Application Cases

Dielectric elastomers are regarded as one of the most promising "artificial muscle" materials, widely applied in soft robotics, intelligent prosthetics, tactile sensors, Braille displays, optical devices, aerospace, energy harvesting, and other fields. The working principle of dielectric elastomers is primarily based on their piezoelectric effect and dielectric properties. Input signals are amplified through an amplifier, which drives the dielectric elastomer to generate an electric field. Variations in the electric field cause changes in the internal charge distribution of the dielectric elastomer, thereby inducing deformation or mechanical motion.

The Aigtek ATA-7000 series is an ideal high-voltage amplifier capable of amplifying both AC and DC signals. It delivers a single-ended output of 40 kVp-p (±20 kVp), enabling the driving of various high-voltage loads and empowering breakthroughs in dielectric elastomer research experiments!

Application Case 1: Dielectric Elastomer Actuation Experiment

Figure: Block Diagram of the Dielectric Elastomer Actuation Experiment

Experimental Process:
A signal source outputs a sinusoidal voltage signal of 0–3 V at a frequency of 1–10 Hz. This signal is then input into a power amplifier, where it is amplified to a voltage range of 0–1500 V. The high-voltage output is applied to the conductive carbon paste on the positive and negative surfaces of the electroactive polymer. The accumulation of opposite charges in the conductive carbon paste generates electrostatic forces, which compress the electroactive polymer and induce deformation.

Application Case 2: Performance Study of Dielectric Elastomers

Figure: Silicone Rubber Dielectric Elastomer Material Expansion-Contraction Control System

Experimental Process:
A computer is used to program arbitrary waveforms, which are output by a function generator. The signal is then amplified by a high-voltage amplifier to a range of 2 kVp–10 kVp, driving the expansion and contraction of the silicone rubber (dielectric elastomer) material. A laser sensor captures the waveform of the material's expansion-contraction amplitude, and the motion waveform is transmitted via wires to the computer. Using computer software, the input signal waveform and the expansion-contraction amplitude waveform can be observed, allowing for data comparison between the two. It can be observed that the material exhibits significant periodic expansion and contraction, and the output waveform on the computer matches the expansion-contraction amplitude waveform perfectly.

Aigtek's ATA-7000 series high-voltage amplifiers are widely used in the fields of dielectric elastomers and electrostriction. With a maximum output of 40 kVpp, they meet the testing requirements of most dielectric elastomer applications.

ATA-7000 Series High-Voltage Amplifier Application Scenarios:
Dielectric elastomer testing, EHD electrohydrodynamic printing, ferroelectric testing, plasma testing, 3D printing, material polarization, electrostatic spinning, microfluidics.

Figure: Application Scenarios of the ATA-7000 Series High-Voltage Amplifier

Other Applications:
Soft robotics, electroactive polymers, piezoelectric drive and control, laser modulation, semiconductor research, electrostatic deflection, electrorheological fluids, AC or DC biasing, particle accelerators, mass spectrometers, material characterization, DBD plasma actuators, atmospheric pressure plasma, corona discharge, dielectric breakdown testing, ion beam deflection, electron beam deflection, electrophoresis, dielectrophoresis, ion engines, particle accelerators, material characterization, electrostatic actuators, electrostatic spraying, electrostatic coating, solar panel (photovoltaic cell) testing, electro-optic modulation, electrophotography, corona generators, electrostatic chucks, electrostatic deflection of charged particle beams, and more.

The above outlines the application of high-voltage amplifiers in driving dielectric elastomer research experiments. Aigtek offers various series and models of power amplifiers with different specifications, meeting the diverse testing needs and applications of electronic engineers.