Feb 27 2009
Piezoelectric elements have a myriad of uses. They can be used in laser mirror alignment, or to reduce vibrations in a structure. They can be used to acoustically cancel noise, or to replace solenoid valves in controlling the flow of fluids or gases. Piezos can be driven to move air, or to stir fluids for medical or manufacturing processes. The piezos used in these applications invariably need to be driven by an amplifier.
QPA200 High Voltage Piezo Amplifier.
QPA200 High Voltage Piezo Amplifier
Midé Technology's QPA200 is a hybrid amplifier consisting of a power operational amplifier coupled with an efficient, high-voltage switch mode power supply. Conor Clery, Director of Production at Midé said, "The instrument was designed as an affordable solution for driving piezoelectric transducers in industrial applications, and to facilitate transducer evaluation in a laboratory setting". It is available for bench top operation in a compact and lightweight aluminum enclosure measuring less than 9 x 9 x 4 inches with a total weight of 7 pounds (3.17kg). The simple, economical design makes the QPA200 an excellent choice for all piezoelectric applications.
The QPA200 is a high-voltage, single-channel linear amplifier specifically designed for powering piezoelectric capacitive devices, as well as Midé's product line of packaged QuickPack, and conformable PowerAct piezoelectric transducers (actuators and sensors). The instrument is configured as an inverting amplifier that offers a fixed or adjustable DC gain in the range of -10 to -100. The bipolar analog output spans +200V to -200V with an integrated current limit of +/-200mA. Additional product highlights include a large bandwidth exceeding 1kHz for typical loads, integrated thermal protection circuitry, output voltage and current monitoring functions, and an accuracy of better than 1%.
In coming months, Midé intends to release a miniaturized, low-cost version of the QPA200 that will enable new users to evaluate piezoelectric devices. The MPA400 is a high-voltage Class-D switching amplifier in a hand-held package. Similar to the QPA200, the smaller version will offer a +/-200V output, but with far greater efficiency enabled by switch-mode operation.
These instruments represent a sample of the technologies developed by Mide's capable team of electronics engineers. Since 1989, Mide engineers have been performing advanced research and development for countless applications, including: distributed wireless brake force sensors for freight trains; Volture range of piezoelectric energy harvester devices for self-powered sensors; resonant structural health monitoring; and efficient piezo valves for space and medical applications.