The MP400 is a “board-level module” power opamp that integrates the performance of a high speed op amp with a switch mode power supply. The result is a high voltage driver that delivers adjustable output voltages ranging from 50V to 350V, derived out of low, standard bus supplies of 12V, 24V or 48V. With the ability to internally generate high levels of output voltage, the MP400 allows designers to bypass having to design or purchase an external high voltage power supply. Both the high voltage output of the MP400, and the application’s drive circuitry – typically a piezo element – can operate off the same standard system supply. The result is a reduction in board space, as well as potential savings on operating costs.

The MP400’s ability to adjust the voltage output level is made possible through use of a single, external 1/4 watt resistor from the set pin (RSET) to ground. The only input required by the boost supply are the VIN source, the input/output filter capacitor and the VBOOST set resistor (RSET). The voltage boost adjustment is independent of VIN. The MP400 offers additional flexibility with external phase compensation that allows the designer to select gain, slew rate and bandwidth to suit their specific application. Slew rate performance is extremely high at 350V/μs. In pulse applications, the MP400 can swing rapidly from rail to rail without generating an over-abundance of standby current, or quiescent current.

The product design topology of the MP400 utilizes Apex’s own integrated thermally conductive module design, or “open frame” packaging. With the open frame approach, thermal management actually begins with the individually packaged components which feature their own heat management properties. The open frame product design delivers the power and thermal performance of a hybrid, but at a cost that is significantly less. Apex Precision Power has a long tenure of customer design wins in the piezo drive market. Most piezo drives require high voltage with the piezo driver typically the only high voltage component in the system. The industrial and medical sectors are becoming rapid adaptors of piezoelectronic positioning and actuation technology for its ability to provide very fine movement in applications such as ultrasound, mass spectrometers and deformable mirrors.