Abstract: An electronic device and an adjustment method thereof are provided. Generate an adjustment voltage according to a preset capacitance and a capacitance detected by a capacitive sensor coupled to both sides of a piezoelectric element, and generate a driving voltage to drive the piezoelectric element according to the adjustment voltage, so as to avoid depolarization of the piezoelectric element affecting the vibration strength of the vibration device.

Abstract: A method of remotely interrogating a passive sensor, comprising at least one resonator, so as to determine the resonant frequency of said resonator, having a resonant frequency response defined by the design of said resonator, includes: a preliminary frequency-scan step for interrogating said resonator over a frequency range allowing for the rapid determination of a first resonant frequency (fr0) of said resonator by detecting the amplitude of the response signal of said resonator; a first step of a first couple of interrogations of said resonator at a first frequency (f11) and a second frequency (f21) such that: f11=fr0?fm/2 and f21=fr0+fm/2, fm being smaller than the width at half-maximum of the resonant frequency response defined by the design, allowing a first couple of amplitudes (Pf11, Pf21) of first and second reception signals to be defined; a second step of determining the amplitude difference (?(Pf11?Pf21)), said difference being signed; a third step allowing a first resonant frequency (fr1), contro

Abstract: A high-voltage power supply comprises the following components. A piezoelectric transformer outputs a voltage in accordance with a supplied drive frequency. A rectification part is connected to an output side of the piezoelectric transformer. A drive frequency generating part generates the drive frequency supplied to the piezoelectric transformer. A voltage detection part detects an output voltage of the piezoelectric transformer or the rectification part. A control part controls the drive frequency generating part such that a drive frequency corresponding to the output voltage detected by the voltage detecting part is generated. A first time constant, which is a time constant of the control part, is smaller than a second time constant, which is a time constant of a control target including the piezoelectric transformer and the rectification part. A third time constant, which is a time constant of the voltage detecting part, is smaller than the second time constant.

Abstract: An actuator is sequentially charged with output voltage “E/2” of a voltage source and output voltage “E” of a voltage source. After the charging, “Q/2” of electric charge “Q” stored in the actuator is discharged on a path returning to the voltage source. Subsequent to the discharging, the remaining all electric charge “Q/2” stored in the actuator is discharged on a closed circuit.

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing energy consumption in monitoring means of a plurality of piezoelectric components comprises a plurality of piezoelectric components as well as monitoring means for monitoring the status of the piezoelectric components. The monitoring means have two states namely active and inactive. The piezoelectric components are connected in parallel to each other. A current detecting circuit comprises a switch and a resistor that is connected in parallel to the switch. A controller having two states that are active and inactive. The controller is configured to open the switch in response to the controller being in the inactive state and to close the switch in response to the controller being in the active state. The closing of the switch triggers a state change in the monitoring means from their inactive state to their active state.

Abstract: A coupling structure for coupling piezoelectric material generated stresses to an actuated device of an integrated circuit includes a rigid stiffener structure formed around a piezoelectric (PE) material and the actuated device, the actuated device comprising a piezoresistive (PR) material that has an electrical resistance dependent upon an applied pressure thereto; and a soft buffer structure formed around the PE material and PR material, the buffer structure disposed between the PE and PR materials and the stiffener structure, wherein the stiffener structure clamps both the PE and PR materials to a substrate over which the PE and PR materials are formed, and wherein the soft buffer structure permits the PE material freedom to move relative to the PR material, thereby coupling stress generated by an applied voltage to the PE material to the PR material so as change the electrical resistance of the PR material.

Abstract: An ultrasonic system is provided that includes an ultrasonic device having an elongated member configured to impart ultrasonic energy to tissue and a resonator configured to impart a frequency to the elongated member. The system also includes an ultrasonic generator configured to supply power to the resonator of the ultrasonic device. The ultrasonic generator has a drive signal generator configured to provide a drive signal, a noise signal generator configure to provide a noise signal, and a controller. The controller receives an output signal from the ultrasonic device and the noise signal from the noise signal generator, calculates a transfer function based on the output signal and the noise signal, and adjusts the drive signal generator based on the calculated transfer function.

Abstract: The present invention relates to voltage transformers, comprising multi-layer structures of piezoelectric ceramics, so-called piezoelectric transformers. The present invention further relates to switched mode power supplies, comprising such a piezoelectric transformer as part of a piezoelectric converter. The piezoelectric transformer according to the invention comprises a primary-side electrode arrangement (102) that can be connected to the primary-side voltage, a secondary-side electrode arrangement (104) on which the secondary-side voltage can be tapped, and an auxiliary electrode arrangement (106) for creating an auxiliary electrode voltage proportional to the secondary-side voltage, wherein the auxiliary electrode arrangement (106) is formed by at least two plane electrodes located opposite one another.

Abstract: Provided is an energy harvesting electric device capable of increasing output power. The energy harvesting electric device includes an energy harvester array including a plurality of energy harvesters, a single rectifier connected to the energy harvester array, and an output unit which is connected to the single rectifier and has a load resistance. The energy harvesters include a plurality of first energy harvesters connected to each other in parallel and a single second energy harvester connected in parallel to the first energy harvesters. The first energy harvesters have a first specific resistance higher than the load resistance and the second energy harvester has a second specific resistance higher than the first specific resistance.

Abstract: A switchable power combiner is disclosed. The switchable power combiner has an output section that is a signal source connected to a transformer section. The transformer section has one or more primaries and a common secondary. The transformer primaries and secondary are acoustically coupled. The primaries or/and the secondary are made of switchable piezoelectric material, such that the acoustic coupling between any primary and the secondary can be switched on or off by electrical control, thereby implementing a switchable power combiner. The transformer secondary is connected to an antenna port. The power amplifier output section is segmented and connected to the transformer primaries. The power amplifier output section has a plurality of power amplifiers and a plurality of reactance elements, either fixed or variable. The switchable power combiner generates different linear load lines by switching on and off the coupling between any primary and the secondary.

Abstract: A piezoelectric thin-film resonator includes: a lower electrode provided on a substrate; a piezoelectric film that is provided on the lower electrode and includes at least two layers; an upper electrode that is provided on the piezoelectric film and has a region sandwiching the piezoelectric film with the lower electrode and facing the lower electrode; and an insulating film that is provided in a region in which the lower electrode and the upper electrode face each other and between each of the at least two layers, wherein an upper face of the insulating film is flatter than a lower face of the insulating film.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electronic power converter comprising a piezoelectric transformer, a drive circuit arranged to generate and provide an input voltage signal to the piezoelectric transformer, said input voltage signal comprising a burst frequency and a substantially constant excitation frequency, and a rectifier module. According to the present invention the excitation frequency is selected among a plurality of excitation frequencies in such a way that an equivalent load resistance, Req, is matched to an output impedance of the piezoelectric transformer so as to minimize power losses in the piezoelectric transformer. Moreover, the present invention relates to a method for configuring an electronic power converter.

Abstract: An actuator assembly including a slider configured to be slidable along a sliding direction; and a driving force applying unit comprising a plurality of contact portions disposed to be spaced apart from each other in a direction crossing the sliding direction of the slider and for applying force to the slider by vibrating the contact portions. An optical system including a lens assembly comprising a lens unit comprising at least one lens and a moveable lens frame supporting the lens unit; and an actuator assembly as disclosed above. A driving force applying unit including a plurality of contact portions configured to contact the base plate and disposed in the slider to be spaced apart from each other in a direction crossing the sliding direction and configured to apply force to the base plate by vibrating the contact portions.

Abstract: A piezoelectric transformer includes a piezoelectric element. Two primary side electrodes exist on the primary side of the piezoelectric element. The primary side electrodes are coupled by a resistor formed from a conductive coating. A discharge current is discharged via the resistor to protect a semiconductor component from the discharge current. Since neither a short-circuit terminal nor conductive jig is required, electrostatic discharge damage to a semiconductor component can be prevented by a low-cost arrangement.

Abstract: A piezoelectric transducer driver configured to drive a piezoelectric transducer for converting an inputted alternating-current voltage, includes: a drive circuit configured to generate the alternating-current voltage to be inputted into the piezoelectric transducer; a frequency controller configured to control a frequency of the alternating-current voltage as a drive frequency to be applied to the piezoelectric transducer; and a pulse generation circuit configured to generate a drive pulse having a switching frequency corresponding to the drive frequency, and to output the drive pulse to the drive circuit. The drive circuit includes a switching element configured to generate the alternating-current voltage by executing a switching operation corresponding to a pulse width of the drive pulse, and the pulse generation circuit changes the pulse width depending on the switching frequency.

Abstract: A piezoelectric sensor device includes a piezoelectric element, a signal processing unit, a polarization processing unit and a connection switching unit. The piezoelectric element has a piezoelectric body and a pair of electrodes sandwiching the piezoelectric body. The signal processing unit is configured to execute at least one of signal input from the piezoelectric element, and signal output to the piezoelectric element. The polarization processing unit is configured to execute polarization processing in which polarization voltage is applied to the piezoelectric element. The connection switching unit is configured to switch between a first connection state with which the electrodes and the signal processing unit are connected, and a second connection state with which the electrodes and the polarization processing unit are connected.

Abstract: A power supply device includes: an oscillator configured to output a clock signal; a pulse output unit configured to output a pulse by dividing the frequency of the clock signal; a switching element driven by the pulse; a piezoelectric transformer configured to intermittently receive a voltage from the switching element and to output a high alternating current voltage; a rectifier configured to convert the high alternating current voltage to a high direct current voltage; an output voltage conversion unit configured to convert the high direct current voltage to a low direct current voltage; a target setter configured to output a target value; and a comparison unit configured to compare the low direct current voltage with the target value and to output a comparison result. A frequency division ratio of the pulse is controlled according to the comparison result, and thereby is changed so as to obtain the target value.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for high voltage amplification with low noise are provided. In one implementation, a high voltage low noise amplification apparatus includes a low noise broadband amplification circuit configured to amplify a first component of an input signal, the first component comprising a first subset of frequencies; an output isolator configured to create an isolated signal, the isolated signal being the input signal referenced against a broadband output of the low noise broadband amplification circuit; a low frequency amplification circuit configured to amplify a second component of the signal, the second component comprising a second subset of frequencies, wherein the second subset of frequencies is lower than the first subset; and a combination circuit configured to combine the broadband output with a low frequency output of the low frequency amplification circuit.

Abstract: There is provided a method for testing a piezoelectric/electrostrictive actuator, wherein the displacement of a piezoelectric/electrostrictive actuator is estimated on the basis of the relations between one or more frequency characteristic values selected from the group consisting of the heights and areas of the peaks of the resonance waveforms and the difference of the maximum and minimum of the first order or first to higher orders of the resonance frequency characteristic values of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive actuator and the k-th order (k=1 to 4) of the first or first to higher orders of resonance frequencies. According to this piezoelectric/electrostrictive actuator testing method, a piezoelectric/electrostrictive actuator can be tested with high precision without actually driving the same as a product and without being accompanied by any disassembly/breakage.

Abstract: A device and method are provided to drive piezoelectric elements in haptic applications. In one embodiment, a pattern generator provides user programmable PWM waveforms to a driver. The load of the driver is an inductor in series with the piezoelectric element. The filtration of the inductor in series with the capacitance of the piezoelectric element suppresses the high-frequency components of the PWM pulse train, and recovers a value commensurate with the duty cycle of the PWM pulse train. The resulting waveform across the piezoelectric element is converted to physical motion, thereby creating a haptic effect on a user interface. Advantageously, there is reduced power loss, reduced switching induced noise, and a more haptic rich environment.

Abstract: Apparatus and method that includes providing a variable-parameter electrical component in a high-field environment and based on an electrical signal, automatically moving a movable portion of the electrical component in relation to another portion of the electrical component to vary at least one of its parameters. In some embodiments, the moving uses a mechanical movement device (e.g., a linear positioner, rotary motor, or pump). In some embodiments of the method, the electrical component has a variable inductance, capacitance, and/or resistance. Some embodiments include using a computer that controls the moving of the movable portion of the electrical component in order to vary an electrical parameter of the electrical component. Some embodiments include using a feedback signal to provide feedback control in order to adjust and/or maintain the electrical parameter.

Abstract: An energy harvesting apparatus includes an inverse frequency rectifier structured to receive mechanical energy at a first frequency, and a solid state electromechanical transducer coupled to the inverse frequency rectifier to receive a force provided by the inverse frequency rectifier. The force, when provided by the inverse frequency rectifier, causes the solid state transducer to be subjected to a second frequency that is higher than the first frequency to thereby generate electrical power. The coupling of the solid state electromechanical transducer to the inverse frequency rectifier is a non-contact coupling.

Abstract: An oscillating circuit for determining a resonant frequency of an electro-mechanical oscillating device and for driving the electro-mechanical oscillating device at the determined resonant frequency includes a driving circuit and a start-up, impetus injection circuit. The driving circuit is configured to receive one or more reference signals and further configured to provide a driving signal related to the reference signals to the electro-mechanical oscillating device. The start-up, impetus injection circuit is operably coupled to the electro-mechanical oscillating device and configured to selectively provide a start-up excitation signal to the electro-mechanical oscillation device. The start-up, impetus injection circuit is activated upon start-up of the oscillating circuit to drive the electro-mechanical oscillation device and the driving circuit determines a resonant frequency by measuring a parameter related to the resonant frequency of the electro-mechanical oscillating device.

Abstract: A phased array ultrasound transducer is made from a plurality of independently excitable elements that are arranged in a row in the azimuthal direction, configured so that azimuthal aiming of an outgoing ultrasound beam is controlled by timing the excitation of the elements. The geometry of the elements is configured to focus the outgoing beam in the elevation direction so as to improve the images of target regions located at or about a particular radial distance. In some embodiments, this is accomplished by forming each element from a plurality of subelements that are stacked in the elevation direction, with the subelements of any given element all (a) wired together and (b) positioned at about the same distance from a substantially rod-shaped focal region.

Abstract: A coupling structure for coupling piezoelectric material generated stresses to an actuated device of an integrated circuit includes a rigid stiffener structure formed around a piezoelectric (PE) material and the actuated device, the actuated device comprising a piezoresistive (PR) material that has an electrical resistance dependent upon an applied pressure thereto; and a soft buffer structure formed around the PE material and PR material, the buffer structure disposed between the PE and PR materials and the stiffener structure, wherein the stiffener structure clamps both the PE and PR materials to a substrate over which the PE and PR materials are formed, and wherein the soft buffer structure permits the PE material freedom to move relative to the PR material, thereby coupling stress generated by an applied voltage to the PE material to the PR material so as change the electrical resistance of the PR material.

Abstract: In a power supply that outputs a high voltage by driving a piezoelectric element, a switching-on time period of a switching element in an initial frequency range when the piezoelectric element starts to be driven is set to a smaller value.

Abstract: A device includes a substrate having a first surface. A piezoelectric nanowire is disposed on the first surface of the substrate. The piezoelectric nanowire has a first end and an opposite second end. The piezoelectric nanowire is subjected to an amount of strain. A first Schottky contact is in electrical communication with the first end of the piezoelectric nanowire. A second Schottky contact is in electrical communication with the second end of the piezoelectric nanowire. A bias voltage source is configured to impart a bias voltage between the first Schottky contact and the second Schottky contact. A mechanism is configured to measure current flowing through the piezoelectric nanowire. The amount of strain is selected so that a predetermined current will through the piezoelectric nanowire when light of a selected intensity is applied to a first location on the piezoelectric nanowire.

Abstract: Bulk acoustic wave (BAW) gyroscopes purposefully operate using non-degenerate modes, i.e., resonant frequencies of drive and sense modes are controlled so they are not identical. The resonant frequencies differ by a small controlled amount (?f). The difference (?f) is selected such that the loss of sensitivity, as a result of using non-degenerate modes, is modest. Non-degenerate operation can yield better bandwidth and improves signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) over comparable degenerate mode operation. Increasing Q of a BAW resonator facilitates trading bandwidth for increased SNR, thereby providing a combination of bandwidth and SNR that is better than that achievable from degenerate mode devices. In addition, a split electrode configuration facilitates minimizing quadrature errors in BAW resonators.

Abstract: A piezoelectric substrate includes rod-shaped resonating arms; a base portion that connects one set of end portions of the respective resonating arms; weight portions which are formed on the other end portions of the respective resonating arms and which have a width larger than that of the respective resonating arms; and groove portions which are formed on each of the front and rear surfaces along the center line of vibration of the respective resonating arms. The piezoelectric substrate also includes excitation electrodes which are formed on each of the front and rear surfaces of the respective resonating arms including the inner side of the respective groove portions. A plurality of frequency adjustment slits extending in a straight line form along the longitudinal direction of the respective resonating arms are formed on the respective weight portions so as to penetrate through the front and rear surfaces of the weight portions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a discharge device (20) which comprises a power supply unit (22) that supplies a first voltage, a piezoelectric transducer (24) that increases the first voltage to a second voltage by means of vibrations, and a first electrode (26) for producing a discharge product (P) by performing a discharge upon application of the second voltage. The first electrode (26) and the piezoelectric transducer (24) are electrically connected with each other via a vibration damping unit (30). In other words, the first electrode (26) and the piezoelectric transducer (24) are arranged to be out of contact with each other.

Abstract: A lighting device implemented through utilizing an insulating type piezoelectric transformer in driving light-emitting-diodes (LEDs), comprising at least said insulating type piezoelectric transformer connected to an LED module, a primary side of said insulating type piezoelectric transformer is used to receive a pulse voltage, and that is converted into an AC voltage in a piezoelectric voltage transformation way, and said AC voltage is output from a secondary side of said insulating type piezoelectric transformer to said LED module in proceeding with lighting function. Due to its various advantages of small leakage current, good insulation capability, high voltage endurance, low operation temperature, compact size, thin profile, high energy conversion efficiency, said insulating type piezoelectric transformer can be used to not only raise lighting efficiency, but also reduce overall size of said lighting device.

Abstract: A driving device includes a motor, a clutch gear, a first rotating portion, a second rotating portion, a piezoelectric assembly, and a controlling unit. The motor includes a rotating shaft. The clutch gear is fixed to the rotating shaft. The first rotating portion sleeved on the rotating shaft includes a first end meshing with the clutch gear and a second end opposite to the first end. The second rotating portion is engaged with the second end. The piezoelectric assembly is sandwiched between the second end and the second rotating portion. The controlling unit is electrically connected to the motor and the piezoelectric assembly. The controlling unit is configured for storing a predetermined voltage, and determining whether a voltage output by the piezoelectric assembly equals to or exceeds the predetermined voltage. A protection method for the driving device is also provided.

Abstract: The invention is a device and a method for eliminating vibrations of a mechanical structure with at least one electromechanical converter material that is actively connected to the mechanical structure and connected to an electrical circuit with at least one electrical impedance. The electrical circuit is connected to an interface, via which the at least one electrical impedance can be variably adjusted by wireless or wired communications with a control unit that is separated from the electrical circuit in which the electrical impedance features at least one variable ohmic resistor, inductive resistor or capacitor.

Abstract: An image capturing apparatus comprises: an image sensor adapted to opto-electronically convert the image of a subject; an optical member placed in front of the image sensor; first and second piezoelectric elements placed at respective ones of both ends of the optical member; first and second driving units adapted to independently vibrate the first and second piezoelectric elements, respectively; a detection unit having first and second detecting piezoelectric elements placed adjacent to the first and second piezoelectric elements, respectively, for detecting vibration of the optical member; and a first control unit adapted to control the first and second driving units and the detection unit so as to vibrate the optical member by vibrating the first piezoelectric element and detect vibration of the optical member using the second detecting piezoelectric element, or vibrate the optical member by vibrating the second piezoelectric element and detect vibration of the optical member using the first detecting piezo

Abstract: The piezoelectric damping device is a passive piezoelectric vibration suppression and damping device for reducing amplitude of vibration in structures. The piezoelectric damping device includes a magnetic layer having opposed inner and outer faces, with the inner face thereof being adapted for releasable magnetic attachment to a vibrating structure, such as a metallic pipe, for example. A piezoelectric layer is secured to the outer face of the magnetic layer. Preferably, an electrically insulating layer is sandwiched between the magnetic layer and the piezoelectric layer. The electrically insulating layer is preferably an electrically insulating adhesive. An electrical shunting circuit is in electrical communication with the piezoelectric layer, such that vibration in the piezoelectric layer caused by the vibrating structure generates electrical energy, which is then dissipated by the electrical shunting circuit, thus damping vibration in the vibrating structure.

Abstract: Devices having piezoelectric material structures integrated with substrates are described. Fabrication techniques for forming such devices are also described. The fabrication may include bonding a piezoelectric material wafer to a substrate of a differing material. A structure, such as a resonator, may then be formed from the piezoelectric material wafer.

Abstract: A microresonator for use as a resonator in a detector is disclosed. In one aspect, the microresonator has a first predetermined resonance mode. The microresonator has an integrated electronic transducer for measuring deformation of the microresonator in the first predetermined resonance mode of the microresonator. The transducer is located at a local deformation of the predetermined resonance mode to measure the deformation of the microresonator at such location. The first predetermined resonance mode may be one of higher order resonance modes.

Abstract: An electronic control device for a piezo-ceramic bending transducer designed as a trimorph, wherein a first voltage divider consisting of two resistor branches and powered by a first voltage source (Ust1) is provided, whose first resistor branch connects the first piezo-ceramic plate of the trimorph to its spacer layer. In addition, a second voltage divider is provided that consists of two resistor branches and the first resistor branch thereof connects the second piezo-ceramic plate of the trimorph to its spacer layer. The second resistor branch of the first voltage divider also forms the second resistor branch of the second voltage divider. Thus, by means of one voltage source, the one piezo-ceramic plate has an applied tensile stress and the other piezo-ceramic plate has an applied compressive stress, so that the flexural motion is reinforced by the two piezo-ceramic plates and thus only a small voltage has to be applied.

Abstract: A pressure-receiving cylinder (11) is in a columnar shape extending in the direction of a center axis (O), and having an orthogonal cross section to the center axis (O) that defines a rotationally symmetrical contour. In a piezoelectric ceramic structure (12), piezoelectric ceramic modules are arranged in a rotationally symmetrical manner around the center axis (O), each piezoelectric ceramic module including a pair of piezoelectric ceramic and electrodes connected thereto in the polarization direction. Containers (8, 10) are connected to respective ends of the piezoelectric ceramic module (15) in the polarization direction, and apply a stress corresponding to an external force received by the pressure-receiving cylinder (11) to the pressure-receiving cylinder (11) and the piezoelectric ceramic structure (12). Respective voltages output by the plurality of piezoelectric ceramic modules are added together.

Abstract: A piezoelectric transformer high-voltage power source apparatus, in which a driving voltage determined by a value of a driving frequency is applied to a piezoelectric transformer, and thereby an output voltage output by the piezoelectric transformer is provided to a load, includes: an output voltage detection unit to compare an output voltage with a reference voltage for controlling the output voltage, in order to maintain the output voltage at a predetermined value, and based on the comparison result, detecting the change of the output voltage as a digital value; and a driving control unit to perform driving control of the piezoelectric transformer according to the detected digital value. The high-voltage power source apparatus performs stable frequency control without falling into an abnormal oscillation or uncontrollable state, and a high-voltage can be output within a short rise time.

Abstract: An energy harvester circuit is provided. The energy harvester circuit includes a harvesting module for extracting energy from an ambient source. A bias flip module manages the manner in which voltage across the harvesting module transitions when input current from the harvesting module changes direction so as to allow a majority of the charge available from the harvesting module to be extracted. A voltage transitioning module is shared amongst one or more DC-DC converters for efficient energy management.

Abstract: A resonator body of a resonator device includes a base portion, two resonating arms that are extended from the base portion in a Y axis direction and arranged in parallel to an X axis direction that is orthogonal to the Y axis direction, and excitation electrodes that are arranged on each of the resonating arms in a pair and excite the resonating arms by applying an electric current, wherein a plurality of holes that partially penetrates at least one side of a pair of excitation electrodes in a thickness direction is formed so that the vibration characteristic of the resonating arm is adjusted.

Abstract: A resonator body includes a base portion, resonating arms that are extended from the base portion, piezoelectric body elements that are arranged on the resonating arms, first electrode layers that are arranged on the resonating arms, piezoelectric body layers that are arranged on the first electrode layers and second electrode layers that are arranged on the piezoelectric body layers, and a plurality of fine holes that penetrates at least any one layer of these layers in a thickness direction is formed.

Abstract: A piezoelectric actuator of a multilayer design includes outer electrodes that are fastened by means of a bonding layer applied by thermal spraying. For example, the outer electrodes are formed as a woven wire fabric. Furthermore, a method for fastening an outer electrode in a piezoelectric actuator is specified.

Abstract: An air treatment device having a piezoelectric actuator powered by a transformer. The transformer has dual inputs comprising oppositely wound coils and input power signals 180 degrees out of phase. This arrangement provides a stronger drive signal to the actuator.

Abstract: Deterioration of the Q value caused by the thermoelastic effect is suppressed. Since a first depth of a first groove and a second depth of a second groove are smaller than a distance between a surface including a third surface and a surface including a fourth surface, the first and second grooves do not penetrate between the surface including the third surface and the surface including the fourth surface. In addition, the sum of the first depth of the first groove and the second depth of the second groove is greater than the distance between the third and fourth surfaces, a heat transfer path between a first expandable portion (the first surface) and a second expandable portion (the second surface) cannot be formed as a straight line. As such, the heat transfer path between the first expandable portion (the first surface) and a second expandable portion (the second surface) is made to detour to the first and second grooves and and thus be lengthened.

Abstract: Devices having piezoelectric material structures integrated with substrates are described. Fabrication techniques for forming such devices are also described. The fabrication may include bonding a piezoelectric material wafer to a substrate of a differing material. A structure, such as a resonator, may then be formed from the piezoelectric material wafer.

Abstract: An integrated sensory actuator (10) which uses an electroactive polymer is provided. The sensory actuator is comprised of an actuating member (12) made of an ionic polymer-metal composite; a sensing member (14) made of a piezoelectric material; and an insulating member (16) interposed between the actuating member and the sensing member. The sensory actuator may further include a compensation circuit adapted to receive a sensed signal from the sensing member and an actuation signal from the actuating member and compensate the sensed signal for feedthrough coupling between the actuating member and the sensing member.

Abstract: A driving device includes an electro-mechanical transducer having first and second end portions opposite to each other in an expansion/contraction direction, a stationary member coupled to the first end portion of the electro-mechanical transducer, a vibration friction portion mounted to the second end portion of the electro-mechanical transducer, and a moving portion frictionally coupled to the vibration friction portion, whereby moving the moving portion in the expansion/contraction direction of the electro-mechanical transducer. The moving portion is driven by equalizing a constant expanding speed of the electro-mechanical transducer with a constant contracting speed of the electro-mechanical transducer and by setting a constant rest time interval after one of contraction of the electro-mechanical transducer and expansion of the electro-mechanical transducer.

Abstract: An angular rate sensor system [10] comprising a vibratory sensing element [12] and signal processing circuit [14]. The element [12] is preferably a polymorphic rectangular bar fabricated from two layers of piezoceramic material [26, 28] divided by a thin center electrode [Ec], and a plurality of electrodes [E1-E4] scored onto the planar conductive surfaces [30, 32]. The element [12] is suspended at its acoustic nodes [N, N?] to vibrate in one direction [V] normal to the physical plane of the electrodes [Ec, E1-E4] using any suitable mounting structure such as parallel crossed filaments [34] or inwardly angled support arms [64] that provide predetermined degrees of lateral [S?] and longitudinal [S] stiffness. The circuit [14] may optionally constitute totally shared [FIG. 7], partially shared [FIG. 8], or totally isolated [FIG. 9] driving and sensing functions, the corresponding element [12] being configured with dual-pair, single-pair, or single-triple outer electrodes [E1-E4], respectively.