The Model 3211 is a workhorse driver for capacitive loads such as broadband electro-optic (EO) modulators (EOMs) and piezoelectric transducers. It amplifies low voltage signals (e.g. from a function generator) to the high-voltage levels needed to drive these devices.

The Model 3211 incorporates high-slew-rate, high-voltage operational-amplifier technology to give you extremely precise linear operation over a wide range of input voltages and frequencies. The ±200-V output will swing our broadband EO modulators through 180° of phase shift with bandwidths of up to 0.5 MHz. The peak-to-peak output noise is less than 100 mV in a 1-MHz bandwidth.

The front-panel controls include an easy-to-reach high-voltage on/off switch and a DC offset that sets the output level anywhere from –200 V to +200 V, allowing an EO amplitude modulator to be biased for optimum linearity without additional components. Two inputs allow signals from separate sources to be summed and amplified. Two bias outputs of +200 V and –200 V allow single-polarity operation for piezoelectric transducers and other components. A monitor output provides 1/30 of the output voltage for display on an oscilloscope.

99-3211Driving Capacitive Loads
This model can drive piezo-electric transducers (PZT) that have capacitive loads from 0–100 nF. The maximum load for a 0.5-MHz bandwidth is 100 pF.