High Voltage Amplifiers for Nanoscale Positioning of Piezo Actuators

The mechanisms behind piezo actuators and the high voltage needs required to achieve the desired performance is not always well understood. Understanding the specifications that are important to specific application will allow you to choose the best amplifier for your needs. Not all are created equal. The goal of this page is to provide the information needed to make this decision. If in the end the amplifiers produced by Black Fig Laboratories are not a good fit for your application based on the informative information below, we still feel that we have done our job in making sure you are finding the best amplifier solution for your needs.

Voltage Levels and Piezo Life Span

There is a relationship between the voltage applied to a piezo actuator and its performance and longevity. Different voltage levels can significantly impact the actuator’s behavior, with higher voltages generally leading to more substantial changes in shape or position. However, excessive voltage can also shorten the life span of the device. Therefore, it’s crucial to select an optimal voltage range that balances performance requirements with durability for each specific application. This balance ensures the efficient and sustainable operation of piezo actuators.

Bandwidth and Positioning Accuracy

An amplifier’s bandwidth will influence the speed and precision of a piezo actuator. The bandwidth of a high voltage amplifier is a critical factor that determines the frequency response and resolution of a piezo actuator.

A higher bandwidth allows the actuator to respond more quickly and accurately to changes in the input signal, which can improve the positioning accuracy of the device. However, selecting an amplifier with an appropriate bandwidth is essential to ensure that the actuator can operate at the desired frequency without sacrificing resolution or stability.

In essence, the bandwidth and positioning accuracy of a piezo actuator are interconnected, and choosing the right amplifier for the application is crucial for achieving the best performance.