Abstract: A drive circuit (18) produces a drive signal having a waveform of a predetermined waveform shape for a device (10) having a piezoelectric actuator (14). The drive circuit (14) includes a memory (140) which stores waveform shape data which is utilized by the drive circuit in producing the drive signal. The drive circuit utilizes the waveform shape data so that, for each of plural points comprising a period of the waveform, the drive signal has an appropriate amplitude for the predetermined waveform shape. The waveform shape data has preferably been prepared to optimize one or more operational parameter(s) of the device. Preferably the waveform shape data has been prepared by solving a waveform equation, the waveform equation having coefficients determined to optimize at least one operational parameter of the device.

Abstract: A drive circuit produces a drive signal for a device having a piezoelectric actuator. In some example embodiments, the drive circuit dynamically changes the drive signal (e.g., a shape of the waveform of the drive signal) during real time operation of the device. In the same or distinct other example embodiments, the drive circuit generates the drive signal in accordance with an analog input signal to the drive circuit. The analog input signal can be or bear, for example, an indication of resonance of the piezoelectric actuator; an indication of temperature; an indication of viscosity; and/or, an indication of one of a desired voltage and a desired frequency of the drive signal. The analog input signal can be obtained from a user input device. In the same or distinct other example embodiments, the drive circuit generates the drive signal in dependence upon an operational parameter of the device.

Abstract: A drive circuit (18) produces a drive signal having a waveform of a predetermined waveform shape for a device (10) having a piezoelectric actuator (14). The drive circuit (14) includes a memory (140) which stores waveform shape data which is utilized by the drive circuit in producing the drive signal. The drive circuit utilizes the waveform shape data so that, for each of plural points comprising a period of the waveform, the drive signal has an appropriate amplitude for the predetermined waveform shape. The waveform shape data has preferably been prepared to optimize one or more operational parameter(s) of the device. Preferably the waveform shape data has been prepared by solving a waveform equation, the waveform equation having coefficients determined to optimize at least one operational parameter of the device. The number of coefficients determined for the waveform equation depends on the number of harmonics of the waveform that are within a bandwidth of the device.