IntraAction DFE-404C4 Dual Channel RF Frequency Synthesizer 115/230VAC BNC

IntraAction DFE-404C4 Dual Channel RF Frequency Synthesizer 115/230VAC BNC

The IntraAction DFE-404C4 is a benchtop dual-channel RF frequency synthesizer manufactured by IntraAction Corp. of Bellwood, Illinois. It provides two independent RF output channels, each with its own carrier level control, analog input, and RF signal input/output via BNC connectors on the front panel. A front-panel frequency display (reading in units of 10 kHz) allows direct readout of the Channel 2 carrier frequency setting. IntraAction is well known for acousto-optic devices and their associated RF driver electronics; the DFE series synthesizers are commonly used as precision frequency sources and drivers in acousto-optic modulator (AOM) and deflector systems.

Specifications & What's Included

• Manufacturer: IntraAction Corp., Bellwood, Illinois USA
• Model: DFE-404C4
• Type: Dual-Channel RF Frequency Synthesizer
• Number of Channels: 2 (Channel 1 and Channel 2)
• Front Panel — Channel 1: Carrier Level control, Analog Input BNC, RF Signal Output BNC
• Front Panel — Channel 2: Carrier Level control, Analog Input BNC, RF Signal Input BNC, RF Signal Output BNC
• Front Panel — Channel 2 Frequency Display: numeric readout (units: x10 kHz)
• Additional front-panel output: Channel 2 RF Power Output BNC
• Power Requirements: 115/230VAC (selectable)
• Rear Panel: Dual ETRI cooling fans, IEC AC power inlet, power toggle switch, fuse holder, multi-pin parallel interface connector (D-sub style, approximately 36-pin)
• Form Factor: Benchtop / rackmountable enclosure
• Country of Manufacture: United States

Applications

IntraAction DFE-series RF frequency synthesizers are used primarily as precision RF drive sources for acousto-optic modulators (AOMs), acousto-optic deflectors (AODs), and acousto-optic tunable filters (AOTFs) in optical and laser systems. In these setups, the synthesizer generates and controls the RF signal that drives the piezoelectric transducer in the acousto-optic crystal, determining the diffraction efficiency, deflection angle, and modulation of the laser beam. Two-channel units like the DFE-404C4 are used in applications requiring independent control of two AOM channels — such as dual-beam laser systems, optical switching, or frequency shifting in spectroscopy and interferometry setups. This equipment is found in research labs, laser processing systems, and photonics instrumentation environments. IntraAction has supplied AOM drivers and synthesizers to university research groups, government laboratories, and industrial laser OEMs since the 1970s.