

SATCOM and radar application: large dish antenna — SATCOM and radar receiver test.

2Available Options

Option	Description
HP	Delivers higher maximum output power, to a level up to +27 dBm.
PE2	Optional power level extension to accurately level below -120 dBm.
FS	Substantially enhances the switching speed.
B3	Adds an internal rechargeable battery module.
9K	Low-frequency extension down to 9 kHz (845-20, 845-12 only).
FILT	Harmonic filtering.

3Frequency Parameters & Range

Parameter	Min	Typical	Max	Note
Frequency range	100 kHz		12.0 GHz	845-OEM-12
	100 kHz		20.0 GHz	845-OEM-20, settable to 20.5 GHz
	100 kHz		26.0 GHz	845-OEM-26, settable to 30 GHz
	9 kHz			Option 9 kHz
Resolution		0.001 Hz
Phase resolution		0.1 deg
Frequency / amplitude setting time		200 µs	300 µs
			30 µs	Option FS
			30 µs	F_swp < 2.2 GHz, Option NEC

4Level Performance

Figure 1: Typical maximum output power from 9 kHz to 1 MHz (option 9K) — Figure 1: Typical maximum output power, 9 kHz to 1 MHz (option 9K). Figure 2: Maximum output power, 845-26, HP with and without option PE2. Typical, not guaranteed.

Figure 2: Maximum output power 845-26, HP with and without option PE2 — Figure 1: Typical maximum output power, 9 kHz to 1 MHz (option 9K). Figure 2: Maximum output power, 845-26, HP with and without option PE2. Typical, not guaranteed.

Output power. Check maximum output power plots. Level resolution is 0.01 dB (typical).

Configuration	Min	Max	Frequency range
Standard	-20 dBm	+15 dBm	9 kHz to 100 kHz (option 9K)
Standard	-20 dBm	+15 dBm	100 kHz to 26 GHz
Option PE	-90 dBm	+13 dBm	9 kHz to 100 kHz (option 9K)
Option PE	-90 dBm	+13 dBm	100 kHz to 26 GHz
Option PE2	-120 dBm	+13 dBm	9 kHz to 100 kHz (option 9K)
Option PE2	-120 dBm	+13 dBm	100 kHz to 26 GHz
Option HP	-20 dBm	+15 dBm	9 kHz to 100 kHz (option 9K)
	-20 dBm	+20 dBm	100 kHz to 10 MHz
	-20 dBm	+21 dBm	0.01 to 12 GHz
	-20 dBm	+20 dBm	12 to 20 GHz
	-20 dBm	+19 dBm	20 to 24 GHz
	-20 dBm	+15 dBm	24 to 26 GHz
Option HP and FILT	-20 dBm	+15 dBm	9 kHz to 100 kHz (option 9K)
	-20 dBm	+19 dBm	100 kHz to 10 MHz
	-20 dBm	+20 dBm	0.01 to 12 GHz
	-20 dBm	+19 dBm	12 to 20 GHz
	-20 dBm	+18 dBm	20 to 24 GHz
	-20 dBm	+14 dBm	24 to 26 GHz
Option HP and PE2	-120 dBm	+13 dBm	9 kHz to 100 kHz (option 9K)
	-120 dBm	+20 dBm	100 kHz to 10 MHz
	-120 dBm	+21 dBm	0.01 to 12 GHz
	-120 dBm	+20 dBm	12 to 20 GHz
	-120 dBm	+18 dBm	20 to 24 GHz
	-120 dBm	+14 dBm	24 to 26 GHz
Options HP and PE2 + FILT	-120 dBm	+13 dBm	9 kHz to 100 kHz (option 9K)
	-120 dBm	+19 dBm	100 kHz to 10 MHz
	-120 dBm	+20 dBm	0.01 to 12 GHz
	-120 dBm	+18 dBm	12 to 20 GHz
	-120 dBm	+17 dBm	20 to 24 GHz
	-120 dBm	+13 dBm	24 to 26 GHz
Options HP and PE	-90 dBm	+13 dBm	9 kHz to 100 kHz (option 9K)
	-90 dBm	+20 dBm	100 kHz to 10 MHz
	-90 dBm	+21 dBm	0.01 to 12 GHz
	-90 dBm	+19 dBm	12 to 20 GHz
	-90 dBm	+18 dBm	20 to 24 GHz
	-90 dBm	+14 dBm	24 to 26 GHz
Option HP and PE + FILT	-90 dBm	+13 dBm	9 kHz to 100 kHz (option 9K)
	-90 dBm	+19 dBm	100 kHz to 10 MHz
	-90 dBm	+20 dBm	0.01 to 12 GHz
	-90 dBm	+18 dBm	12 to 20 GHz
	-90 dBm	+17 dBm	20 to 24 GHz
	-90 dBm	+13 dBm	24 to 26 GHz

5Power Uncertainty & VSWR

Reverse Power Protection and VSWR

Figure 3: Typical VSWR (845-20). Typical, not guaranteed.

Parameter	Typical	Max	Note
Reverse power protection — DC voltage		±15 V
Reverse power protection — RF power		+30 dBm
Output impedance	50 Ω
VSWR	1.5		< 20 GHz
VSWR	2.0		> 20 GHz

Power Level Uncertainty (ALC on, Model 845-OEM + PE2/PE)

Figure 4: Typical frequency response 0 to 20 GHz at -20, 0, and +20 dBm — Figures 4 and 5: Typical frequency response, 0 to 20 GHz at -20, 0, and +20 dBm. Typical, not guaranteed.

Figure 5: Typical frequency response 0 to 20 GHz at -20, 0, and +20 — Figures 4 and 5: Typical frequency response, 0 to 20 GHz at -20, 0, and +20 dBm. Typical, not guaranteed.

Values are the warranted figure, with the typical value in parentheses.

Frequency	>15 dBm to P_max	-15 to +15 dBm	-70 to -15 dBm	< -70 dBm
10 MHz to 10 GHz	1.6 dB (0.8 dB)	1.0 dB (0.3 dB)	1.5 dB (0.4 dB)	1.8 dB (0.5 dB)
100 Hz to f_max	1.6 dB (0.8 dB)	1.0 dB (0.3 dB)	1.5 dB (0.4 dB)	2.0 dB (0.5 dB)

User flatness correction: up to 2000 points. Temperature effects: 0.015 dB/°C (typical) in the range 0 to 45 °C.

6Phase Noise

SSB phase noise (standard)	Typical	Max
1 GHz, 10 Hz offset	-80 dBc/Hz	-77 dBc/Hz
1 GHz, 20 kHz offset	-130 dBc/Hz	-128 dBc/Hz
1 GHz, 100 kHz offset	-131 dBc/Hz	-129 dBc/Hz
4 GHz, 10 Hz offset	-68 dBc/Hz	-65 dBc/Hz
4 GHz, 20 kHz offset	-118 dBc/Hz	-116 dBc/Hz
4 GHz, 100 kHz offset	-119 dBc/Hz	-117 dBc/Hz
20 GHz, 10 Hz offset	-51 dBc/Hz	-48 dBc/Hz
20 GHz, 20 kHz offset	-104 dBc/Hz	-102 dBc/Hz
20 GHz, 100 kHz offset	-104 dBc/Hz	-100 dBc/Hz
Wideband noise	-150 dBc/Hz
Amplitude noise at 10 GHz	-130 dBc/Hz (-140 dBm)

7Spectral Purity

Figure 7: Harmonics, standard. Figure 8: Harmonics, 845-12 with option FILT. Figure 9: Harmonics, 845-20 with option FILT. Figure 10: Harmonics, 845-26 with option FILT. Typical, not guaranteed.

Figure 7: Harmonics, standard. Figure 8: Harmonics, 845-12 with option FILT. Figure 9: Harmonics, 845-20 with option FILT. Figure 10: Harmonics, 845-26 with option FILT. Typical, not guaranteed.

Spectral purity at +5 dBm.

Parameter	Typical	Max	Note
Output harmonics	-40 dBc	-30 dBc	See plot
845-OEM-12 with option FILT, 10 MHz to 8 GHz	-40 dBc	-30 dBc	See plot
845-OEM-12 with option FILT, 8 to 12 GHz	-60 dBc	-50 dBc
845-OEM-20 with option FILT, 10 MHz to 12 GHz	-40 dBc	-30 dBc	See plot
845-OEM-20 with option FILT, 12 to 20 GHz	-65 dBc	-50 dBc
845-OEM-26 with option FILT, 10 MHz to 15 GHz	-40 dBc	-30 dBc	See plot
845-OEM-26 with option FILT, 15 to 20 GHz	-60 dBc	-50 dBc
Sub-harmonics	-75 dBc	-65 dBc	< 20 GHz
Sub-harmonics	-50 dBc	-40 dBc	> 20 GHz
Non-harmonic spurious, < 312 MHz	-80 dBc	-66 dBc	CW +10 dBm, > 3 kHz offset
Non-harmonic spurious, > 312 to 625 MHz	-75 dBc	-70 dBc
Non-harmonic spurious, > 625 MHz to 1.5 GHz	-75 dBc	-65 dBc
Non-harmonic spurious, 1.5 to 2.5 GHz	-70 dBc	-65 dBc
Non-harmonic spurious, > 2.5 to 5 GHz	-65 dBc	-60 dBc
Non-harmonic spurious, > 5 to 10 GHz	-60 dBc	-55 dBc
Non-harmonic spurious, > 10 to 20 GHz	-55 dBc	-50 dBc
Non-harmonic spurious, > 20 GHz	-50 dBc	-45 dBc
Residual FM @ 10 GHz	15 Hz		0.3 kHz to 3 kHz, weighted (ITU-T), RMS
Residual AM @ 10 GHz	0.02%		RMS value (0.01 kHz to 15 kHz)

8Sweeping & Switching

Figure 15: Typical switching transient from 12 GHz to 14 GHz step — Figure 15: Typical switching transient, 12 GHz to 14 GHz step. Typical, not guaranteed.

Digital power / frequency / list sweeps. Sweep type: linear, logarithmic, random. Sweeps can be performed with combined internal or external AM/FM/PM/pulse modulation running; with modulation enabled, the minimum step time increases to 2 ms.

Parameter	Min	Typical	Max	Note
Step time (t_step)	400 µs		19998 s
Step time (t_step)	40 µs			Option FS
Dwell time (t_dwell)	10 µs		9999 s
Off-time incl. transient time (t_off)	0		9999 s
Transient time (t_trs)			270 µs
Transient time (t_trs)			30 µs	Option FS
Timing delay (t_dly)		2 to 10 µs
Timing delay (t_dly)		50 ns		Option FS
Time resolution		0.1 µs
Time resolution		5 ns		Option FS
Timing accuracy per point		3 µs
Timing accuracy per point		5 ns		Option FS

9Reference Frequency

REF IN input and REF OUT output are at the rear panel.

Parameter	Min	Typical	Max	Note
Internal reference frequency		100 MHz
Initial accuracy			±40 ppb	Calibrated at 23 ±3 °C at time of calibration, user adjustable
Temperature stability (0 to 50 °C)			±100 ppb
Aging, 1st year		0.5 ppm
Aging per day (after 30 days operation)			5 ppb
Warm-up time		5 min
Output of internal reference		10 / 100 MHz
Output power		0 dBm
Output impedance		50 Ω
Bypass internal reference input	100 MHz, -5 to +10 dBm			High phase-synchronous mode
External input range (phase lock)	1 MHz		250 MHz	User programmable
Reference input level	-5 dBm	0 dBm	+13 dBm
Lock range			±1.5 ppm
Reference input impedance		50 Ω

10Outputs & Triggers

Multi-Purpose Output (FUNC OUT)

Output is FUNC OUT at the rear panel.

Multifunction generator	Min	Typical	Max	Note
Frequency range (sine, triangle, square)	10 Hz		3 MHz	Sine
	10 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 Ω / CMOS		Sine, triangle / square wave

Video output (of internal pulse modulator)	Min	Typical	Max
Output		CMOS
Period	30 ns		50 s
Pulse width	15 ns		50 s
RF delay		10 ns

TRIG OUT synchronization modes for multiple sources: trigger on sweep start, trigger on each point, signal valid (option FS).

Trigger (TRIG IN)

Trigger input / output timing diagram (TRIG IN, TRIG OUT signal valid, RF valid) — Trigger input / output timing: TRIG IN, TRIG OUT (signal valid), and RF valid.

Input is TRIG IN at the rear panel. Trigger Output (TRIG OUT) follows the Multi-Purpose Output (FUNC OUT) above.

Parameter	Min	Typical	Max	Note
Trigger types	Continuous, single, gated, gated direction
Trigger source	RF key, external, bus (GPIB, LAN, USB)
Trigger modes	Continuous free run, trigger and run, reset and run
Trigger latency		2 µs
Trigger latency		130 ns		Option FS
Trigger uncertainty		5 µs
Trigger uncertainty		10 ns		Option FS
External trigger delay	50 µs		40 s	Programmable
External trigger delay	50 ns		10 s	Option FS
External delay resolution		15 ns
External delay resolution		10 ns		Option FS
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

11Modulation

Combinations of AM/PM/FM/pulse are possible. See the user manual for more details.

Pulse Modulation

Parameter	Min	Typical	Max	Note
On/off ratio		75 dB (typical)		At +10 dBm
Repetition frequency	DC		10 MHz
Pulse width	100 ns		5 s	ALC hold
	30 ns		5 s	ALC hold, options NP or FS
	500 ns			ALC on
Pulse rise/fall time		30 ns		< 5 GHz
Pulse rise/fall time		5 ns		> 5 GHz
Duty cycle	0.05%		99.95%
Pulse resolution		30 ns
Polarity	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
Onset delay (to RF)		20 ns	40 ns

Pulse Pattern Modulation

Parameter	Min	Typical	Max	Note
Pulse bit width	100 ns			ALC hold
	30 ns			ALC hold, option NP or FS
	500 ns			ALC on. Uses internal pattern generator.
Programmable pattern length	2		4096
Duty cycle	0.05%		99.95%
Pulse bit resolution		30 ns
Pulse bit resolution		5 ns		Option NP or FS
Polarity	Selectable

N-Pulse Modulation (Option FS)

N-Pulse modulation timing diagram showing P1 to P4 pulse widths, delays, off times, and period over the trigger — N-Pulse modulation timing: up to four pulses (P1–P4) with individual widths, delays, and off-times within the period T, referenced to the trigger and delay.

Parameter	Min	Typical	Max	Note
Period	30 ns		21 s
N-Pulse type		1 to 4		No overlapping with other pulses
N-Pulse width (P1, P2, P3, P4 widths)	30 ns		21 s	ALC hold
N-Pulse width (P1, P2, P3, P4 widths)	500 ns		21 s	ALC on
N-Pulse delay (P1 delay)	0 ns		21 s
N-Pulse delay (P2, P3, P4)	Min: end of prior pulse + min off time
N-Pulse width and delay resolution		5 ns
N-Pulse off time	1 µs		21 s	Determined by pulse delay and prior pulse width

Frequency Modulation

Parameter	Min	Typical	Max	Note
Maximum frequency deviation (peak)	0		0.05·f	< 0.5 GHz
Maximum frequency deviation (peak)	0		N·200 MHz	0.5 to 2.5 GHz (N=0.125); 2.5 to 5 GHz (N=0.25); 5 to 10 GHz (N=0.5); > 10 to 20 GHz (N=1)
Deviation accuracy, < 100 kHz rate		0.5%	2%
Deviation accuracy, > 100 kHz rate		2%	5%
Distortion		< 1%		1 kHz rate, 50 kHz deviation
Modulation waveforms / rate	DC	Sine, triangle, FSK	100 kHz	> -3 dB frequency response
External input sensitivity (AC coupled)	0 to N·200 MHz / V			Adjustable for ±1 V range
External input sensitivity (DC coupled)	0 to N·100 MHz / V			Discrete values, ±5 V range
Total harmonic distortion		< 1%		1 kHz rate & N·1 MHz deviation

Frequency Chirps (linear ramp, up/down)

Parameter	Min	Max	Note
Span	10%		Of carrier frequency
Chirp time (t_chirp)	10 ns	60 s
Total duration of finite repeated chirps (t_chirp · repetitions)		64.1 s
		21.4 s	With option FS
Slope		100 MHz/µs
Number of frequencies		65,000

Phase Modulation

Parameter	Min	Typical	Max	Note
Phase deviation (peak)	0		N·300 rad
Modulation rate	DC		100 kHz	> -3 dB frequency response; max. phase deviation degrades above 20 kHz modulation rate
Modulation waveforms	Sine, triangle, FSK
External input sensitivity	Settable 0.1 rad/V to 360 rad/V
Total harmonic distortion		< 1%		1 kHz rate & N·100 rad deviation

Amplitude Modulation

Parameter	Min	Typical	Max	Note
Modulation rate	0.1 Hz		50 kHz
Modulation waveforms	Sine, triangle, square
Modulation depth	0%		100%	Settable
Accuracy (f ≥ 10 MHz)		0.8%	1.4%	f-carrier, modulation depth < 80%
Distortion (f ≥ 10 MHz)		1%	2%	& 1 kHz modulation rate, power 0 dBm
External input range	0 V		5 V	To GND

12Ordering Information

Host model	Product / option	Description
845-OEM-12	845-OEM-12	12 GHz microwave signal generator
845-OEM-20	845-OEM-20	20 GHz microwave signal generator
845-OEM-26	845-OEM-26	26 GHz microwave signal generator
845-OEM-12/20	Option 9K	Frequency range extension to 9 kHz
845-OEM-26	Option PE	Mechanical step attenuator (26 GHz version) down to -90 dBm
845-OEM-XX	Option PE2	Mechanical step attenuator to -120 dBm
845-OEM-XX	Option HP	Higher output power
845-OEM-12/20/26	Option FILT	Improved harmonic filtering
845-OEM-XX	Option FS	Ultra-fast switching speed (export control)
845-OEM-XX	Option Retrofit	Applies when options are added after first delivery
845-OEM-XX	Option NP	Narrow pulse (30 ns minimum PW and 5 ns resolution)

For a configured quote, contact Berkeley Nucleonics Corporation · info@berkeleynucleonics.com · 415-453-9955.

13General Characteristics

Characteristic	Specification
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
Power requirements	6.25 ±0.2 VDC; 20 W maximum
Main adapter supplied	100–240 VAC in / 6 V, 6.0 A DC out
Environmental	Levels similar to MIL-PRF-28800F Class 3 & 4. Samples type tested to be robust against the environmental stresses of storage, transportation, and end-use (temperature, humidity, shock, vibration, altitude, and power line conditions).
Operating temperature range	0 to 45 °C
Storage temperature range	-40 to 70 °C
Max. relative humidity	85% up to 45 °C ambient
Operating and storage altitude	Up to 15,000 feet (4600 m)
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
Weight	≤ 6 lbs (2.5 kg) net, ≤ 8 lb (4 kg) shipping
Dimensions (H x W x L)	4.21 in H x 6.77 in W x 10.63 in L incl. connectors [106 mm H x 172 mm W x 270 mm L]
Recommended calibration cycle	24 months

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.

Model 845-OEM RF / Microwave Signal Generator