Apex Microtechnology PA168 High Voltage Power Operational Amplifier

Introduction

The Apex Microtechnology PA168 is a high-voltage power operational amplifier designed for applications that need substantial output voltage and continuous current drive. Its monolithic MOS amplifier core, configurable compensation, and integrated protection features make it suitable for demanding analog control and power-amplification designs.

Part Description

The PA168 is a power operational amplifier capable of delivering output voltages up to 200 V and continuous output current up to 4 A. It combines precision operational-amplifier behavior with the ability to drive higher-power loads than conventional low-voltage op amps.

Key features include:

• Monolithic MOS amplifier core
• Output voltage capability up to 200 V
• Continuous output current up to 4 A
• Integrated current limiting
• Over-current flag for fault monitoring
• Amplifier disable function
• External compensation support
• Adjustable gain and bandwidth behavior through compensation design

External compensation gives engineers flexibility to optimize closed-loop stability, bandwidth, and dynamic performance for a particular load or gain configuration. The disable input and over-current indication also support safer, more controllable system operation.

Applications

Potential applications for the PA168 include:

• High-voltage linear amplifiers
• Piezoelectric actuator drivers
• Electrostatic transducer drivers
• Programmable high-voltage power supplies
• Precision current sources
• Motor and voice-coil actuator control
• Industrial test and measurement equipment
• High-voltage signal conditioning
• Capacitive load drivers
• Laboratory instrumentation
• Valve and solenoid control systems
• General-purpose power buffer stages

Industries

The PA168 may be used in several industries, including:

• Industrial automation
• Test and measurement
• Scientific research
• Medical equipment
• Aerospace and defense
• Semiconductor manufacturing
• Energy and power systems
• Robotics
• Telecommunications
• Advanced manufacturing

Usage Ideas

1. Piezo Positioning Controller
   Build a closed-loop high-voltage driver for a piezo actuator used in precision positioning equipment, such as optical alignment or micro-motion stages.

2. Programmable Bench Supply Output Stage
   Use the PA168 as a linear output amplifier in a programmable laboratory supply that requires controlled high-voltage output and current-limit monitoring.

3. Voice-Coil Motion Driver
   Create a high-power analog driver for a voice-coil actuator in an automated inspection, focusing, or vibration-control system.

Conclusion

The Apex Microtechnology PA168 is a versatile high-voltage power operational amplifier for systems requiring up to 200 V output capability and 4 A of continuous current. With current limiting, over-current reporting, amplifier disable control, and external compensation options, it provides a flexible platform for high-performance industrial, scientific, and motion-control designs.