Seesaw Topology — Alternating-Electrode Output
Core Pulse Technology
What it is
Seesaw is VITAVE's alternating-electrode output topology. It delivers bipolar output only. The two electrodes take turns being the active one: on the first pulse, electrode A goes to +HV while electrode B stays at ground. On the second pulse, electrode A stays at ground while electrode B goes to +HV.
The potential difference between the electrodes is +HV on the first pulse and −HV on the second — full amplitude in both directions. The load sees a bipolar waveform through this alternating assignment: current flows A→B on the first pulse, B→A on the second.
Seesaw is one of three topologies available across the VITAVE platform. It is selected based on the application requirements — not priced as an upgrade, not fixed by the product line.
Why it matters
Seesaw shares Classic's key practical property — one electrode is always at ground, satisfying the same grounding requirements — but reaches it differently. Instead of one electrode carrying both the positive and negative swing, Seesaw splits the job between two electrodes that alternate which one is active, each only ever switching between +HV and ground.
For most applications this is an architectural choice rather than a requirement on your end — Classic and Seesaw produce electrically equivalent bipolar output at the load. Where it becomes relevant is when the switching hardware itself matters for your integration — worth raising directly if that's the case for your setup.
Technical detail
In Seesaw topology, the output stage has two electrodes, each capable of being driven to +HV or held at ground. They are never driven simultaneously — at any given moment, one electrode is active and the other is at ground.
On the first pulse, electrode A is connected to the +HV rail while electrode B is connected to ground. The potential difference from A to B is +HV. Current flows from A through the load to B.
On the second pulse, electrode B is connected to the +HV rail while electrode A is connected to ground. The potential difference from A to B is −HV. Current flows from B through the load to A.
The alternation between A-active and B-active is controlled by the pulse sequencer. The alternation pattern — whether it switches on every pulse, every n pulses, or on a defined schedule — is programmable as part of the pulse sequence.
Each electrode only switches between +HV and ground. Neither electrode ever goes to a negative voltage. The bipolar waveform across the load is produced by alternating which electrode is the active one, not by swinging an electrode through both polarities.
See also
Where this capability applies
Products with this capability
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