Microfluidic cell sorting relies on precisely controlled electric fields to direct individual cells through a microfluidic chip, and this typically demands two things at once: kilovolt-range driving voltage, and a differential output configuration. Aigtek's ATA-2000 high-voltage amplifier series and ATG-2000 power signal generator series both address this requirement, differing mainly in whether signal generation is built in.
Why Differential Output Matters for Microfluidic Chip Driving
A differential output drives two complementary signal paths referenced to each other rather than to ground, which is often required by the electrode geometry in microfluidic sorting chips. Both the ATA-2000 and ATG-2000 series support differential configurations reaching up to 1600Vpp — substantially beyond what a single-ended amplifier at the same per-rail voltage could provide.
ATA-2000 vs ATG-2000 — Amplifier Alone or Amplifier Plus Signal Generator
The ATA-2000 series is a pure amplifier, requiring an external signal source; the ATG-2000 series bundles a signal generator into the same unit, useful where bench space or system simplicity favours a single instrument over an amplifier-plus-generator pair. Both share the same core specification: DC~1MHz (ATA-2000) or DC~1MHz (ATG-2000) bandwidth, up to 1600Vpp differential output, and up to 500mA output current (higher current available on request).
| Series | Models | Max Voltage | Signal Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ATA-2000 | 13 | 1600Vp-p (±800Vp) | External |
| ATG-2000 | 9 | 1600Vp-p (±800Vp) | Built-in |
The ATA-2000 series' larger model count reflects its role as a general high-voltage amplifier platform used beyond microfluidics alone — university electronic experimental testing, MEMS testing, ultrasonic testing, and PZT driving are all documented applications for the underlying amplifier technology shared between both series.
Selecting Single vs Dual Channel
Within the ATA-2000 series specifically, models are available in matched single-channel and dual-channel pairs (e.g. ATA-2021B/ATA-2022B, ATA-2031/ATA-2032) at the same voltage and power rating — choose dual-channel where two independently addressable outputs are needed, and single-channel where only one signal path is required, since the dual-channel variant carries no meaningful specification penalty for the added flexibility.
Finch Electronic Solutions — Melbourne, Australia
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