A Slew of Improved Specs for Piezoelectric Drivers

Two new high-voltage, high-speed power amplifiers from Cirrus Logic deliver new levels of performance for the piezoelectric driver market including what’s described as the industry’s first single-package hybrid power amp capable of slew rates up to 3000 V/µs. That capability is offered by the PA107DP, which comes in a 12-pin Power SIP package that occupies less than two square inches of board space. Another new power amp, the MP103FCFC, is a dual-channel hybrid in a 2.56-in. x 1.67 in. open-frame package capable of delivering 15 A on both channels (Fig. 1). These two additions to the Apex Precision Power product family both operate with voltage supplies of up to 200 V.

With its 3000-V/µs slew rate, the PA107DP achieves a 3X improvement in speed versus the company’s PA85 (Fig. 2). The PA107DP also improves output current performance with 1.5 A/5 A peak, and a high-gain bandwidth of 180 MHz.

The PA107DP is intended for driving piezos used in medical imaging and ultrasound applications, as well as programmable power supplies for the ATE market (Fig. 3). In these applications, the amplifier’s high slew rate increases voltage response time. The end result is greater accuracy and rapid delivery of voltage throughout the end system, enabling imaging scans that take less time to complete and power supplies that cycle with greater efficiency.

By offering two channels, the MP103FC allows designers to save significant board space in multichannel systems. The device features up to 15 A of output current per channel, operating voltages ranging from 30 V up to 200 V and a slew rate of 180 V/µs. The targeted application for the MP103FC is driving piezo print heads in large format industrial ink jet printers typically used to produce wide format banners and billboards. Key specifications and pricing for the two amplifiers are provided in the table.

Fig 1. Two new high-voltage, high-speed power amplifiers from Cirrus Logic deliver new levels of performance for the piezoelectric driver market.

Fig 2. The PA107DP hybrid power amp achieves a 3000-V/µs slew rate, which is three times that of the existing PA85.

Fig.3. The PA107DP is intended for driving piezos in medical imaging and ultrasound applications, as well as programmable power supplies for the ATE market.

Table. Key product specifications for hybrid power amps.