Abstract: A memory system includes a nonvolatile memory including memory cells, and a memory controller. The memory controller is configured to read first data through application of a first read voltage to each of the memory cells, perform a first decoding process with respect to the first data, when the first decoding process fails, perform a tracking process. The tracking process includes reading second data indicating a threshold voltage level of each of the memory cells through application of a plurality of second read voltages to each of the memory cells, and obtaining, with respect to each of the memory cells, likelihood information using the second data. The second read voltages are shifted by a predetermined amount. The memory controller is further configured to perform a second decoding process with respect to the second data using the likelihood information.

Abstract: A multilayer piezoelectric element that expands and contracts in response to an applied voltage includes external electrodes disposed on surfaces of an element body, internal electrodes connected to the external electrodes, and piezoelectric layers laminated alternately with the internal electrodes. An electrode material used for the internal electrodes or the external electrodes contains a base material composed of Ag and Pd in a weight ratio of 60/40 to 85/15 and Pt in an amount of 0.1% to 10% by weight based on the weight of the base material. Also included is a piezoelectric actuator including the piezoelectric element and a piezoelectric transformer including the piezoelectric element.

Abstract: A multilayer piezoelectric element that expands and contracts in response to an applied voltage includes external electrodes disposed on surfaces of an element body, internal electrodes connected to the external electrodes, and piezoelectric layers laminated alternately with the internal electrodes. An electrode material used for the internal electrodes or the external electrodes contains a base material composed of Ag and Pd in a weight ratio of 60/40 to 85/15 and Pt in an amount of 0.1% to 10% by weight based on the weight of the base material. Also included is a piezoelectric actuator including the piezoelectric element and a piezoelectric transformer including the piezoelectric element.

Abstract: In an electro-mechanical energy conversion device which is disclosed, green sheets on which whole surface electrodes for grounding have been printed and green sheets on which 2-divided electrodes have been printed are laminated. The green sheets having the 0.degree. phase and 90.degree. phase on which the 2-divided electrodes have been printed are laminated through the printed sheet on which the whole surface electrode for grounding. After the laminate body was sintered and integrated, it is polarized in a manner such that the polarizing directions in the thickness direction of each layer are opposite between the two divided electrodes which form one pair by using the whole surface electrodes for grounding and the 2-divided electrodes which were printed, thereby constructing the conversion device for the laminated type vibration driven motor.

Abstract: In an electro-mechanical energy conversion device which is disclosed, green sheets on which whole surface electrodes for grounding have been printed and green sheets on which 2-divided electrodes have been printed are laminated. The green sheets having the 0.degree. phase and 90.degree. phase on which the 2-divided electrodes have been printed are laminated through the printed sheet on which the whole surface electrode for grounding. After the laminate body was sintered and integrated, it is polarized in a manner such that the polarizing directions in the thickness direction of each layer are opposite between the two divided electrodes which form one pair by using the whole surface electrodes for grounding and the 2-divided electrodes which were printed, thereby constructing the conversion device for the laminated type vibration driven motor.