Electronic enterprises [india] manufactures hybrid power amplifiers manufactured by apex microtechnology, usa high voltage power amps are used for driving capacitive loads, such as piezo transducers, capacitors, etc. There are special considerations and precautions taken while designing the circuits to meet high voltage needs for piezo capacitive loads. Typical piezo applications include sonar. The large piezo actuators send vibrations into the water. Piezo sensors sense the reflection on these vibrations and create images. Phased array sonar systems use hundreds of piezo actuators to get extremely good performance. In other types of piezo a two-termnal device translates electrical signal to create micro movement in segmented mirrors. Piezo applications always demand high voltage amplifiers. The hybrid amplifiers provide ultra-high voltage capability combined with bridge amplifiers. Configuration makes it possible to develop up to 1000 v peak swing across piezo element. The power amplifier`s ac stability is always challenged in the capacitive loading, depending upon the capacitance of the piezo being driven. Suitable external compensation capacitor in hybrid power amplifiers provides this protection. Open frame amplifiers provide same or improved performance same as hermetically sealed products and with advantages, like thermal performance, pcb space saving, low-cost solutions and mechanical advantages.
