Piezo composite patch transducers are formable and versatile

Piezo composite patch transducers are manufactured by placing a piezoceramic foil between two conductive films, all embedded in a ductile composite-polymer structure. In this way, the brittle piezo-ceramic is mechanically prestressed and electrically insulated, which makes the transducers extremely robust and capable of being formed with bend radii as small as 20mm. The rugged design ensures reliability, high resistance to damage and a lifetime well in excess of 10+9 cycles. Wear and failure rates are low, as the solid-state actuators contain no moving parts.

The P-876 patch transducers combine the well-known functionality of piezoceramic materials as high-precision, high-dynamics sensors and actuators. Other possible uses for P-876 devices are for energy harvesting and energy storage. Used as actuators, they enable deflections of up to 0.8mm with high force and precision.

Adaptronics

These patch transducers are suitable for use in active and adaptive systems. Embedded in a servo-control loop, vibrations of parts can be reduced and contours can be controlled in the nanometre range. PI also offers a special Piezo Linear Amplifier, the E-413.D2. This is a standalone amplifier board providing precision control for bipolar piezo shear and bender actuators both in static and dynamic operation.

Commercial applications for piezo composite patch transducers include mechanical engineering, aerospace, aviation, automotive industry, civil engineering and sporting goods.