TDA2030 as a Howland pump?

To save wading through hundreds of google hits on the Howland Pumps plumbing trade name, here's a NS app note for a Howland pump:

Hi That pdf was my first port of call, I just wondering if there are any gotcha's using a poweramp, as I've never used a Howland for more than a mA or so before, should have TDA2030 to play with early next week

martin

There are numerous PA chips that claim to have "the simplicity of an OP amp", unless you need the current capability of a 20-30W amplifier there are plenty of 1A power op-amps around - such as the ST L272/L2272 types that can be lifted foc from older HP/Quantum hard disks.

Doh.....thats what happens when you come from an audio background, think of a audio poweramp first. (grovelling for some dead Win95 HDD's)

thanks!

martin

Don't forget Apple - the old one's used a slightly chunkier SCSI Quantum with the same head positioner chip.

I'm using an LM7171 in a Howland pump, but only about 1/3 that current. It works great and I have more bandwidth than I can use. The output impedance is a little dicey though. The Howland needs a lot of voltage swing from the amplifier though (2/3 dropped by the output resistor).