An RF driver generates a fixed or variable frequency signal supplied to the acousto-optic device�s transducer. This in turn uses the piezoelectric effect to very precisely convert the RF signal to an acoustic wave that propagates within the acousto-optic device�s crystal. The frequency and intensity of the applied signal will determine how much an optical beam is modulated, deflected, or tuned.
An acousto-optic device and its RF driver should be selected as a unit to optimize speed and stability for each application. Additional driver features include first pulse suppression, synchronization, pulse shaping, and multichannel operation. We offer a wide variety of stable high frequency drivers with analog and digital modulation capability. Voltage controlled oscillators (VCOs) vary the oscillation frequency via the input voltage, and are a costeffective solution for applications with less stringent frequency stability and linearity requirements.
Direct digital synthesizer (DDS) drivers offer higher stability, with fast switching time and high resolution. They can create random waveforms from a single, fixed-frequency reference clock, and thus are ideal for pulse shaping and special functions. They also allow frequency to be varied on the order of a few hundred nanoseconds, and are inherently very linear. DDS drivers are software driven, and can be run from a user-friendly interface (a GUI), or controlled directly via computer driver commands. Our high-performance multi-frequency DDS drivers generate up to 8 channels of RF frequencies simultaneously.

Our standard models are below:

Description of N series drivers:

xxx = a fixed frequency of between 27 and 300 MHz crystal controlled.

y = 0.4, 1, or 2 Watts output  (N21 series), 2-20W adjustable output (N31 series)
D = Digital Modulation  or   A = Analogue Modulation
M = OEM Module

Description of A3 series drivers:

♦ low profile housing

♦ various standard frequencies, other frequencies from 40 to 350 MHz available

♦ analogue and digital modulation

♦ EMC-safe design, power stage and control circuits separately grounded, entirely shielded

♦ supply voltage 24 V DC

FF Series typical fixed frequency RF drivers configurations:

Model	STBR-FF-XX-B1-FY	STBR-FF-XX-B2-FY	STBR-FF-XX-B3-FY
Output Frequency	XX MHz (compatible with the AO device)
Frequency control	Quartz crystal referenced phase locked loop
Frequency Accuracy	0.015
Harmonic Content (dBc)	<=-20
Frequency Stability	0.0015% minimum after 15 minute warmup
Output power	Power is optimised for peak efficiency with supplied AO device
Output protection	Power amplifiers used will tolerate an infinite VSWR without damage. Rated power is available only when a proper RF load is connected
Internal Pulse Generator		N/A	Pulse width: 100 to 500 nsec � 10% adjustable, pulse generator with 5000 Hz to 100 KHz rep rate adjustable. Front panel switch for pulse/standby operation.
Rise/Fall Time	To match AOM requirements
Modulation Type	Analog amplitude modulation	TTL compatible	Pulse modulation, pulse monitor output via front panel BNC connector
Modulation Rate	To match device requirements
Modulation Input	50 ohml 0-1V	330ohm; 0-5V	Internal or external trigger
Operating Power	90-250 VAC, 50-60Hz, 55 W max
Enclosure	The unit will be packaged in a 190mm (7.5inch) wide by 90mm (4inch) high by 220,, (8,75inch) deep instrument case. The rear panel heat sink increases the depth to 240mm(9.75inches) maximum. The size is exclusive of connectors
Environmental	Nominal Lab conditions: Max temperature is +35 degC. The unit is not seals against moisture or condensing humidity