High Voltage Amplifier for EO Modulators and Piezo Actuators

Maximum of ±200 V Bipolar Output
−20X Voltage Gain
Up to 100 mA Continuous Output Current
1 MHz Bandwidth

HVA200

High-Voltage Amplifier

Related Items

Free-Space EO Modulators

Vibrating Piezo Actuator

Shear Piezoelectric Chips and Positioners

Fiber-Coupled, High-Speed EO Modulators

Transimpedance Amplifiers

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Overview
Specs
Firmware
Pin Diagrams
Feedback

Features

Adjustable Bias for Full-Range DC Offset Control
Low Output Noise of 1.5 mV (RMS)
USB 2.0 Connection for Remote Operation

Thorlabs' HVA200 High Voltage Amplifier is ideal for driving our Electro-Optic (EO) Modulators, Shear Piezo Chips, and Piezo Scanning Actuators (see compatibility notes below). The amplifier provides a maximum output voltage of ±200 V, a continuous current output of up to 100 mA, and a 1 MHz bandwidth, with a low output noise of 1.5 mV (RMS). The voltage gain of -20 boosts the input signal up to the high voltages needed to drive our lithium niobate broadband modulators and shear piezo chips. An adjustable bias allows for precise DC offset control over the full -200 V to +200 V output range. A high-voltage, wideband, high-slew-rate output amplifier is used to achieve the desired output.

The input amplifier includes a summing junction that adds an adjustable DC bias to the input modulation. This composite signal is then boosted by a fixed voltage gain of -20 up to a maximum output of ±200 V. For example, if the HVA200 amplifier is sweeping from -200 V to +200 V and a 10 V DC bias is applied, the resulting output will range from -190 V to +200 V (i.e., the sweep is clipped because the maximum output voltage is reached). If, however, the unit is sweeping from -100 V to +100 V and the same 10 V DC bias is applied, the output will sweep from -90 V to +110 V. The DC bias control consists of a rotary encoder that provides for precise control of the DC level. A real-time monitor voltage output with a scaling of 20:1 (when used with high-impedance detectors), is provided, such that an output of +200 V results in a +10 V monitor voltage. Please see the Specs tab above for the complete specifications.

The HVA200 amplifier is CE compliant. For added safety, a front-panel High Voltage (HV) Enable button must be pressed to connect the HV output to the output BNC. It includes an SMA-to-BNC cable for connection to our free-space electro-optic modulators, a USB 2.0 Type A to B cable for remote operation, and a region-specific power cord.

EO Modulator and Shear Piezo Chip Compatibility
The amplifier produces a maximum +200 V half-wave voltage, making it ideal for driving our non-resonant EO phase modulators to fully modulate optical signals with wavelengths up to approximately 900 nm. There are some limitations on the operational wavelength ranges of some of the modulators when the HVA200 amplifier is used as the driver. Please see the electro-optics modulators page for additional details.

We can generally recommend this amplifier for our piezo scanning actuator and shear piezo chips and stacks. For the PN5FC3 multi-axis piezo positioner, note that while the HVA200 can drive the stack in the longitudinal direction, the relatively low current provided by the HVA200 combined with the high capacitance of the stack limits the maximum driving voltage frequency. In addition, care must be taken not to exceed the driving voltage limits of this stack. Drivers better compatible with the longitudinally-translating stack incorporated in the PN5FC3 include the MDT69xB or KPC101 Open-Loop Controllers, and the BPC301 and BPC303 Closed-Loop Controllers are also options.

Electrical Characteristics
Input Voltage Range		-10 V to +10 V
Input Impedance		1 kΩ
Output Voltage		-200 V to +200 V
Output Impedance		50 Ω
Slew Rate		400 V/μs
Output Noise		1.5 mV (RMS)
Voltage Gain^a		-20 ± 2%
DC Bias Adjust		-200 V to +200 V
HV Monitor to Output Ratio
With Input Impedance of 50 Ω		40:1 (V_out/ 40 ± 6%)
With Input Impedance of >10 kΩ		20:1 (V_out/ 20 ± 6%)
AC Power		115 V / 230 V, 50-60 Hz, 70 VA

The voltage gain is inverted to preserve the high slew rate of the output amplifier (i.e., a -1 V input results in +20 V output).

Physical Features
Input Connector		BNC
Output Connector		BNC
HV Monitor Connector		BNC
Bias Adjustment		Digital Encoder
Output Enable		Front Panel Push Button
Output HV Indicator		Bright LED
Power Switch		Rocker Switch
Dimensions		9" x 5" x 12.5" (228.6 mm x 127 mm x 317.5 mm)
Weight		11.6 lbs
Other		Tilting Rubber-Padded Feet

Max Ratings
Max Output Current		100 mA DC
Max Input Voltage Range		-10 V to 10 V
Fuse Rating		630 mA @ 115 VAC (5x20 mm SLO-BLO) 400 mA @ 230 VAC (5x20 mm SLO-BLO)

Software

Firmware Version 3.4 (June 6, 2023)

Firmware files and installer downloads for the HVA200.

Modulation Input Signal

BNC Female

±10 V, 10 mA

HV Output Monitor

BNC Female

±10 V, 200 mA, Min Load 50 Ω

HV Output

BNC Female

±200 V, 100 mA

Posted Comments:

Abhinna Das (posted 2025-12-02 19:33:18.97)

The HVA 200 has a red switch on the back of the box rather than a changeable fuse box that is listed in the manual on the website as such I wanted to know if this red switch would internally change the rated fuse from 230 V 400 mA to a fuse rated 115 V 630 mA

ksosnowski (posted 2025-12-03 12:26:37.0)

Hello Abhinna, and thanks for reaching out to us. The red switch on the back panel of HVA200 allows you to configure the internal power supply module for your region. The input fuse must be manually changed however and for 115V regions, the HVA200's power draw necessitates use of the higher capacity fuse. The warning on manual page 3 is present to remind users to change both the fuse and switch setting.

Shakil Awan (posted 2025-11-26 11:54:44.387)

Hello, will this instrument be able to drive a 0.5 pF device at 250kHz at 30Vrms, if I feed in a few volts rms at 250kHz? My email is : shakil.awan@plymouth.ac.uk. Also what is the delivery time to UK from receipt of purchase order? Many thanks, Shakil

ksosnowski (posted 2025-11-26 11:30:09.0)

Hello Shakil, and thanks for reaching out to us. HVA200 was originally designed for our Freespace EO Modulator crystals which have a capacitance of 14pF, and generally a smaller capacitive load is even easier for the amplifier to drive. There should be no issue achieving the 400V/us maximum slew rate of HVA200, which allows the driver to oscillate full swing (-200V to +200V) in 1us. 30Vrms at 250kHz would be no issue at all. Your local sales team (sales.uk@thorlabs.com) will be in contact to further discuss delivery and lead times.

Vignesh Kannan (posted 2022-03-21 06:08:01.897)

We have a problem with our amplifier. Over long time measurements, the high voltage amplification keeps turning off. The voltages are well below the maximum rating. We need help troubleshooting this problem. Thank you.

ksosnowski (posted 2022-03-30 02:49:17.0)

Thanks for reaching out to us Vignesh. If the load on HVA200 causes max current draw for extended times, this can lead to the unit shutting off due to thermal protection. Large capacitive loads at higher frequency, or any short circuits like a resistor across the leads may overdraw the HVA200. The proper method to discharge an attached load is to set the HVA200 to 0 Volts before disconnecting it. Some piezos recommend shorting the terminals to discharge them however this should only be done when disconnected from the driving source. I have reached out directly to discuss your application further.

Han Liu (posted 2022-02-20 20:36:13.55)

The USB communication seems not working properply. I opened the serial port and tried to apply commands like "enable=1" but the string I receive is exactly what I send ("enable=1" ). And the amplified is not being enabled. Please help us on this,

ksosnowski (posted 2022-02-25 06:46:05.0)

Thanks for reaching out to us, the HVA200 manual page 8 mentions "Keyword = argument (CR)" where carriage return (CR) is either pressing the "enter" key or using sequence <\r>. This sequence will be necessary at the end of each command if issuing multiple commands in sequence.

Daniel Granados (posted 2022-02-02 12:50:59.91)

Hi Our a ofier is not turning the amifier section on. Y push the on button but the green led is not turning on. Please let us know how to proceed. It is still under warranty. We use it to drive one of you EOM. Thank you Prof Granados.

ksosnowski (posted 2022-02-15 05:38:55.0)

Thanks for reaching out to Thorlabs. Regarding your HVA200 amplifier, this is configured from the factory to operate on 115 V by default. The fuse and line switch will need to be changed for 230 V operation, and the fuse type is listed on page 12 of the HVA200 Manual.