A droplet actuator device for conducting droplet operations is provided that comprises a substrate defines a device channel to conduct droplet operations. Electrodes are arranged proximate to the substrate. A drive circuit is connected to the electrodes. The drive circuit generates an electrode drive signal to drive the droplet operations based on a reference waveform. The electrode drive signal is partitioned into an AC modulated drive cycle formed of sub-cycles. The electrode drive signal switches, during the sub-cycle, between at least first and second states where a degree of modulation with respect to the reference waveform forms a balanced modulation pattern.