Application Cases

About Microfluidics
If traditional laboratories can be thought of as "macroscopic operation rooms," then microfluidic technology is the "precision manager" of the microscopic world. From regulating fluid flow rates and achieving precise mixing of multiple substances to separating micron-sized particles, capturing single cells, and controlling the temperature and progress of chemical reactions, microfluidics leverages "small-scale" operations to achieve "high-precision" outcomes.

In the microfluidic testing process, the power amplifier serves as the core hub connecting signal generation and actuator devices. It converts weak electrical signals into energy pulses strong enough to drive piezoelectric transducers. By regulating voltage amplitude and frequency, it precisely controls cavitation intensity, surface acoustic wave characteristics, or ultrasonic vibration modes, thereby optimizing microfluidic mixing efficiency, guiding particle trajectories directionally, and even overcoming challenges such as microchannel filling with high aspect ratios. In this article, Aigtek shares recent experimental cases in the field of microfluidic testing, hoping to assist engineers engaged in related research.

Experimental Case Studies

▼ Application of Broadband Amplifiers in Particle Sorting Using Surface Acoustic Wave Microfluidic Chips

In this experiment, sinusoidal signals generated by a signal generator were amplified by a power amplifier and applied to a lithium niobate substrate sputtered with interdigital electrodes, exciting surface acoustic waves. The surface acoustic waves generated acoustic radiation forces of varying magnitudes on particles in flow, causing different particles to exhibit distinct motion states. This enabled the directional sorting of particles based on size.

▼ Application of High-Voltage Amplifiers in Real-Time Coagulation Detection Using Digital Microfluidics

This experiment involved driving blood droplets via voltage and detecting changes during their motion. A host computer control program sent signals to a control module, which regulated the switching of high and low voltages on a PCB board. High-voltage power was directly supplied to the PCB electrodes, and the ATA-7020 amplifier provided different voltage groups (150V–300V in this experiment) to verify droplet actuation. Different voltage groups were set to control blood droplet motion, and droplet speeds were observed to determine the appropriate speed for subsequent experimental operations.

▼ Application of Broadband Amplifiers in Ultrasonic-Driven Nozzle Microdroplet Preparation

Droplet-based microfluidic technology has become a versatile tool widely used in fields such as biochemical analysis and synthesis. Acoustic-based droplet manipulation technologies have demonstrated advantages in biocompatibility and broad adjustability. This experiment designed an ultrasonic-driven nozzle system integrating high-throughput microdroplet preparation and directional distribution, analyzed its working mechanism through simulation and experiments, and provided new insights for designing highly integrated and controllable droplet manipulation systems.

▼ Application of High-Voltage Amplifiers in Microfluidic Ultrasonic Cavitation Experiments

In this experiment, a high-voltage amplifier amplified an external voltage to drive a piezoelectric ultrasonic transducer, generating vibrations at 100 kHz–2 MHz to actuate the microfluidic substrate. This induced intense acoustic pressure changes in the microchannels, while high-speed microphotography was used to observe cavitation behavior in the microfluidic system.

▼ Application of High-Voltage Amplifiers in Intelligent Optoelectronic Digital Microfluidic Chips and Systems

This experiment utilized optoelectrowetting chips to achieve two-dimensional droplet actuation on an open plane, investigating the effects of projected light patterns on droplet actuation direction and speed. Machine learning was employed for real-time droplet detection, combined with an actuation system to implement feedback control and a series of multifunctional droplet manipulations. A signal generator and power amplifier applied driving voltages to the bias electrodes on both sides of the chip, creating a lateral potential gradient across the microfluidic chip. Subsequently, patterns generated via computer programming were projected onto the chip surface using a projector. The photoconductive layer on the chip responded to the projected patterns, forming varying potential differences and generating driving forces for droplet motion via electrowetting.

▼ Application of High-Voltage Amplifiers in Acoustic Cavitation Microfluidic Devices

This experiment constructed acoustic cavitation microfluidic devices and conducted research on their theoretical models and mechanisms, design and fabrication, and applications in synthesizing liposomal drugs. This led to the development of a novel method for precisely regulating the particle size distribution of liposomal drugs using acoustic cavitation microfluidic devices.

▼ Application of High-Voltage Amplifiers in Droplet Microfluidics

In this experiment, sinusoidal signals generated by a signal generator were amplified by an ATA-2160 high-voltage amplifier and applied to the electrodes of a microfluidic chip. The generated non-uniform electric field was used to charge droplets passing through the region, and the droplet charge was controlled by adjusting the signal frequency and amplitude, enabling precise manipulation of charged droplets.

▼ Application of High-Voltage Amplifiers in Droplet Charging and Sorting Using Microfluidic Chips

This experiment employed an electrostatic induction mechanism to charge droplets and utilized a non-uniform electric field to achieve deflection-based sorting of charged droplets. Charging signals generated by a signal generator were amplified by an ATA-2161 power amplifier and applied to charging electrodes, causing charge accumulation on the droplet surface. Charged droplets were deflected directionally to target collection channels under the influence of an electric field generated by deflection electrodes. The experiment analyzed the effects of droplet generation frequency, charging voltage, and pulse width on sorting accuracy, validating the system's high activity and efficiency in droplet sorting.

More Application Case Studies
After years of accumulation, Aigtek has established its own power amplifier application case library, bringing together cutting-edge experimental research results from advanced fields to help researchers expand their ideas and achieve innovative breakthroughs! More power amplifier application cases will be shared in the future. Stay tuned!