Fourth-Gen HV Amplifier IC offered in Single- and Dual-Channel Designs

Apex Microtechnology, Inc. has released next generation performance inside the fourth product iteration of the PA41 350V power amplifier first announced over ten years ago in 1991, the new monolithic PA44X series. Featuring a single-channel and dual-channel option, this monolithic design provides a 96 percent reduction in noise and a 2X improvement in offset voltage. The PA441DF, PA441DW and PA443DF have a low noise rating of 12µV RMS at 20kHz to enhance their selection as high voltage drivers in piezo positioning applications. In terms of offset voltage, all three ICs deliver a low 5mV at a typical 25°C operating temperature, and 20mV typical across the full -40 to +125 degrees C operating range.

“The popularity of this high voltage IC product family has driven our continued efforts to shrink its footprint and cost while incorporating performance innovation for next generation applications,” explains Jens Eltze, Strategic Marketing Manager. “Signal quality is probably the most crucial component of the targeted high voltage applications for the PA44X series, so driving down the voltage noise is going to maintain design-win status for these ICs as well as land new sockets.”

The single-channel PA441DF is housed in a non-hermetic plastic, surface mount 24-pin PSOP, and the PA441DW is in an electrically-isolated, 10-pin ceramic SIP. The PA443DF is the dual channel version and also is available in the PSOP. All three ICs operate on a wide ±10V to ±175V supply. Output current is continuous at 60mA, with PEAK output of up to 120mA. The dual-channel device doubles the output current performance and the quiescent current is a very low 2.2mA. All three devices are pin compatible, drop-in replacements to their predecessor devices — the PA341DF, PA341DW and PA343DF.

In addition to being a popular choice as a voltage driver for the fine movement positioning of piezo-electric applications, the PA441DF/PA441DW/PA443DF are targeted at other applications requiring the accurate delivery of high voltage, including electrostatic transducer and deflection circuits, deformable mirror focusing, biochemistry stimulators and computer to vacuum interface designs.

The PA441DF is currently available in sample quantities for evaluation and prototyping, as well as volume production. Per unit pricing for the PA441DF is $7.98 USD in 1,000 quantities. Both the PA441DW and PA443DF will be available for evaluation in Q1 2014. The EK13 is the development kit for both the PA441DF and PA443DF and includes a PCB and heatsink. The EK42 can be used with the PA441DW.