Abstract: A double-sided oscillator package having an open-top oscillator housing adapted to receive electronic components and a hermetically sealed resonator housing containing a piezoelectric element is described. The electronic components and piezoelectric element are electrically connected. The respective housing can be manufactured separately and the components thereof assembled thereafter to form the package.

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: The present invention discloses a positioning system that includes at least three positioner assemblies. Each positioner assembly includes a housing with a coarse adjustment assembly and a fine adjustment assembly disposed within the housing. The positioner assemblies are releasably coupled to a wafer chuck and operable to selectively position the chuck. More particularly, the fine adjustment assembly includes a piezoelectric actuator that is selectively movable between a retracted position and an extended position.

Abstract: A multi-load piezoelectric transformation circuit driver module consists of at least one pair of piezoelectric ceramic transformers and one load connecting to each piezoelectric ceramic transformer. 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 with opposite phases to input ends of the loads which the feedback ends coupled together in series. When driven by piezoelectric transformation circuit, due to opposite polarization, output a pair of voltages of opposite phases can obtain improved characteristics such as even current, greater output power and better matching impedance. And a single driver circuit can actuate multiple sets of loads simultaneously in a stable fashion.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of driving a piezoelectric transformer and a power source apparatus using the same. For a circuit for driving a piezoelectric transformer which steps up a voltage input from a primary electrode by a piezoelectric effect to output the stepped up voltage from a secondary electrode, the gradient (linear differential value) of a step-up ratio at the piezoelectric transformer is detected, and the detected gradient is used to control the driving frequency for the piezoelectric transformer so that the driving frequency approaches to the resonant frequency of the piezoelectric transformer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a piezo-electric actuator coupled to a driven member is disclosed. The piezo-electric actuator is responsive to waveforms with asymmetrical voltage/current profiles on the rising and falling edge to effect consistent and cumulative movement of the driven member in one of two directions throughout the reciprocations of the piezo-electric actuator. The waveforms are digitally generated from a stored set of numbers or a function for generating the set of numbers. The numbers correspond with the discrete digital values associated with the desired waveforms for moving the driven member in either of at least two directions. The controller may be used to drive more than one piezo-electric actuator. The controller may include responsiveness to a feedback of the position of the driven member to accurately position the driven member.

Abstract: A bulk acoustic wave multiplexer controlled by micro-electro-mechanical switches, it comprises: a substrate; a wave-filtering device disposed on the substrate; an input port disposed on one side of the wave-filtering device; an output port disposed on another side of the wave-filtering device; and micro-electro-mechanical switches disposed on the wave-filtering device for controlling the bulk acoustic wave multiplexer; the present invention provides a bulk acoustic wave multiplexer device having miniaturized size and less interference integrated with micro-electro-mechanical switch devices, so as to operate multiplexing function.

Abstract: A negative ion generator, which can suppress positive ion generation, permits ready control of a quantity of generated negative ions and permits a size and thickness reduction. The negative ion generator is of an electron emission type in which, for negative ion generation, electrons are emitted into the air by impressing a negative high voltage on a stylus electric discharge electrode. A piezoelectric transformer is used for amplifying a non-rectified drive voltage from a transformer drive circuit. As a result of rectification of the AC high voltage from the piezoelectric transformer, a negative high voltage is obtained, which is impressed on the stylus electric discharge electrode for electron emission therefrom, thereby generating negative ions in the air.

Abstract: In a piezoelectric transformer for a fluorescent lamp, the size of an electrode at a central region of each side on a first face is smaller than that of electrodes at the corner region thereof. As a result, the stress generated in the piezoelectric block is minimized and the heat caused by stress is prevented, so that the damage of the piezoelectric block and the deterioration of the efficiency may be prevented. The input electrode can be formed in various shapes such as diamond, cross, and rhombic shapes.

Abstract: A multi-load piezoelectric transformation circuit driver module consists of at least one pair of piezoelectric ceramic transformers and one load connecting to each piezoelectric ceramic transformer. 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 with opposite phases to input ends of the loads which the feedback ends coupled together in series. When driven by piezoelectric transformation circuit, due to opposite polarization, output a pair of voltages of opposite phases can obtain improved characteristics such as even current, greater output power and better matching impedance. And a single driver circuit can actuate multiple sets of loads simultaneously in a stable fashion.

Abstract: Remote energy supply process and system for an electronic information carrier. Known processes and devices do not allow supplying energy wirelessly to an information carrier arranged inside a thick-walled and/or metallic body because energy radiation based on electromagnetic waves hardly penetrates, if at all, such bodies and contactlessly transmitted ultra-sound does not effectively penetrate them. The system consists of a basis apparatus fitted with an acoustic transmission unit in loose connection by a superficial body contact with a functional object. The information carrier is located inside this functional object, in an acoustically solid connection therewith. This creates a closed, acoustically well coupled total system which ensures an effective energy and information transmission by acoustic means. The invention is applicable for the transmission of codes and information in the electronic entry/access authorization field and product identification.

Abstract: A control circuit for a piezo transformer based power supply includes oscillator circuitry, drive circuitry, sense circuitry, and feedback circuitry collectively operating to regulate an operational parameter of the supply, such as the current supplied to a cold cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL). The feedback circuitry includes initialization circuitry that establishes an initial value of an oscillator control signal corresponding to an initial operating frequency, and thereafter permits the feedback circuitry to gradually drive the oscillator control signal to a normal operating value such that the operating frequency is swept from the initial operating frequency to a normal operating frequency. When controlling the power supplied to a CCFL, the initial operating frequency is preferably a maximum frequency of the oscillator, and the operating frequency is swept downward so as to pass through the frequency at which the lamp “strikes”, or begins conduction, and thereafter into regulation.

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: The invention relates to a circuit arrangement for the dynamic control of ceramic solid-state actuators, such as piezotranslators with energy recovery by means of magnetic intermediate stores and/or storage capacitors as well as by clocked switches. For achieving a predetermined linear voltage characteristic at the piezotranslator, according to the invention, a single inductive intermediate store is arranged in the secondary circuit, which is connected in series with the piezotranslator, and the secondary circuit is designed as a half-bridge. The switches provided in the respective half-bridge are controlled at a high cycle or switching frequency by an external controller, with the series connection of piezotranslator and inductive intermediate store furthermore carrying a superimposed bridge direct current in order to ensure the desired charging of the capacitance of the piezotranslator, on the one hand, and to optimize the energy recovery, on the other hand.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multilayer piezoelectric transformer that uses a composite resonant vibration mode for step-up voltage conversion. More specifically, a multilayer piezoelectric transformer is provided using radial and shear vibration modes for step-up voltage conversion applications. Adjacent layers of piezoelectric ceramic act as a constraint on the deformation of one face of the input layers, leading to a gradient in the radial deformation of both the input and output portions. The piezoelectric transformer is used in a circuit for providing electro-luminescent (EL) backlighting.

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: Of a plurality of surfaces forming its shape, a piezoelectric transformer 13A has two types of output electrodes 22 and 23 on one surface in the longitudinal direction and two opposing surfaces in the lateral direction. This piezoelectric transformer 13A can be driven by properly switching first and second resonance modes different from each other. In a strobe apparatus, a discharge capacitor 3 is charged by a voltage generated in the output voltage 23 when the piezoelectric transformer 13A is driven in the first resonance mode, and a discharge tube 4 is triggered by a voltage generated in the output electrode 22 when the piezoelectric transformer 13A is driven in the second resonance mode.

Abstract: Pluralities of electrode groups are formed on one face of a piezoelectric element, and a common electrode is formed on another face. The common electrode is connected to a booster circuit for boosting a voltage signal obtained from an amplifier circuit. The pluralities of electrode groups are connected to selection circuits for switching a signal path of a signal output from here.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for cleaning a thin disc. In accordance with a first aspect, an apparatus is provided that includes a tank adapted to contain a fluid, and at least one support mechanism adapted to support a thin disc such that the thin disc is at least partially submerged in the fluid. The apparatus further includes a plurality of transducers each adapted to produce energy waves in the fluid, and a controller adapted to adjust the energy waves produced by each transducer so as to scan an energy wave maximum along a surface of a thin disc supported by the at least one support mechanism.

Abstract: A thickness mode piezoelectric transducer is provided that has masses attached to opposing faces of the transformer. The end-masses increase the thickness of the transformer and decrease its resonant frequency. The end-masses increase the magnitude of resonant vibrations in the output layer(s) as well as the mechanical Q of the device to provide a low profile piezoelectric transformer with high power density. Each of the input and output portions is resonant tank circuit having a electrical resonant frequency substantially matching the mechanical resonance whereby the amplitude of the mechanical vibrations are increased. These mechanical vibrations are used in conjunction with a mechanical amplifier or horn for use of the device as a vibrational transducer.

Abstract: A first charging circuit and a third charging circuit are provided as first-step charging circuits to first and second piezoelectric/electrostrictive elements, and a second charging circuit and a fourth charging circuit are provided as next-step charging circuits. Moreover, the first-step charging circuits of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive elements serve also as first-step discharging circuits, and a first discharging circuit and a second discharging circuit are provided as next-step discharging circuits. Resistances as well as coils intervene in the first charging circuit and the third charging circuit in a series with the piezoelectric/electrostrictive elements.

Abstract: A circuit for driving capacitive loads in a highly efficient manner. In one embodiment, a drive portion is connected to at least one end of a capacitive electric load being applied a voltage waveform. The embodiment further comprises a switching circuit portion having its output connected to the above one end of the capacitive load in order to supply a fraction of the overall current demanded by the load. Additionally, a switching circuit and accompanying switching method provide for efficiently supplying peak current to the capacitive load during voltage fluctuation in the voltage waveform. Briefly, the invention is a circuit arrangement aimed at providing a highly efficient drive for the capacitive load, using a combined linear/switching setup and without distorting the quality of the waveform generated across the capacitive load.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a low frequency oscillator device including a quartz resonator (1) and an electronic maintenance circuit for maintaining the vibrations of said quartz resonator. According to the present invention, the quartz resonator is arranged to vibrate according to a torsional mode and therefore has a single cutting angle defined by a rotation at a determined angle (&thgr;) about the crystallographic axis X of the quartz crystal. This resonator includes in particular at least one undesired fundamental flexural vibrating mode at a first frequency and a desired fundamental torsional vibrating mode at a second frequency higher than said first frequency. Moreover, the electronic maintenance circuit is an inverter circuit (2) whose transconductance value (gm) is determined such that said device cannot oscillate according to the undesired fundamental flexural vibrating mode but according to the desired fundamental torsional vibrating mode of said resonator.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and a method for driving a cathode discharge tube such that the discharge starting voltage can be lowered by simple construction. At the start of lighting a cathode discharge tube light, AC voltage applied to the cathode discharge tube is raised at a speed slower than a rise speed of the cathode discharge tube. By lighting the cathode discharge tube in this way, the lighting start voltage can be reduced.

Abstract: A method of forming broad bandwidth acoustic or microwave beams which encompass array design, array excitation, source signal preprocessing, and received signal postprocessing. This technique uses several different methods to achieve improvement over conventional array systems. These methods are: 1) individually addressable array elements; 2) digital-to-analog converters for the source signals; 3) inverse filtering from source precompensation; and 4) spectral extrapolation to expand the bandwidth of the received signals. The components of the system will be used as follows: 1) The individually addressable array allows scanning around and over an object, such as a human breast, without any moving parts. The elements of the array are broad bandwidth elements and efficient radiators, as well as detectors. 2) Digital-to-analog converters as the source signal generators allow virtually any radiated field to be created in the half-space in front of the array.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for stabilizing the frequency of a piezoelectric crystal resonator, especially useful in common emergency positioning radio beacons. A temperature compensated crystal oscillator circuit (TCXO) is mounted on one surface of a thin substrate. The TCXO includes a piezoelectric device such as a quartz resonator and a capacitor thermistor compensation network to reduce the frequency fluctuations of the crystal through variations in temperature. A heating circuit is mounted to the opposing surface of the substrate, thereby providing a thermal connection between the two circuits. The heating circuit includes a temperature sensor for sensing changes in ambient temperatures and a heater control amplifier for adjusting the power of a heating element. The substrate with the two circuits disposed thereon is suspended within a hermetically sealed enclosure by a plurality of support pins.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a piezo-electric actuator coupled to a driven member is disclosed. The piezo-electric actuator is responsive to waveforms with asymmetrical voltage/current profiles on the rising and falling edge to effect consistent and cumulative movement of the driven member in one of two directions throughout the reciprocations of the piezo-electric actuator. The waveforms are digitally generated from a stored set of numbers or a function for generating the set of numbers. The numbers correspond with the discrete digital values associated with the desired waveforms for moving the driven member in either of at least two directions. The controller may be used to drive more than one piezo-electric actuator. The controller may include responsiveness to a feedback of the position of the driven member to accurately position the driven member.

Abstract: The present invention is a power conditioning circuit. The invention is comprised of multiple comparators and a bilateral switch. The invention converts the high-frequency, high-voltage output signal from a piezoelectric transformer to a desired low-frequency voltage signal, examples including but not limited to sinusoidal, sawtooth, ramp, and square waves, at the output amplitude voltage. The circuit switches the high-frequency AC output, also referred to as the driving waveform, into the load at precisely the instant when the driving waveform crosses the present voltage load value, and switches it out when the load waveform reaches the desired voltage. Thereafter, the switch is opened and the reactance of the load or an additional output capacitor element holds the voltage until the next switching cycle.

Abstract: A surface mounting quartz-crystal oscillator having a container body formed with a recess of which a pair of opposite sidewalls are provided with steps, a quartz blank, an IC (integrated circuit) chip constituting an oscillating circuit including a quartz crystal member made of the quartz blank, and a cover closing the container body for sealing the quartz blank and the IC chip within the container body. At least one of the both ends of the quartz blank is bonded to the bottom face of the recess, and the opposite ends of the IC chip are held to the steps. A space is defined between the IC chip and the bottom face of the recess for permitting at least a part of the quartz blank to be disposed in the space.

Abstract: This invention is a keypad assembly (100) for a portable communication device having a plurality of piezoelectric keys (110) to receive user input and providing tactile feedback to the user in response to such user input. The keypad assembly (100) includes one or more keys in which each key (110) has a piezoelectric layer (210), a conductive layer (220) on one side of the piezoelectric layer and another conductive layer (230) on the other side of the piezoelectric layer. The keypad assembly (100) also includes an electronic circuit (120) coupled to the conductive layers (220, 230) of each key (110). When the electronic circuit (120) receives a selection signal from a particular key (110) of the keypad assembly (100), the electronic circuit provides a feedback signal to the particular key in response.

Abstract: The invention describes a method and an apparatus for detecting a load decrease when driving a piezoelectric element, for example, used as an actuator in a fuel injection system of an internal combustion engine. The method and apparatus are characterized in that an error signal is generated when the piezoelectric element reaches a target voltage more quickly than a predetermined minimum time interval during a charging or discharging operation.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of driving a piezoelectric transformer and a power source apparatus using the same. For a circuit for driving a piezoelectric transformer which steps up a voltage input from a primary electrode by a piezoelectric effect to output the stepped up voltage from a secondary electrode, the gradient (linear differential value) of a step-up ratio at the piezoelectric transformer is detected, and the detected gradient is used to control the driving frequency for the piezoelectric transformer so that the driving frequency approaches to the resonant frequency of the piezoelectric transformer.

Abstract: An elastic wave control element is inserted into a propagation path for an elastic wave or installed in an oscillator to allow the elastic wave in a selected frequency to be damped, reflected, or transmitted. A piezoelectric material 1 is provided with a pair of electrodes between which a negative capacitance circuit A is connected to allow a loss factor of the negative capacitance circuit A in a selected frequency or frequency band to be matched with a dielectric loss factor of the piezoelectric material 1.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a method and an apparatus for driving a piezoelectric transformer capable of always driving with maximum conversion efficiency regardless of changes in the input voltage level, load and temperature, etc.

Abstract: A fixed frequency driving circuit of a piezo-ceramic transformer capable of controlling an input voltage. The driving circuit includes a lamp; a PCT(Piezo-Ceramic Transformer) for driving the lamp; a PCT driving circuit for driving the PCT; a voltage doubler rectifier for rectifying an output voltage; a summing & error amplifying circuit for outputting by summing a dimming voltage and the output voltage; a charge pump circuit for maintaining zero voltage switching and reducing the switching loss; a temperature compensated VCO for compensating the temperature characteristics of PCT, and impact, etc.

Abstract: A driving method and a driving circuit for a piezoelectric transformer are capable of driving the piezoelectric transformer with high driving efficiency independently of an impedance change of a load such as a cold cathode tube by corresponding to the characteristic variance of the piezoelectric transformer, thereby also suppressing mechanical damage to be imposed on the piezoelectric transformer itself even if the load changes abruptly. The piezoelectric transformer is driven with a predetermined first frequency, and a power supply for a load connected to the secondary side of the piezoelectric transformer is started, and when an impedance of a load changes and reaches a predetermined impedance during the power supply, the driving frequency of the piezoelectric transformer is changed without a sweep from the first frequency to a predetermined second frequency.

Abstract: A piezoelectric-transformer inverter includes a piezoelectric transformer for supplying a transformed voltage to a load connected to a secondary electrode thereof. A first coil and a first transistor are connected to one primary electrode of the piezoelectric transformer, and a second coil and a second transistor are connected to the other primary electrode of the piezoelectric transformer. The first and second transistors are alternately turned on and off such that the phase of the voltage applied between the primary electrodes is reversed cyclically. The operation frequency is controlled such that an AC current flowing through the load is maintained at a predetermined level. The piezoelectric transformer has a piezoelectric substrate. In a first half region of the piezoelectric substrate, a plurality of electrode films are layered in order to form the primary electrodes. The secondary electrode is formed on an end surface of the piezoelectric substrate opposite to the primary electrodes.

Abstract: A method and unit for driving a small high-efficiency piezoelectric transformer allowing a cold-cathode tube to have stable luminance by detecting only an active current flowing in the cold-cathode tube based on a phase difference between an output current and voltage of the piezoelectric transformer, removing a reactive current caused by stray capacitance formed between the cold-cathode tube and a reflector, and accurately controlling driving of the piezoelectric transformer so that a constant active current is detected.

Abstract: A piezoelectric switch comprising an end surface which when pressure is applied, causes a piezoelectric element to switch and generate an electrical signal. In addition, the piezoelectric element provides audible feedback to an operator activating the switch. The piezoelectric switch comprises a plastic housing having the piezoelectric element adhesively attached to an inside surface of a top portion of the housing. Two wires from the piezoelectric element connect to a printed circuit board which is placed adjacent to the piezoelectric element and wires from the printed circuit board extend through a cap for external connections. When the piezoelectric element switches, an output pulse having a predetermined pulse width is generated along with a signal which is fed back to trigger an oscillator connected to the piezoelectric element causing it to buzz, thereby providing audible feedback from the same piezoelectric element.

Abstract: The present invention involves an inexpensive piezoelectric oscillator that offers excellent aging characteristics. The piezoelectric oscillator comprises a piezoelectric vibrator, a load capacitor, and a limiter circuit, wherein an excitation signal from the piezoelectric vibrator is supplied to the limiter circuit, and in which the limiter circuit controls the inter-terminal impedance based on variations in the excitation signal. The present invention thus provides an inexpensive crystal oscillator with excellent aging characteristics.

Abstract: A writing head capable of rapidly and efficiently generating high field gradients while remaining amenable to low-voltage control utilizes a piezoelectric or Rosen transformer. A one- or two-dimensional array of such writing heads may be used to address a substrate bearing an arrangement of electrically responsive, nonemissive display elements, applying an image pattern thereto. Similarly, the array of writing heads can be used to remove an image, returning the substrate to its original, unimaged state.

Abstract: A piezoelectric transformer has a body made of a piezoelectric material polarized in segments. The segments each have diametrically opposed polarization sides (23-28) transverse to the direction of polarization. A pair of input electrodes (13, 14) and a pair of output electrodes (15, 16) are disposed on a first and a second pair of diametrically opposed polarization sides of the body (19). At least one of the electrodes (14, 32, 33) extends beyond the polarization side (28) on which this electrode is disposed, in order to increase a capacitance between this input electrode and one or both output electrodes (15, 16) and thereby reduce common mode currents.

Abstract: The output impedance of a piezoelectric transformer defined as a value obtained by dividing the output current at a load resistance of about zero into the output voltage at a load resistance of about infinity is set to be larger than about one-third of the maximum impedance of a discharge tube during discharging. Further, the absolute value of the gradient of the characteristic curve of the piezoelectric transformer is set to be smaller than the absolute value of the gradient of the output characteristic curve of a discharge lamp.

Abstract: An inverter circuit is provided using a voltage converter having multiple layers of piezoelectric ceramic. More specifically, the present invention provides an inverter circuit for a Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamp (CCFL) incorporating a multilayer piezoelectric transformer that uses the longitudinal resonant vibration mode for step-up voltage conversion. The transformer is driven by a FET half-bridge connected to an oscillator through dual current buffers, one current buffer being driven through and a level shifter and charge pump.

Abstract: A piezoelectric transformer driving circuit comprises a piezoelectric transformer which boosts an input voltage to obtain a voltage required in igniting a cold cathode tube, a restart circuit which detects the voltage output from said piezoelectric transformer and allows said piezoelectric transformer to repeatedly output a high voltage required in initially igniting said cold cathode tube, a PWM controller which allows said piezoelectric transformer to intermittently output a voltage in order to adjust the brightness of said cold cathode tube, and a stopping unit which stops the control operation of said PWM controller when restart circuit is operative.

Abstract: To carry out speed control of an ultrasonic motor driven by a self-excited oscillation circuit utilizing the ultrasonic motor per se as a vibrating body and promote reliability of the self-excited oscillation circuit, an instruction signal for controlling a state of the self-excited oscillation circuit constituting a drive circuit, is set in a range capable of stably driving the ultrasonic motor in an aimed state. The self-excited oscillation circuit can be controlled to be brought into a drive state or a stop state in accordance with a drive command signal or a stop command signal from a control signal generating circuit and the control signal generating circuit is set such that a length (TD) of the drive command signal becomes longer than a time period (t1) from when the drive command signal is applied to the self-excited oscillation circuit until oscillation is started.

Abstract: A circuit including a transformer, preferably a laminated piezoelectric transducer, in combination with a positive feedback amplifier circuit, capable of serving: 1) to produce either an audible or ultrasonic signal; or 2) as an energy source capable of driving an auxiliary high voltage device with an initial and continuing low voltage source such as a battery.

Abstract: In a piezoelectric transformer control circuit for driving a load (2) connected to a piezoelectric transformer (1), an oscillation signal as a basis of driving of the piezoelectric transformer (1) is oscillated, and the piezoelectric transformer (1) is driven by a driving circuit (4) on the basis of the oscillation signal. A pulse power supply circuit (5) for supplying a pulse voltage to the driving circuit (4) intermittently drives the driving circuit (4) by pulse-modulating the pulse voltage to be supplied to the driving circuit (4).

Abstract: A piezoelectric transformer inverter can suppress ripples generated by the oscillations of a transformer, and can reduce the possibility of occurrence of beats in the inverter. In this piezoelectric transformer inverter, a switching element is disposed at a stage before an inverter circuit driving a discharge tube, and the switching element is switched on and off by switching signals from a chopper-duty control unit. Then, an input voltage is converted into a rectangular-wave voltage having a chopper circuit frequency to be supplied to the inverter circuit, and a frequency of n times a driving frequency of the inverter circuit and a chopper frequency of the chopper circuit are set in such a manner that these two frequencies are not close to each other.

Abstract: A crystal oscillator in which IC control terminal electrodes for writing temperature compensation data in an IC chip are formed on side surfaces of a main body while being distanced from the top and bottom surfaces of the main body. The IC control terminal electrodes will not be short-circuited with a conductive pattern for sealing the crystal oscillating element on the top surface, and the IC chip will not be destroyed by a welding current which flows when a metal cover is mounted on the top surface. The IC control terminal electrodes will not be short-circuited with other wiring conductors during the soldering to bond the crystal oscillator to a printed circuit board. The compensation data or other data written in the IC chip can be stably maintained, thereby securing a stable operation.