Abstract: A piezoelectric actuator includes a piezoelectric vibrating plate including piezoelectric ceramics, an internal electrode formed on a first surface of the piezoelectric vibrating plate, a piezoelectric layer formed on the internal electrode, and a plurality of surface electrodes that are provided on a surface of the piezoelectric layer. When the internal electrode is grounded and a predetermined voltage is applied to a liquid contacting with a second surface of the piezoelectric vibrating plate, a value of a current flowing between the liquid and the internal electrode is not more than 0.01 ?A.

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: The present subject matter discloses devices, systems, and methodologies for harvesting power from environmentally induced vibrations. Piezoelectric devices (24) and structures are disclosed that may be employed in combination with electro-magnetic (100) or capacitive (92, 94) elements to enhance the power harvesting capabilities of the piezoelectric devices (24). The electromagnetic (100) and capacitive (92, 94) elements may be used to assist in maintaining system mechanical resonance in order to maximize energy harvesting capabilities. Power harvesting devices and systems in accordance with the subject technology may concurrently operate as sensors in motion sensitive applications thus providing self-powered monitoring capabilities.

Abstract: A tubular piezoelectric transducer comprising a tube of piezoelectric material and having a plurality of external electrodes for inducing in a first end of the tube at least one movement of a plurality of possible movements; at least two spokes attached to and extending radially inwardly of the tube for movement with the first end; a hub at an inner end of the at least two spokes and being located on the longitudinal axis of the tube, the hub being attached to the at least two spokes for movement therewith; the hub being for receiving therein a probe for movement of the probe with the hub. A phaco-probe incorporating the transducer is also disclosed.

Abstract: The subject invention provides composite articles (20, 120) and associated systems (32, 132). A first composite article (20) includes a piezoelectric layer (22) having a piezoelectric property. The piezoelectric layer (22) is sandwiched between a first conductive layer (28) and a second conductive layer (30). At least one of the conductive layers (28, 30) is a conductive polymer having an electrically conductive property. A second composite article (120) includes first and second piezoelectric layers (122, 124) having a piezoelectric property. The first and second piezoelectric layers sandwich an insulating layer (126). A first system (32) and a second system (132) each include a control device (34) electrically connected to the first composite article (20) or the second composite article (120), respectively.

Abstract: An inertial driving actuator includes a fixing member, a moving element that is fixed to the fixing member and generates a small displacement by extension and contraction, an oscillation substrate that is fixed to the moving element and is moved linearly reciprocally by the small displacement, and a moving body that is moved by reciprocal movement of the oscillation substrate. The moving body has a first driving electrode. The oscillation substrate has a second driving electrode and a detection electrode, the area of the facing portion of the detection and first driving electrodes changing continuously as the moving body moves. The actuator further includes a frictional force controller that controls a frictional force generated between the oscillation substrate and moving body, and a position detector that detects the position of the moving body from the electrostatic capacitance of the facing portion of the first driving and detection electrodes.

Abstract: A power supply device is disclosed that outputs a voltage of a wider range with a single piezoelectric transformer. The power supply device includes a piezoelectric transformer 101 for applying an output voltage to a transfer member that transfers a toner image formed on an image bearing member onto a recording material. The power supply device further includes a generation unit 110 configured to generate a driving frequency for driving the piezoelectric transformer 101. A control unit 701 controls a spurious voltage by changing driving frequency characteristics of the power supply device in accordance with a target value of an output voltage Vout.

Abstract: A power supply apparatus includes a piezoelectric transformer which outputs a voltage, a voltage-controlled oscillator which controls the frequency of an output signal in accordance with an input control signal, a power supply voltage supply element which is driven by a signal output from the voltage-controlled oscillator and applies a power supply voltage to the piezoelectric transformer, and an output voltage stop circuit (118) which outputs a signal for stopping driving the piezoelectric transformer on the basis of a control signal (Vcont).

Abstract: A driving circuit is composed of a discontinuous rectangle wave oscillator and a lowpass filter. A discontinuous rectangle wave used herein is composed of voltages Vp, 0 and ?Vp. Assuming one cycle is T, a discontinuous rectangle wave has such a configuration that a potential from a time 0 to a time ø is a potential 0, from the time ø to a time (T/6?ø) is a potential Vp, from the time (T/6?ø) to a time (T/3+ø) is a potential 0, . . . . Since the third harmonic wave is not included in the discontinuous waveform, the inductance of the lowpass filter can be reduced. Consequently, the lowpass filter may be omitted. Further, the amplitude of the fundamental wave can be changed by varying the phase difference ø.

Abstract: A circuit for controlling operation of a load. In one example, a MEMS switch is positioned in the circuit to place the load in one of a conducting state or a nonconducting state. A piezoelectric transformer provides a relatively high voltage output signal or a relatively low voltage output signal to control movement of the switch between a closed position, placing the load in the conducting state, and an open position. The high voltage output signal includes a frequency component in the resonant frequency range of the transformer. Control circuitry provides an input voltage signal to the piezoelectric transformer to provide the high voltage output signal or the low voltage output signal at the output terminals of the piezoelectric transformer.

Abstract: A drive circuit apparatus for use in generating a drive signal for energizing an actuator about a natural resonant frequency is disclosed. The circuit has a counter that generates a count sequence derived from a drive sense signal. Additionally, a demodulator is further coupled to the counter and generates a voltage level signal from the drive sense signal based on the count sequence. A digital to analog (D/A) converter is coupled to both the counter and demodulator. The D/A converter generates the drive signal in a substantially constant phase relationship with respect to the drive sense signal as derived from the voltage level signal and based on the count sequence. In addition, a method of generating a drive signal for energizing an actuator about a natural resonant frequency is provided.

Abstract: A self-contained voltage generating system is incorporated in a package or device for housing a product. There is at least one piezoelectric element incorporated in the package or device and the piezoelectric element generates a source of voltage when it is activated. The voltage is then used to perform various activities on other elements that are part of the package or device, such as operate a motor, provide heat, provide ultrasonic energy, furnish light, provide acoustic energy, and provide vibration energy. The piezoelectric elements are in the form of discrete particles, piezoelectric fibers, filaments, transducers, and actuators.

Abstract: A piezoelectric oscillator includes: a base substrate; a frame-like supporting section formed from a portion of the base substrate; and a plurality of oscillator sections, wherein each of the oscillator sections includes an oscillation section that is formed from a portion of the base substrate, and has one end affixed to an inner side of the support section and another free end, and a driving section that generates flexing vibration at the oscillation section, and wherein the oscillation sections are different in length, and each of the driving sections has a first electrode formed above the base substrate, a piezoelectric layer formed above the first electrode, and a second electrode formed above the piezoelectric layer.

Abstract: A piezoelectric power supply includes a power supply unit to provide DC intermediate voltage power output to drive a high voltage output unit of a first load through a first piezoelectric plate and a low voltage output unit of a second load through a second piezoelectric plate. Thereby the power supply can provide a low voltage secondary power output to reduce cost and improve power output flexibility and efficiency. It can be used on display devices such as gas discharge lamps, and also provide additional low voltage secondary power for peripheral devices such as speakers, lamps, ear sets, USB connection ports and the like.

Abstract: An ultrasonic motor includes a vibrator formed by stacking a plurality of rectangular piezoelectric plates in a thickness direction, a driving circuit for applying a driving signal to a piezoelectric plate, and a detection circuit for detecting an electromotive force generated when the piezoelectric plate deforms, and this ultrasonic motor is configured in such a manner that there are a first piezoelectric plate and a second piezoelectric plate among the plurality of rectangular piezoelectric plates, the first and the second piezoelectric plate each is a piezoelectric plate in which a longitudinal vibration polarization portion that can excite longitudinal vibrations and a bending vibration polarization portion that can excite bending vibrations are polarized in a thickness direction, and the first piezoelectric plate is connected to the driving circuit and the detection circuit, and the second piezoelectric plate is connected to the driving circuit and is not connected to the detection circuit.

Abstract: With the aim of quickly returning the voltage of an output line to an ultrasonic transducer from a positive voltage or a negative voltage to the ground voltage and reducing the circuit size, immediately after turning on and turning off of a positive FET in accordance with a positive pulse signal, a negative FET goes on for only a pull-back period allowing for the output line to return to the ground voltage. Also, immediately after turning on and turning off of the negative FET in accordance with a negative pulse signal, the positive FET goes on for only a pull-back period allowing for the output line to return to the ground voltage.

Abstract: A piezoelectric power supply includes a power supply unit to provide DC intermediate voltage power output to drive a high voltage output unit of a first load through a first piezoelectric plate and a low voltage output unit of a second load through a second piezoelectric plate. Thereby the power supply can provide a low voltage secondary power output to reduce cost and improve power output flexibility and efficiency. It can be used on display devices such as gas discharge lamps, and also provide additional low voltage secondary power for peripheral devices such as speakers, lamps, ear sets, USB connection ports and the like.

Abstract: Systems and methods deliver ultrasound energy to an ultrasound transducer having an impedance subject to variations. The systems and methods electrically couple an ultrasound generator to the ultrasound transducer to deliver ultrasound energy. The systems and methods deliver ultrasound energy to the ultrasound transducer at a set output frequency and at an output power level that remains essentially constant, despite variations in the impedance, based upon preprogrammed rules.

Abstract: An individual acoustic wave switch includes a body with a top section having an acoustic wave cavity formed therein and a base section extending downwardly from the top section. An acoustic wave transducer is mounted adjacent to a surface of the acoustic wave cavity opposite the touch surface thereof so as to generate an acoustic wave in the acoustic wave cavity and to pick up a signal representing the acoustic wave energy in the cavity. The acoustic wave switch is readily mounted in an aperture of a substrate through which the base of the switch extends.

Abstract: A transformer level driving circuit mainly aims to drive a medium voltage system. It includes a control unit to generate a resonant frequency and output phase signal waveforms, and a medium voltage driving circuit which includes a floating level unit and a driving unit which receives a medium voltage electric input. The driving unit actuates opening and closing at different time to enable the floating level unit to output a voltage floating level thereby to drive a ceramic transformer to control the medium voltage system through a low voltage level.

Abstract: In a power supply apparatus including a plurality of power supply circuits, each of the power supply circuits has a piezoelectric transformer, a rectification element which rectifies and smoothes a voltage output from the piezoelectric transformer in accordance with a load and outputs the voltage, a voltage-controlled oscillator which controls the frequency of an output signal in accordance with an input control signal, and a power supply voltage supply element which is driven by a signal output from the voltage-controlled oscillator and supplies a power supply voltage to the piezoelectric transformer. One power supply circuit includes a resonance frequency change unit which is connected to the output side of the piezoelectric transformer.

Abstract: A power supply apparatus with a plurality of power supply circuits each having a piezoelectric transformer and a voltage-controlled oscillator which generates a signal at an operating frequency used to drive the piezoelectric transformer in accordance with a control signal, includes a frequency-dividing circuit which divides the operating frequency generated by a voltage-controlled oscillator in at least one power supply circuit, and outputs a signal at a driving frequency to drive a piezoelectric transformer in the one power supply circuit. When at least one power supply circuit and remaining power supply circuits output voltages, the operating frequency generated by the voltage-controlled oscillator in the one power supply circuit is controlled to be higher than the driving frequency.

Abstract: A method for controlling power supply in a buffered modulation mode is to control an inverter to perform energy transformation so that the inverter and a load in the rear end can function in a reliable characteristic range and prevent the load from aging too quickly. The method includes entering a total energy control regulation signal to an input end of an energy/time ratio synthesizing control unit to get an ON_OFF (High-Low) control sequence on output ends thereof, and adding a regulation energy of varying amplitudes during the ON-Time in the burst period of two ON_OFF cycles to prevent the excitation dynamical ratio of the inverter from being excessively large thereby to prevent the load from aging too quickly.

Abstract: A self-powered switching system using electromechanical generators generates power for activation of a latching relay, switch, solenoid or latch pin. The electromechanical generators comprise electroactive elements that may be mechanically actuated to generate electrical power. The associated signal generation circuitry may be coupled to a transmitter for sending RF signals to a receiver which actuates the latching relay. The use of mechanically activated membrane switches on the deflector or on a keypad allows multiple code sequences to be generated for activating electrical appliances or an electromechanical locking system.

Abstract: A driving circuit for a piezoelectric transformer is provided, which ensures lighting of all the cold-cathode tubes connected to the piezoelectric transformer, and reduces the difference in brightness between the cathode tubes during steady lighting, thereby enhancing reliability and performance. A plurality of cold-cathode tubes connected to a secondary side of the piezoelectric transformer, and a cold-cathode tube output detector circuit connected in series to a plurality of cold-cathode tubes, for detecting an output state of the respective cold-cathode tubes are provided, and the driving of the piezoelectric transformer is controlled based on a detection signal from the cold-cathode tube output detector circuit. Because of this, the piezoelectric transformer performs the same operation as that with respect to one cold-cathode tube.

Abstract: A piezoelectric power supply has a piezoelectric transformer circuit configuration which is alterable flexibly according to varying loading power requirements. It includes a control unit (control IC), a power switch (MOSFET) and an inductor to drive a piezoelectric transformer unit to actuate a high voltage and power load such as a cold cathode fluorescent lamp. The piezoelectric transformer unit consists of a plurality of piezoelectric transformers coupled in parallel. The specification of the piezoelectric transformers (single sheet piezoelectric transformers or low level laminated piezoelectric transformers) and parallel coupling number may be altered according to the required power of the load to change the voltage and current output by the piezoelectric transformers.

Abstract: An acoustic wave switch includes a substrate with an acoustic wave cavity formed therein such that the mass per unit area of the acoustic cavity is greater than the mass per unit area of the substrate adjacent the cavity. A transducer is mounted on the acoustic cavity for generating an acoustic wave that is substantially trapped in the cavity. A touch on the touch surface of the acoustic wave cavity absorbs acoustic wave energy and produces a detectable change in the impedance of the transducer. The acoustic wave switch has a high Q so as to enable a touch to be detected by extremely simple, low-cost circuitry. The acoustic wave switch of the present invention is rugged, explosion proof, operates in the presence of liquids and other contaminants, has a low power consumption and can be incorporated and integrally formed in a wall of a housing for a device.

Abstract: An A/D converter with adjustable internal connection and a method for operating the same are provided. The A/D converter comprises: a plurality of piezo-transforming devices for detecting an input voltage from the alternating current source and adjusting an connection of input terminals of the plurality of piezo-transforming devices based on the input voltage to obtain an input/output voltage ratio of the plurality of piezo-transforming devices inversely proportional to the input voltage.

Abstract: A flexible touch-sense switch includes a force sensitive composite and an at least one proximity sensor. The force sensitive composite includes a plurality of force sensors disposed between a first layer and a second layer of polymide film defining a displacement region. The at least one proximity sensor generates an electromagnetic field that defines a detection region. The force sensitive composite and the at least one proximity sensor are mounted to the first layer of the polymide film for forming a flexible printed circuit board. A control circuit is electrically connected to the force sensitive composite and the at least one proximity sensor for selectively controlling the touch-sense switch activation in response to coincident actuation thereof.

Abstract: A self-powered switching device using a prestressed flextensional electroactive member generates a signal for activation of a latching relay. The electroactive member has a piezoelectric element with a convex and a concave face that may be compressed to generate an electrical pulse. The flextensional electroactive member and associated signal generation circuitry can be hardwired directly to the latching relay or may be coupled to a transmitter for sending an RF signal to a receiver which actuates the latching relay.

Abstract: A ceramic transformer level driving circuit mainly aims to transform a low voltage signal to another low voltage signal through an amplified signal to drive a medium voltage system. It includes a control unit to generate a resonant frequency and output phase signal waveforms, a waveform transformation unit to provide phase signals and perform waveform phase transformation for the phase signal waveforms, and a medium voltage driving circuit which includes a floating level unit and a driving unit which receives a medium voltage electric input. The driving unit actuates opening and closing at different time to enable the floating level unit to output a voltage floating level thereby to drive a ceramic transformer to control the medium voltage system through a low voltage level.

Abstract: An inverter circuit capable of adjusting power factor transforms an AC signal of an electric power source to a pulse DC signal through a rectification unit and divides the duty cycle of minimum input voltage-maximum input voltage-minimum input voltage of the pulse DC signal to a plurality of continuous voltage pulses through an actuation unit so that a transformer outputs an altering duty cycle according to the resonant operation of each voltage pulse and enables a cold cathode lamp to blink in a dark-light-dark fashion to adjust the power factor without adding a power factor adjustment device.

Abstract: A driving circuit for a piezoelectric transformer is provided, which ensures lighting of all the cold-cathode tubes connected to the piezoelectric transformer, and reduces the difference in brightness between the cathode tubes during steady lighting, thereby enhancing reliability and performance. A plurality of cold-cathode tubes connected to a secondary side of the piezoelectric transformer, and a cold-cathode tube output detector circuit connected in series to a plurality of cold-cathode tubes, for detecting an output state of the respective cold-cathode tubes are provided, and the driving of the piezoelectric transformer is controlled based on a detection signal from the cold-cathode tube output detector circuit. Because of this, the piezoelectric transformer performs the same operation as that with respect to one cold-cathode tube.

Abstract: A remote device such as a control value (4) is powered and controlled by optical energy, supplied by an intensity-modulated light source (8) and optical fiber (10). After conversion into electrical form, the light is detected at (12) and applied to a piezoelectric transformer (14). The output of the transformer powers and control an actuator (16) of the control value.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a piezoelectric actuator device that enables hysteresis of the amount of displacement in the piezoelectric actuator to be reduced, enables the system configuration to be simplified, and for which a high voltage need not be applied. A first circuit 1 comprises a piezoelectric actuator element 11 and a first resistor circuit 12, and the piezoelectric actuator element 11 and first resistor circuit 12 are connected in parallel. A second circuit 2 comprises a capacitor circuit 21 and a second resistor circuit 22, and the capacitor circuit 21 and second resistor circuit 22 are connected in parallel. The first circuit 1 and second circuit 2 are connected in series to form a series circuit, and both ends of that series circuit are led to a pair of input terminals T1 and T2.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for making high-frequency piezoelectric resonators so that constants of the resonator can be measured precisely. A cavity is formed at a central section of an AT-cut crystal substrate. Two grooves are formed at predetermined distances from the left and right of the cavity, and two more grooves are formed at predetermined distances outward from these two grooves. Two more grooves perpendicular to the first set of grooves are formed. A pair of main electrodes and a pair of secondary electrodes shorted to ground and surrounding the main electrodes are disposed at roughly the center of the crystal substrate. One main electrode and one secondary electrode are used as inputs and the other main electrode and secondary electrode are used as outputs, with these two terminal pairs being used to measure and adjust a frequency.

Abstract: A fingerprint sensor for sensing a fingerprint by converting pressure applied to a piezoelectric membrane into an electrical signal is provided, wherein the fingerprint sensor having an aggregate of piezoelectric devices includes: a substrate; a lower electrode formed on the substrate; a piezoelectric membrane formed on the lower electrode; an upper electrode formed on the piezoelectric membrane; a pressuring portion formed on the upper electrode for changing a quantity of charge on the piezoelectric membrane due to pressure exerted by contact of a fingerprint; and a non-conductive layer formed on the lower electrode for supporting and exposing the pressuring portion. Thus, a fingerprint sensor having a simple structure is provided, which is able to precisely sense fingerprint information utilizing a piezoelectric phenomenon. The fingerprint sensor may be applied to systems for identifying persons' identities in public institutions and private enterprises, and in individuals' portable systems.

Abstract: A method of extracting power includes coupling a transducer that converts mechanical power to electrical power to a disturbance; coupling an electrical circuit to the transducer such that a peak voltage experienced by the transducer is greater than two times higher than any peak voltage of an open circuit transducer due to the disturbance alone; extracting power from the transducer using the electrical circuit, and storing extracted power. Power is extracted from the transducer and applied to the transducer during different intervals in the course of the disturbance. A system for extracting power includes a transducer, an electrical circuit, and a storage element for storing extracted power.

Abstract: A multiple loads driver circuit equipped with piezoelectric transformation circuits consists of at least one piezoelectric ceramic transformer and two loads connecting to the piezoelectric ceramic transformer(s). Each pair of voltages of the same phase are input to a pair of input ends which have opposite polarization, or the two piezoelectric ceramic transformers group have input ends of opposite polarization or its group assembly output an even number of voltages of opposite phases to input ends of the loads which the feedback ends are grounded respectively.

Abstract: A piezoelectric transformation driving apparatus for driving elements or products to be driven by a high or a low voltage includes a driving module consisting of a pulse-width modulation (PWM) control unit and a single driving unit. The driving module outputs driving signals of the same phase and the same frequency to drive a plurality of transformation units, a plurality of piezoelectric units and a plurality of loads.

Abstract: A piezoelectric transformation driving apparatus to drive a plurality of high voltage systems through a low voltage system includes a control unit and a driving unit to output first driving signals of the same phase and same frequency to drive a transformation unit, a plurality of piezoelectric units and loads. A ceramic transformer level driving circuit may be included to drive the transformation unit, the piezoelectric units and loads through a voltage floating level so that a medium voltage system may be controlled by a low voltage level.

Abstract: In the exposing apparatus of an image forming apparatus or the like, an apparatus for suppressing the vibration of an optical part has a detector for detecting the vibrating state of the optical part, and a controller for controlling a vibrator so as to give the optical part such an appropriate amount of vibration as will negate the vibration of the optical part. Thereby, it becomes unnecessary to excessively increase the rigidity of the optical part and thus, a decrease in weight can be achieved.

Abstract: A surface-mount quartz crystal oscillator has a quartz crystal unit, a mounting substrate joined to a reverse surface of the crystal unit, an IC (Integrated Circuit) chip accommodated in the mounting substrate and electrically connected to the crystal unit in providing an oscillating circuit, and a chip device such as a bypass capacitor mounted on the mounting substrate. The mounting substrate has a bottom wall, a frame wall mounted on the bottom wall, and a recess defined in at least one principal surface thereof and surrounded by the frame wall, with the IC chip being disposed in the recess. The frame wall has at least one opening defined therein, and the bottom wall has a smaller thickness at a position aligned with the opening than other positions on the bottom wall. The chip device is disposed in the position on the bottom wall.

Abstract: A surface-mount quartz crystal oscillator has a casing having a recess defined therein, a quartz crystal blank fixedly mounted on the bottom of the recess, and an IC (Integrated Circuit) chip having an integrated oscillating circuit connected to the crystal blank. The casing has a frame wall which defines the recess. The IC chip has an outer peripheral edge joined to an upper surface of the frame wall. The crystal blank is hermetically sealed in a space surrounded by the casing and the IC chip. IC connecting terminals are disposed on the upper surface of the frame wall for connection to IC terminals on the IC chip.

Abstract: A strobe apparatus has a discharge capacitor charged by a voltage generated in the output voltage when a piezoelectric transformer is driven in the first resonance mode, and a discharge tube is triggered by a voltage generated in the output electrode when the piezoelectric transformer is driven in the second resonance mode. The transformer has two types of output electrodes and on one surface in the longitudinal direction and two opposing surfaces in the lateral direction. It can be driven by properly switching first and second resonance modes different from each other.

Abstract: A reinforcing structure for an automobile's central rearview mirror which includes an electronic vibration-dampening device. The reinforcing structure includes Piezo electric elements attached to a support structure, a clamping mechanism to stabilize the reflective mirror element and electronics including LEDs to dissipate energy extracted from the mirror. The vibration-dampening features include Piezo electric crystals attached to a support structure to press against the central rearview mirror housing and a circuit card with various components to dissipate unwanted vibration. Also, the invention includes a spring loaded, pivoted clamping system to further stabilize the entire structure. The invention achieves dampening mainly through the application of an inertial dampening system that utilizes Piezo crystals and weights to adequately absorb excess vibration.

Abstract: A method for selecting a piezoelectric transformer characteristic includes the steps of connecting a primary-side driving section of a piezoelectric transformer to a high-frequency generator while leaving a secondary-side generating section thereof in an open state, causing the high-frequency generator to sequentially generate and sweep a high-frequency signal over a predetermined frequency range, measuring a resonant frequency of an input-impedance-versus-frequency characteristic of the piezoelectric transformer, and selecting the characteristic of the piezoelectric transformer based on the value of the measured resonant frequency.

Abstract: A strobe apparatus has a discharge capacitor charged by a voltage generated in the output voltage when a piezoelectric transformer is driven in the first resonance mode, and a discharge tube is triggered by a voltage generated in the output electrode when the piezoelectric transformer is driven in the second resonance mode. The transformer has two types of output electrodes and on one surface in the longitudinal direction and two opposing surfaces in the lateral direction. It can be driven by properly switching first and second resonance modes different from each other.

Abstract: A piezoelectric transformation driving apparatus for driving elements or products to be driven by a high or a low voltage includes a pulse-width modulation (PWM) control unit, a plurality of driving units, a plurality of transformation units, a plurality of piezoelectric units, and a plurality of loads. The PWM control unit outputs signals of the same phase and frequency to drive synchronously the driving units, the transformation units, the piezoelectric units and the loads to operate synchronously.

Abstract: An apparatus for driving a fluorescent lamp. The apparatus includes a dynamic driving voltage generator and an inverter. The dynamic driving voltage generator outputs a dynamic driving voltage. The inverter is coupled to the dynamic driving voltage generator and the fluorescent lamp for outputting a lamp-driving voltage according to the dynamic driving voltage. Wherein, the lamp-driving voltage is used to drive the fluorescent lamp, the lamp-driving voltage is fed back to the dynamic driving voltage generator, and the dynamic driving voltage generator outputs the dynamic driving voltage according to the lamp-driving voltage.