Optimized control of direct current mini ultra-high voltage amplifier

Abstract 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 field to break neutral particles into charged particles, which then experience motion due to the Coulomb force generated, allowing for the occurrence of flow. 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 sufficient electric field to operate optimally. However, the commercially available high-voltage amplifier has a high investment cost. In this study, we aimed to create a computer-controlled mini–ultra high voltage amplifier (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.