APEX PA76-P
- High-current output capability for demanding loads
- Wide operating temperature range for extreme environments
- Hermetic sealed package for enhanced reliability
- Compliance with military standards for aerospace applications
- Overcurrent and thermal protection mechanisms
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The Apex Microtechnology PA76-P is a dual power operational amplifier — two channels, 2.5A continuous output current per channel, 5V to 40V single supply (±2.5V to ±20V dual supply), 1.4 MHz gain-bandwidth product, 1.4V/µs slew rate — in an electrically isolated, hermetically sealed 8-pin TO-3 metal package (−P suffix). The PA76 integrates two complete power op-amp circuits in a single hermetic TO-3 housing using monolithic and hybrid technologies, with a beryllia (BeO) substrate for maximum thermal performance. The dual-channel architecture in a single package is purpose-designed for bridge-mode motor drive, dual-axis actuator control, and H-bridge configurations where two phase-matched amplifiers must share a single mounting point and heatsink interface.
PA76 vs. PA74 — Key Difference
| Parameter | PA74 | PA76-P |
|---|---|---|
| Output Current | 2.5A/channel | 2.5A/channel |
| Supply Voltage | 5V–40V single / ±2.5–20V dual | 5V–40V single / ±2.5–20V dual |
| Package | TO-3-8 (hermetic) | TO-3-8 (hermetic, -P suffix) |
| GBW | 1.4 MHz | 1.4 MHz |
| Slew Rate | 1.4V/µs | 1.4V/µs |
| Channels | 2 | 2 |
| Topology | Parallel output buffers | Parallel output buffers |
| Use Case | Bridge drive, dual-axis | Bridge drive, dual-axis |
The PA74 and PA76 are architecturally identical dual power amplifiers — the difference lies in the internal pinout and circuit configuration optimized for specific bridge-mode or differential-output application topologies. Both use the same hermetically sealed 8-pin TO-3 package with BeO substrate, making them the industry standard for high-reliability motor drive, solenoid drive, and piezo actuator applications in avionics, satellite attitude control, and defense precision motion systems. The “A” grade variants (PA74A/PA76A) provide 3A per channel and enhanced offset voltage specs; the “M” variants are non-compliant military grade. All variants share the hermetic TO-3 package and identical PCB footprint.
FAQ
What does PA76-P mean — what is the -P suffix?
PA76 is the standard dual power op-amp. The -P suffix designates the TO-3 (hermetically sealed metal) package variant. The PA76 is available in TO-3-8 as standard; confirm suffix meaning with the Apex datasheet for exact package differentiation in this part family.
What applications is the PA76 designed for?
Bridge-mode DC motor drive (bidirectional H-bridge with two amplifiers sharing one package), dual-axis actuator control, solenoid drive, piezo actuator drive, and any application requiring two phase-matched power op-amps with up to 2.5A per channel from a single supply.
What is the BeO substrate and why does it matter?
The PA76 uses a beryllia (BeO) ceramic substrate inside the TO-3 package for thermal management. BeO has the highest thermal conductivity of standard ceramic materials, enabling the PA76 to dissipate more power per unit package size than alumina-substrate alternatives. The BeO substrate is sealed inside the hermetic TO-3 — do not break the seal, as BeO dust is toxic.
What is the maximum supply voltage?
40V single supply (+5V to +40V), or ±20V dual supply. Peak output current is 3A (continuous 2.5A per channel for standard PA76; 3A for PA76A grade).
Is the PA76 suitable for unity-gain follower configurations?
No. The output stages of both PA74 and PA76 are compensated for stability but are not recommended for use as unity-gain followers. Consult the Apex application notes for minimum stable gain configurations.
What heatsinking is required for the PA76?
The TO-3 package mounts directly to a heatsink using standard TO-3 hardware. Apex’s Power Design Tool calculates required heatsink thermal resistance based on supply voltage, output current, duty cycle, and ambient temperature. Maximum junction temperature for long-term reliability should not be exceeded — derate internal power dissipation accordingly.
