Optimized control of direct current mini ultra-high voltage amplifier

Soft robotics has gained much attention due to its simplicity and ease of control. Potential technology

in soft robotics includes electrohydrodynamic pumps (EHD) and dielectric elastomer actuators

(DEAs). EHD Pump operates by utilizing a strong electric eld to break neutral particles into charged

particles, which then experience motion due to the Coulomb force generated, allowing for the

occurrence of ow. Meanwhile, the DEAs also require high voltage to generate a colombic pressure to

create an actuation. Both EHD pumps and DEAs require a high-voltage source that can provide a

suf cient electric eld to operate optimally. However, the commercially available high-voltage

ampli er has a high investment cost. In this study, we aimed to create a computer-controlled mini–

ultra high voltage ampli er (mini-UHV). Our mini-UHV can amplify 5 V to 3.7 kV DC voltage. We

designed a control system to allow the user to generate any kind of waveform easily. Our system

accommodates two waveforms: continuous waveform and square wave signal. For square wave

signals, we accommodate several frequency variations and amplitudes. The characteristics of each

signal are then observed, including maximum voltage, minimum voltage, rise time, and fall time. We

found that the square waveform’s maximum voltage in each frequency is stable at 3.7 kV. We expect

our mini-UHV can boost the research in soft electroactive polymer.