3 Conclusion

While the bridged circuit topology is well suited to driving piezoelectric loads, as has been shown, it can also be used to drive other floating loads provided the limitations of the output drivers are observed. It allows for a high effective voltage across the load without the complexity and cost of using a bootstrapped configuration, or other related circuit method.

When driving large capacitive loads at high voltage levels or high frequencies (or both), high output currents can be demanded from the op amps. Often a dedicated output stage following the op amps used as drivers would be required. In this case, good power management and heatsinking practices are essential because the two op amps will source and sink current from each other through the load. Ensure that both op amps are properly selected to handle the current requirements. This is especially important when using two different models of op amps, as were applied here.