BNC 825-M User manual

User Manual v3.03 (Dec 2020)
For Signal Generators
Models 825-M, 835, 845, 845-M, 855B,
865, 865-M

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MANUFACTURER ADDRESS
Berkeley Nucleonics Corporation
2955 Kerner Blvd
San Rafael, California
USA
Tel.: [phone]
e-mail: [e-mail]
Website: www.Berkeleynucleonics.com
WARRANTY
All Berkeley Nucleonics (BNC) instruments are warranted against defects in material and workmanship for a period of
two years from the date of shipment. Berkeley Nucleonics will, at its option, repair or replace products that prove to be
defective during the warranty period, provided they are returned to Berkeley Nucleonics and provided the preventative
maintenance procedures are followed. Repairs necessitated by misuse of the product are not covered by this warranty.
No other warranties are expressed or implied, including but not limited to implied warranties of merchantability and
fitness for a particular purpose. Berkeley Nucleonics is not liable for consequential damages. The warranty on the internal
rechargeable batteries (option B3) is one year from the date of shipment. Battery replacement is available through
Berkeley Nucleonics and its distributors.
IMPORTANT! PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
COPYRIGHT
This manual is copyright by Berkeley Nucleonics and all rights are reserved. No portion of this document may be
reproduced, copied, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated in any form or by any means
such as electronic, mechanical, magnetic, optical, chemical, manual or otherwise, without written permission of
Berkeley Nucleonics.

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Table of Contents
GENERAL REMARKS ................................................................................................................................................5
VALIDITY OF THIS MANUAL ...................................................................................................................................... 5
AVAILABLECASING.................................................................................................................................................. 5
Compact Portable Case (CPC)....................................................................................................................... 5
1U Rackmount (1URM)................................................................................................................................. 5
1U Case (1URM)............................................................................................................................................ 6
Desktop Case (LH)......................................................................................................................................... 6
DATA CONNECTIONS............................................................................................................................................... 7
SIGNAL CONNECTIONS............................................................................................................................................. 7
TRANSPORTATION .................................................................................................................................................. 7
SAFETY INFORMATION ........................................................................................................................................... 8
SIGNAL SYMBOL..................................................................................................................................................... 8
LABELS ON PRODUCTS ............................................................................................................................................. 8
GENERAL SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS........................................................................................................................... 9
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS .................................................................................................................................10
DIMENSIONS....................................................................................................................................................... 10
CPC .............................................................................................................................................................. 10
1URM .......................................................................................................................................................... 10
CONNECTORS....................................................................................................................................................... 10
CPC .............................................................................................................................................................. 10
1URM - 845 ................................................................................................................................................. 13
1URM – 855B / 865-M ................................................................................................................................ 14
CPC with Touch display............................................................................................................................... 15
Desktop....................................................................................................................................................... 17
MINIMUM DISTANCES .......................................................................................................................................... 18
ENERGIZING AND DE-ENERGIZING........................................................................................................................... 19
PROPER OPERATION CONDITIONS ............................................................................................................................ 21
ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION............................................................................................................................. 21
INTRODUCTION .....................................................................................................................................................22
INCLUDED MATERIAL ............................................................................................................................................ 22
GENERAL FEATURES AND FUNCTIONS (MODEL OVERVIEW).......................................................................................... 22
OPTIONS............................................................................................................................................................. 23
GETTING STARTED.................................................................................................................................................24
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS........................................................................................................................................ 24

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UNPACKING THE INSTRUMENT................................................................................................................................ 24
INITIAL INSPECTION............................................................................................................................................... 24
STARTING THE INSTRUMENT................................................................................................................................... 24
Applying Power .......................................................................................................................................... 24
Connecting to LAN ...................................................................................................................................... 24
Direct connectivity to host via Ethernet cable (no router) ........................................................................ 25
Connecting through USB ............................................................................................................................ 25
Connecting through GPIB ........................................................................................................................... 25
Installing the 845 Remote Client................................................................................................................ 25
Troubleshooting the LAN Interconnection................................................................................................. 25
Shutting Down the Signal Generator......................................................................................................... 26
USING THE GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE (GUI) ................................................................................................... 27
START THE SIGNAL GENERATOR (SG) GUI................................................................................................................ 27
GENERAL LOOK .................................................................................................................................................... 27
Simultaneously controlling Multiple Signal Generators from one PC....................................................... 28
Store and Load Instrument States.............................................................................................................. 28
Setting Network Configuration.................................................................................................................. 29
Multi-Session Option .................................................................................................................................. 29
Device Port Setting ..................................................................................................................................... 29
Connecting to devices using a non-default port........................................................................................ 30
Setting the GPIB Address............................................................................................................................ 31
PERFORM FIRMWARE UPGRADE ............................................................................................................................. 31
MULTI-OUTPUT GUI CONTROL .............................................................................................................................. 31
COMBINED MODULATION...................................................................................................................................... 32
LOCAL OPERATION VIA FRONT PANEL .................................................................................................................34
DISPLAYED PARAMETER FORMATS .......................................................................................................................... 35
CW DISPLAY ....................................................................................................................................................... 35
Main Menu Display .................................................................................................................................... 36
Frequency Sweep Submenu........................................................................................................................ 36
Power Sweep Submenu.............................................................................................................................. 37
List Sweep Submenu................................................................................................................................... 37
MODULATION SUBMENU....................................................................................................................................... 38
Pulse Modulation Submenu ....................................................................................................................... 38
Amplitude Modulation Submenu............................................................................................................... 38
Frequency Modulation Submenu ............................................................................................................... 38
Phase Modulation Submenu ...................................................................................................................... 38

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REFERENCE SUBMENU........................................................................................................................................... 39
TRIGGER SUBMENU .............................................................................................................................................. 39
LF OUTPUT SUBMENU ........................................................................................................................................ 39
LAN CONFIGURATION SUBMENU............................................................................................................................ 40
DISPLAY SETTINGS SUBMENU ................................................................................................................................. 40
Save Settings Submenu .............................................................................................................................. 40
Load Settings Submenu .............................................................................................................................. 40
Load Defaults Submenu.............................................................................................................................. 40
HELP SUBMENU ................................................................................................................................................... 40
REMOTE PROGRAMMING THE SIGNAL GENERATOR........................................................................................... 41
BATTERY OPERATION (B3 OPTION) ......................................................................................................................42
EXTENDED POWER RANGE (PE3 OPTIONS) .......................................................................................................... 44
MAINTENANCE AND WARRANTY INFORMATION................................................................................................45
ADJUSTMENTS AND CALIBRATION ........................................................................................................................... 45
REPAIR ............................................................................................................................................................... 45
WARRANTY INFORMATION .................................................................................................................................... 45
EQUIPMENT RETURNS ........................................................................................................................................... 45

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General Remarks
The devices described in this manual are signal generators that produce electromagnetic signals from 9 kHz up
to 40 GHz with a power from -90 dBm up to +25 dBm. The exact range depends on the chosen device model
and options. The devices can produce different types of modulations, such as AM, FM, PM Pulse or Chirp.
They can be used in a variety of applications such as research and development or manufacturing and testing
of electronic components.
Options, such as a 1URM Case, an intern rechargeable battery, a GPIB interface or different types of power
range extensions can be added.
Validity of this Manual
This manual is valid for the following devices and theirs extended versions:
•835-4, 835-6
•845-12, 20, 26
•865-6, 12, 20, 26, 40
•825-M, 845-M, 865-M
•845-M-X, 865-M-X
•855B-6-X, 12-X, 20-X, 33-X, 40-X
Available Casing
The devices are available in the following cases.
Compact Portable Case (CPC)
Figure 1: 845-26 & 865-40 in a Compact Portable Case (with LCD and touch display, respectively)
1U Rackmount (1URM)
Figure 2: 845-26 in a 1URM Case

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1U Case (1URM)
Figure 3: 855B-XX-4 (and 865-M-40-4) in a 1URM case
Desktop Case (LH)
Figure 4: 845/865 in a Desktop Case

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Data Connections
The devices may only be connected to a network or a computer by using a shielded LAN cable. Unless shorter
lengths are prescribed, a maximum length of 3 m must not be exceeded for the LAN and the USB connection.
Signal Connections
In general, all connections between the signal generator and another device should be made as short as
possible and must be well shielded. It is recommended to use a high-quality cable with low loss especially for
frequencies above 20 GHz.
Transportation
The devices must only be transported with the packaging supplied by the manufacturer. The device can be
lifted up or transported in any orientation.

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Safety Information
The following pieces of information are important to prevent personal injury, loss of life or damage to the
equipment. Please read them carefully. If the device is used in a manner not specified by this manual, the
protection provided by the device may be impaired.
Signal Symbol
In this manual, the following symbols are used to warn the reader about risks and dangers.
DANGER denotes a hazard for personal health or life.
WARNING denotes a risk or danger, that could damage the device.
Labels on Products
The following labels are on the products. Familiarize yourself with the meaning of each of the labels before
using the product.
Direct Current (DC)
Alternating Current (AC)
Earth (Ground)
EU label for separate collection of electrical and electronic waste.
Caution, general danger zone. Attend the manual and/or a notice on the device.

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General Safety Considerations
FCC notice
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A device, pursuant to Part 15
of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference
when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can
radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may
cause harmful interference to radio communications.
Operation of this equipment in a residential area may cause harmful interference in which case the user will be
required to correct the interference at his or her expense.
notice
The instrument meets the EMC directive and the Low Voltage Directive described in the CE declaration in
Appendix A.
If products or their components are mechanically and/or thermally
processed in a manner that goes beyond their intended use,
hazardous substances (heavy-metal dust such as nickel) may be
released. For this reason, the product may only be disassembled or
opened by specially trained personnel. Improper disassembly may
be hazardous to your health. National waste disposal regulations
must be observed.

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Technical Specifications
Dimensions
CPC
Dimensions of the compact portable case:
A =
262mm (845),
292mm (865)
B = 174mm
C = 116mm
Weight: < 2.5kg
1URM
Dimensions of the 1URM:
A =483mm
B = 44mm
C = 480mm
Weight: <7.0kg
Connectors
CPC
The front panel contains a status display (only in CPC), RF output female N-type connector (845), a female SMA
connector (845, 865-6,12,20,26,40, 855B, 845-M, 865-M), or a K connector (865-40) and an RF on/off key. The
LCD screen shows information on the current function. Information includes status indicators, frequency and

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amplitude settings, current connectivity status, and error messages. Five control buttons allow easy menu
control.
Front panel
Figure 5: 845 Front Panel View (Model 845-26)
1. Main LCD display The main display shows the following information:
1st line: RF frequency in Hz
2nd line: RF amplitude in dBm
3rd line: Frequency reference status (internal, external, lock status)
4th line: Remote control status
2. Rotary Button The rotary button is used to change the value selected on the screen.
3. RF 50 Ωconnector This female N- type respectively SMA connector provides the output for generator
signals. The impedance is 50 ohm. The reverse power damage level is +30 dBm maximum. The
maximum allowed DC level is +/- 10 V. Please check the data sheets for more details.
4. Menu Buttons The menu buttons are used to change the selected menu point or value.
5. Main Menu Button The main menu button is used to enter the menu.
6. RF On/Off button The ON/OFF key toggles between RF output on and RF output off. The green light is
indicating whether the RF output is enabled (light on) or disabled (light off).
7. Power LED The power LED is indicating whether the device is on or off.
8. Remote LED The remote LED is indicating whether the device connected to a Computer or not.

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Rear panel
Figure 6: 845 Rear Panel View (Model 845-26)
1. ΦM This BNC female Connector is the input for FM and PM.
2. REF IN This BNC female Connector is the input for the reference signal.
3. TRIG IN This BNC female Connector is the trigger input.
4. USB B The USB B connector is used to connect the device to a computer.
5. LAN The LAN connector is used to connect the device to a network.
6. Battery LED In case the device has a rechargeable battery, this LED indicates whether the battery is
charged or not.
7. Fan Holes The holes by which the air is intake.
8. Power Supply apply the BNC power adaptor to this connector to supply the device with energy.
9. ON/OFF Switch Turns the device on or off.
10. Ground Screw
11. FUNC OUT This BNC female Connector is the output for the function signal.
12. REF OUT This BNC female Connector is the output for the reference signal.
13. AM PULSE This BNC female Connector is the input for the AM and the PULSE Modulation signal.
14. Fan Holes The holes by which the air is extruded.

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1URM - 845
Front panel
Figure 7: 845 1URM Front Panel View (Model 84526-1URM)
1. ON/OFF Switch Turns the device on or off.
2. Power LED The power LED is indicating whether the device is on or off.
3. Remote LED The remote LED is indicating whether the device connected to a Computer or not.
4. Fan Holes The holes by which the air is intake.
5. RF LED This LED indicates whether the RF signal in on or off.
6. RF 50 Ωconnector This female N- type respectively SMA connector provides the output for generator
signals. The impedance is 50 ohm. The reverse power damage level is +30 dBm maximum. The
maximum allowed DC level is +/- 10 V. Please check the data sheets for more details.
Rear Panel
Figure 8: 845 1URM Rear Panel View
1. Ground Screw
2. GPIB Connector In case the device has the option “GPIB”, on this position is the GPIB connector.
3. USB B The USB B connector is used to connect the device to a computer.
4. LAN The LAN connector is used to connect the device to a network
5. FUSE Holder This holder contains an exchangeable fuse.
6. Power Supply apply the voltage, specified below, to supply the device with energy.
7. REF IN This BNC female Connector is the input for the reference signal.
8. REF OUT This BNC female Connector is the output for the reference signal.

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9. ΦM This BNC female Connector is the input for FM and PM.
10. AM IN This BNC female Connector is the input for the AM signal.
11. TRIG IN This BNC female Connector is the trigger input.
12. PULSE This BNC female Connector is the input for the PULSE Modulation signal.
13. FUNC OUT This BNC female Connector is the output for the function signal.
1URM – 855B/ 865-M
Front panel
Figure 9: 845 1URM Front Panel View (Model 845-26-1URM)
1. ON/OFF Switch Turns the device on or off.
2. Power LED The power LED is indicating whether the device is on or off.
3. Remote LED The remote LED is indicating whether the device connected to a Computer or not.
4. Channel 1: PULSE This BNC female Connector is the input for the PULSE Modulation signal
5. Channel 1: RF LED This LED indicates whether the RF signal in on or off.
6. Channel 1: RF 50 Ωconnector This female K- type respectively SMA connector provides the output for
generator signals. The impedance is 50 ohm. The reverse power damage level is +30 dBm maximum.
The maximum allowed DC level is +/- 10 V. Please check the data sheets for more details.
7. Channel 2
8. Channel 3
9. Channel 4
Rear Panel

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Figure 10: 845 1URM Rear Panel View
1. Ground Screw
2. Sync In port Unit-to-unit synchronization signal input: SMA female
3. Sync Out port Unit-to-unit synchronization signal output: SMA female
4. CLK IN External 3GHz reference input: SMA female
5. CLK OUT Internal 3GHz reference output: SMA female
6. TRIG OUT This BNC female Connector is the trigger output.
7. TRIG IN This BNC female Connector is the trigger input.
8. REF OUT This BNC female Connector is the output for the reference signal.
9. REF IN This BNC female Connector is the input for the reference signal.
10. GPIB Connector In case the device has the option “GPIB”, on this position is the GPIB connector.
11. LAN The LAN connector is used to connect the device to a network
12. USB B The USB B connector is used to connect the device to a computer.
13. FUSE Holder This holder contains a exchangeable fuse.
14. Power Supply apply the voltage, specified below, to supply the device with energy.
CPC with Touch display
The front panel contains a touch display, RF output female SMA connector (845, 865-6,12,20,26, 855B, 845-M,
865-M), or a K connector (865-40). The touch display shows information on the current function. Information
includes status indicators, frequency and amplitude settings, current connectivity status, and error messages.
Front panel
Figure 11: 865-40 Front Panel View

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1. Main touch display The main display shows information on the current function, such as frequency,
power, reference.
2. Rotary Button The rotary button is used to change the value selected on the screen.
3. RF 50 connector This female SMA respectively K connector provides the output for generator
signals. The impedance is 50 ohm. The reverse power damage level is +30 dBm maximum. The
maximum allowed DC level is +/- 10 V. Please check the data sheets for more details.
Rear Panel
Figure 12: 865 Rear Panel View (Model 865-40)
1. REF IN This BNC female Connector is the input for the reference signal.
2. MOD IN This BNC female Connector is the input for the modulation signal.
3. TRIG IN This BNC female Connector is the trigger input.
4. USB B The USB B connector is used to connect the device to a computer.
5. LAN The LAN connector is used to connect the device to a network.
6. Fan Holes The holes by which the air is intake.
7. Power Supply apply the BNC power adaptor to this connector to supply the device with energy.
8. ON/OFF Switch Turns the device on or off.
9. Ground Screw
10. TRIG OUT This BNC female Connector is a multi-function output.
11. PULSE IN This BNC female Connector is the input for the pulse signal.
12. REF OUT This BNC female Connector is the output for the reference signal.

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13. Fan Holes The holes by which the air is extruded.
Desktop
The front panel contains a touch display, RF output female SMA connector (845, 865-6,12,20,26, 855B, 845-M,
865-M), or a K connector (865-40). The touch display shows information on the current function. Information
includes status indicators, frequency and amplitude settings, current connectivity status, and error messages.
Front panel
Figure 13: Desktop Front Panel View (Model 845-26)
1. Main touch display The main display shows information on the current function, such as frequency,
power, reference.
2. Rotary Button The rotary button is used to change the value selected on the screen.
3. RF On/Off button The ON/OFF key toggles between RF output on and RF output off. The green light
is indicating whether the RF output is enabled (light on) or disabled (light off).
4. RF 50 Ωconnector This female SMA respectively K connector provides the output for generator
signals. The impedance is 50 ohm. The reverse power damage level is +30 dBm maximum. For the
maximum allowed DC level please check the data sheet. Please check the data sheets for
more details.

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Rear Panel
Figure 14: Desktop Rear Panel View (Model 845-26G)
1. ΦM This BNC female Connector is the input for FM and PM.
2. REF IN This BNC female Connector is the input for the reference signal.
3. TRIG IN This BNC female Connector is the trigger input.
4. Fan Holes The holes by which the air is extruded.
5. USB B The USB B connector is used to connect the device to a computer.
6. LAN The LAN connector is used to connect the device to a network.
7. Power Supply apply the BNC power adaptor to this connector to supply the device with energy.
8. ON/OFF Switch Turns the device on or off.
9. Ground Screw
10. FUNC OUT This BNC female Connector is the output for the function signal.
11. REF OUT This BNC female Connector is the output for the reference signal.
12. PULSE This BNC female Connector is the input for the AM and the PULSE Modulation signal.
Minimum Distances
For an adequate cooling, the minimum distances between the
device and another object, such as walls, rack cabinet walls or
other equipment must be respected.

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The minimum distances are:
Minimum
distances
for the CPC:
A: 150 mm
Minimum
distances
for the 1URM:
A: 1mm
B: 1mm
C: 50 mm
D: 50 mm
Energizing and de- Energizing
To energize the device, apply the following voltage to the following connector.