Amplified Piezoelectric Actuators

The AP family of high-displacement actuators utilize an advanced flexural mechanism and high performance piezoelectric stack actuators to provide an exceptionally large range of motion, fast response, and sub-nanometer resolution. The advanced dual-hinge flexure mechanism significantly outperforms competing devices due to its significantly higher in-plane and out-of-plane stiffness, greater mechanical efficiency, and higher resonance frequency. The dual-hinge flexure design also results in extremely compact dimensions.

Applications include: Nanopositioning, Biomedical, Microscopy, Precision machining, Vibration control, High-speed valves, and Optics. A range of standard devices are available for immediate delivery, however, custom dimensions and travel ranges can be produced with a four-week lead time.

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AP340 – 340um Range

AP350 – 350um Range

AP830 – 830um Range

Quality / Testing

Each actuator is individually tested for displacement range, blocking force, and resonance frequency. A test report is provided with each delivery.

Mounting

The AP actuators can be mounted in a fixed-free or free-free configuration using the threaded mounting holes. When a voltage is applied, a proportional expansion is developed in the vertical direction, as illustrated below.

Tension Force

The maximum tension force is 10% of the blocking (compressive) force.

Range

The range is specified for an applied voltage of -15V to +150V. The unipolar range is from 0V to +150V.

When an amplified actuator is driving a spring, the range is reduced by the factor $$\frac{k_a}{k_a+k_L}$$ where \(k_a\) is the actuator stiffness and \(k_L\) is the load stiffness.

Capacitance

The actuator capacitance is the small-signal capacitance measured at room temperature. Due to hysteresis, the effective capacitance increases with applied voltage. When operating at full range, the effective capacitance is approximately twice the small-signal capacitance. The capacitance also increases with temperature. A temperature increase of approximately 50 degrees C will double the effective capacitance.

Electrical Current Requirements

Calculate Power Bandwidth

The required current is \( I = C~ dV/dt \) where \( I \) is the current, \( C \) is the effective capacitance, and \( dV/dt \) is the voltage rate of change. For a sine-wave, the required peak current is equal to: $$ I_p = \pi C f V_{p-p} $$ where \( V_{p-p} \) is the peak-to-peak voltage. For a triangle wave, the required peak current is equal to: $$ I_p = 2 C f V_{p-p} $$

Recommended Drivers

Vacuum Compatibility

The AP Actuators and wiring insulation meet the outgassing requirements for NASA SP-R-0022A.

Customization

Custom dimensions and travel ranges can be produced with a four-week lead time.