Abstract: A power amplifier circuit for driving an inductive load comprises a capacitor coupled between first and second circuit nodes, a first unidirectionally-conductive device having a first terminal coupled to the first circuit node, and a transistor having its collector coupled to the second terminal of the first unidirectionally-conductive device and having its emitter coupled to the second circuit node. The direction of conduction of the first unidirectionally-conductive device is the same as the direction of conduction through the collector-emitter path of the transistor. The circuit also comprises a second unidirectionally-conductive device connected in parallel with the first unidirectionally-conductive device for conducting current in the opposite direction from the direction of conduction of the first unidirectionally-conductive device.

Abstract: A high-speed power amplifier for driving inductive loads is capable of operating at frequencies of at least 270 kHz. The drive amplifier includes an oscillator that develops a continuous square-wave signal having relatively short transition times and a regulated 50% duty cycle. The oscillator output signal is applied to a filar-wound impedance transformer whose response time characteristics do not change substantially the transition time characteristics of the oscillator output signal. The impedance transformer circuit includes a pair of transistors operating in a push-pull configuration simultaneously to maintain the relatively short transition times of the oscillator output signal and to develop the high-current transformer output signal needed to drive a power transistor switch. The power amplifier is designed to provide a base current signal that promotes better dissipation of the power generated in the power transistor as it operates at high switching speeds.