Pendulum Instruments · High Voltage Linear Amplifiers
P150
Single-channel high voltage, high current linear amplifier, DC to 200 kHz, fixed gain x20
The P150 is the unipolar model: output 0 to +150 V, 1 A continuous, about 125 W maximum, fixed gain x20 (x15 on request). Unipolar means it only pushes one way. If your load only ever works in the positive region, which is true of most piezo stacks, electrostatic devices and heater elements, then bipolar capability is money spent on a function you never use. This unit gives the same forward drive at lower cost. Pendulum specifies the P series for resistive and capacitive loads only; the manual states it must not drive an inductive load. Before ordering, confirm one thing: that your application truly never needs negative voltage, including for fast return strokes.
Overview
Piezo stacks are usually specified as 0 to +150 V or a similar unipolar range, because they extend in one direction only. When such an element is driven from a bipolar amplifier, the negative half of its capability goes unused in normal operation, unless you need active pull-back to shorten the return time. The P150 targets exactly the applications that do not: static or medium-speed positioning, heater control, and other unidirectional resistive or capacitive loads. Its 0 to +150 V output with 1 A continuous current and about 125 W covers a wide range. The x20 gain drives the full swing from a standard +10 V source; a x15 setting is available on request for higher-voltage sources. Another practical advantage of the unipolar design is that the output sits at a defined 0 V in standby rather than floating, which simplifies configurations with stricter safety requirements. Pendulum specifies the P series for resistive and capacitive loads, not inductive ones. The deciding factor is still return speed: if the elastic recovery time constant is the bottleneck in your cycle time, you need a bipolar model that can pull the element back.
Key specifications
| Output voltage range | 0 to +150 V (unipolar) |
|---|---|
| Continuous output current | 1 A (with current-limit protection) |
| Max output power | approx. 125 W |
| Gain | fixed x20 (x15 optional) |
| Input voltage (max) | +10 V (rated) |
| Bandwidth (full output) | DC to 60 kHz at the full 150 Vpp swing with a 1 nF load; DC to 100 kHz at 100 Vpp |
| Bandwidth (small signal) | DC to >200 kHz |
| Slew rate | 30 V/µs (factory setting) |
| Max capacitive load | 100 nF |
| Input impedance | 1 MΩ (30 pF) |
| Output impedance | 1 Ω (linear mode) |
| Power supply | 100/110 V or 220/230 V, 50/60 Hz |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 257 x 102 x 262 mm |
| Weight | 6 kg |
Features
Unipolar 0 to +150 V
Most piezo stacks, electrostatic devices and heaters only work in the positive region; do not pay for a negative half you will not use. Resistive and capacitive loads only.
1 A continuous, about 125 W
Ample current across the unipolar range, not just for small-signal lab loads.
Selectable gain
x20 as standard; x15 on request when your source delivers a higher voltage.
Simple standby state
The output sits at a defined 0 V in standby, which makes the safety assessment easier than with a bipolar setup.
The one thing to check: return speed
If elastic recovery time limits your cycle, you need a bipolar model that pulls the element back actively.
Easy to deploy
257 x 102 x 262 mm, 6 kg, running from 100/110 V or 220/230 V mains via the rear selector; no extra power equipment or rack planning.
Typical applications
Piezo actuation
Piezo actuator drive and nanometer positioning control
In R&D labs and precision manufacturing, a signal generator's few volts of output are not enough to move a stacked piezo actuator. The P150 amplifies the input 20 times and delivers up to 150 V at 1 A, driving the actuator directly for nanometer positioning in optical bench alignment, AFM scan-head control and active vibration isolation.
MEMS testing
MEMS device characterization and functional verification
During process verification, MEMS devices need bias of tens to over a hundred volts to measure electrostatic actuation, resonant frequency and breakdown voltage. The linear, low-distortion high-voltage output of the P150, paired with an arbitrary waveform generator, lets you run swept excitation and I-V tests on MEMS sensors, micropumps and micromirrors at the bench, confirming the design before packaging.
Display devices
Electrical evaluation of OLED panels and liquid crystal devices
Evaluating OLED emissive-layer efficiency or a liquid crystal cell's drive threshold calls for a high-voltage source that follows an arbitrary waveform without adding nonlinear distortion. The wideband linear output of the P150 (up to 200 kHz) reproduces the waveform set on the generator faithfully, so engineers can measure how drive voltage affects luminance, response time and aging, and shorten material screening and process optimization.
Options and configuration
Tick the specifications and options you need; we will assemble the configuration list and carry it into the inquiry form.
Standard equipment (included)
Hardware options (specify when ordering)
Service options
Downloads
Need pricing, specifications or lead time for P150?