Analysis and evaluation of a high-voltage AC amplifier for electrostatic suspension

High-voltage amplifiers with an output voltage typically in the kilovolts range are widely used for electrostatic force generation in electrostatic suspension. This paper describes a high-voltage ac amplifier using a nanocrystalline soft magnetic alloy-based output transformer in an effort to provide fast dynamic response, low power loss, and excellent thermal stability. An analysis and an equivalent circuit model of the high-voltage transformer are presented for performance evaluation. Simulated and measured results are provided to confirm the validity of the transformer model. The excellent characteristics of the high-voltage ac amplifier were proved experimentally for high-performance operation of electrostatic suspension.