Apparatus and method for controlling the frequency of the current in the
excitation coil of the handpiece of a dental magnetostrictive ultrasonic
scaling unit, or similar transducer. A microprocessor continually samples
a predetermined function of the current through the excitation coil, and
adjusts the frequency for a function maximum, performing coarse and fine
frequency adjustments. The function can be proportional to the current,
its time-derivative, or combination thereof. A voltage-controlled
oscillator is employed, controlled by pulse-width modulation from the
microprocessor. The base frequency scan is performed each time the
handpiece is energized by the practitioner, assuring automatic optimal
frequency adjustment at all times and under all conditions. Apparatus
according to the invention does not require transformers, sensing coils,
or complex power- or impedance-sensing circuitry, and covers a wide range
of resonant frequencies for different insert types. A configuration with
multiple handpieces is supported.