Abstract: A method for controlling a microfluidic pump having a pump body defining a cavity, and an actuator arranged to generate pressure oscillations of a fluid contained within the cavity in order to cause fluid flow through an inlet and an outlet of the cavity, the method comprising: oscillating the actuator at a first frequency and determining an indication of a peak velocity of the a peak velocity of the actuator at said first frequency; oscillating the actuator at a second frequency and determining an indication of a peak velocity of the actuator at said second frequency; and adjusting the frequency of oscillation of the actuator to said first or second frequency for which the lowest peak velocity of the actuator was determined.

Abstract: A method for controlling a microfluidic pump having a pump body defining a cavity, and an actuator arranged to generate pressure oscillations of a fluid contained within the cavity in order to cause fluid flow through an inlet and an outlet of the cavity, the method comprising: oscillating the actuator at a first frequency and determining an indication of a peak velocity of the a peak velocity of the actuator at said first frequency; oscillating the actuator at a second frequency and determining an indication of a peak velocity of the actuator at said second frequency; and adjusting the frequency of oscillation of the actuator to said first or second frequency for which the lowest peak velocity of the actuator was determined.

Abstract: A voltage driving apparatus for a portable fluid pump comprising a power source arranged to provide a direct current, a DC gain unit electrically connected, in use, to receive a voltage from the power source and output an amplified voltage, and a DC to AC conversion unit arranged, in use, to receive the amplified voltage from the DC gain unit and output a periodic waveform to drive a piezoelectric actuator in the portable fluid pump. The output periodic waveform comprises a first discrete voltage level and a second discrete voltage level. Each period of the waveform comprises the first voltage level for a first length of time and a second voltage level for a second length of time.

Abstract: A voltage driving apparatus for a portable fluid pump comprising a power source arranged to provide a direct current, a DC gain unit electrically connected, in use, to receive a voltage from the power source and output an amplified voltage, and a DC to AC conversion unit arranged, in use, to receive the amplified voltage from the DC gain unit and output a periodic waveform to drive a piezoelectric actuator in the portable fluid pump. The output periodic waveform comprises a first discrete voltage level and a second discrete voltage level. Each period of the waveform comprises the first voltage level for a first length of time and a second voltage level for a second length of time.