AP Series Amplified Piezoelectric Actuators
The PiezoDrive AP Series 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.
AP120 – 120um Range
| Displacement | >120 um |
| Voltage | -15V to +150V |
| Unipolar Disp. | >110 um |
| Resonance | 900 Hz |
| Force | 11 N |
| Stiffness | 0.10 N/um |
| Capacitance | 400 nF |
| Mass | 5 g |
| 3D Model | AP120.igs |
Dimensions (Click to enlarge)
AP350B – 350um Range, Small Size
| Displacement | >350 um |
| Voltage | -15V to +150V |
| Unipolar Disp. | >320 um |
| Resonance | 400 Hz |
| Force | 6 N |
| Stiffness | 0.019 N/um |
| Capacitance | 900 nF |
| Mass | 7 g |
Dimensions (Click to enlarge)
AP340 – 340um Range
| Displacement | >340 um |
| Voltage | -15V to +150V |
| Unipolar Disp. | >310 um |
| Resonance | 460 Hz |
| Force | 16 N |
| Stiffness | 0.052 N/um |
| Capacitance | 780 nF |
| Mass | 8 g |
Dimensions (Click to enlarge)
AP350 – 350um Range
| Displacement | >350 um |
| Voltage | -15V to +150V |
| Unipolar Disp. | >320 um |
| Resonance | 480 Hz |
| Force | 18 N |
| Stiffness | 0.057 N/um |
| Capacitance | 900 nF |
| Mass | 9 g |
| 3D Model | AP350.igs |
Dimensions (Click to enlarge)
AP830 – 830um Range
| Displacement | >830 um |
| Voltage | -15V to +150V |
| Unipolar Disp. | >750 um |
| Resonance | 230 Hz |
| Force | 90 N |
| Stiffness | 0.12 N/um |
| Capacitance | 8.3 uF |
| Mass | 60 g |
| 3D Model | AP830.igs |
Dimensions (Click to enlarge)
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
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: $$ I_p = 2 \pi f V_{p-p} $$ 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.