Amplifier Calculator Software

To help you select the appropriate Trek amplifier, download the new version of Trek PC software which uses peak-to-peak voltage to help calculate values associated with driving capacitive loads: (Amplifier Calculator Software (Win Zip file). Click to download (We recommend creating a new folder for software application downloads.)

PDF Version of this Page

If you'd like to download a pdf of the Capacitive Loads web page's information click here.

Procedure for Calculating Peak Current

Engineers at Trek have designed many amplifiers with various voltage and current levels which can be used to drive capacitive loads. The table below lists selected Trek Amplifiers with their voltage and current ranges. The internal capacitance of each amplifier is in the X pF (pico farad) column. To determine which Trek Model amplifier is most suitable for your application:

1. Substitute the peak-to-peak voltage that will be applied to your load into the appropriate equation for driving capacitive loads with sine, triangle, or square waves. Use the table below to select the Trek amplifier with the appropriate voltage or current characteristics.
2. Select the correct internal capacitance value for the selected Trek amplifier from the X pF (pico farad) column and substitute the value into the X pF variable of the equation.
3. Substitute the capacitive value of your load (C load ) into the equation.
4. Substitute the desired frequency f or rise time dt (square wave) of the output waveform into the equation.
5. Solve for the peak current needed from the amplifier.

If the calculated peak current is equal to or less than the peak current range of the amplifier, the Trek amplifier will not be bandwidth limited due to output current limitations. For example, if the calculated peak current is equal to or less than 20 mA, the Model 20/20C will not be bandwidth limited due to output current limitations.

Driving Capacitive Loads with Sine Waves

I = (C load + X pF) pi f Vpeak-to-peak

where:

I = the peak current needed from the amplifier
C load = the load capacitance
X pF = the internal output capacitance of the amplifier
( in pico farads)
pi = 3.14
f = the maximum output frequency
Vpeak-to-peak = the peak -to-peak voltage applied to the capacitive load

Driving Capacitive Loads with Triangle Waves

I = 2 f (C load + X pF) Vpeak-to-peak

where:

I = the peak current needed from the amplifier
C load = the load capacitance
X pF = the internal output capacitance of the amplifier
( in pico farads)
f = the maximum output frequency
Vpeak -to-peak = the peak-to-peak voltage applied to the capacitive load

Driving Capacitive Loads with Square Waves

I = (C load + X pF) dV/dt

where:

I = the peak current needed from the amplifier
C load = the load capacitance
X pF = the internal output capacitance of the amplifier
( in pico farads)
dV = the peak value of the square wave
dt = the rise time required
dV/dt = the slope of the rise/fall time

Trek Amplifier Capacitance Chart

Model	X pf	Output Current (DC or peak AC)	Output Voltage (DC or peak AC)
30/20A	50 pF	±20 mA	±30 kV
20/20C	60 pF	±20 mA	±20 kV
10/40A	60 pF	±40 mA	±10 kV
664	110 pF	±20 mA	±10 kV
10/10B	40 pF	±10 mA	±10 kV
610E	66 pF	±2 mA	±10 kV
609B-3	66 pF	±2 mA	±10 kV
5/80	70 pF	±80 mA	±5 kV
609E-6	50 pF	±20 mA	±4 kV
PZD2000A	400 pF	±200 mA DC or  ±400 mA peak AC	±2 kV
623B	50 pF	±40 mA	±2 kV
677B	330 pF	±5 mA	±2 kV
PZD700 (±700 volt range)	665 pF	±100 mA	±700 V
PZD700  (1.4 k volt ranges)	500 pF	±50 mA	+1.4 kV or -1.4 kV
PZD700 M/S (±700 volt range)	1330 pF	±200 mA	±700 V
PZD700 M/S (1.4 k volt ranges)	1000 pF	±100 mA	+1.4 kV or -1.4 kV
601C	400 pF	±10 mA DC ±20 mA peak AC	±500 V or +1 kV or -1 kV
PZD350 (±350 volt range)	665 pF	±200 mA	±350 V
PZD350  (700 volt ranges)	400 pF	±100 mA	+700 V or -700 V
PZD350 M/S (±350 volt range)	1330 pF	±400 mA	±350 V
PZD350 M/S (700 volt ranges)	800 pF	±100 mA	+700 V or -700 V
603	800 pF	±40 mA DC or ±80 mA peak AC	±125 V or +250 V or -250 V

APPLICATION SUPPORT

The commitment to our customer extends well beyond the sale. We are committed to supplying total customer satisfaction. If you have any questions regarding Trek products please feel free to contact us.

Tel: 1 800 FOR-TREK or (585) 798-3140
Fax: (585) 798-3106
Email: custserv@trekinc.com

APPLICATION NOTES

Vist our Applications Notes page