0 Piezoelectric Actuator Manufacturers in 2024

What Is a Piezoelectric Actuator?

A piezoelectric actuator is a device that converts electrical energy from sources like ICs into physical kinetic energy, manifesting as linear motion or deformation. This conversion is achieved through a piezoelectric element within the actuator, making piezoelectric actuators distinct for their high precision, rapid response, and absence of electromagnetic noise.

These actuators are notable for their compact size, lack of a need for driving coils, and low power consumption, making them ideal for precision instruments such as digital cameras and mobile devices.

Uses of Piezoelectric Actuators

Piezoelectric actuators find applications across various industrial products and household appliances, particularly in precision equipment. They are valued for their compactness, swift response, and energy efficiency. Uses span single-lens reflex cameras, hard disk drives, inkjet printers, medical devices, and more.

Principle of Piezoelectric Actuators

The operation of piezoelectric actuators is based on the inverse piezoelectric effect, where applying an electric field to a piezoelectric material causes it to deform. This effect is harnessed to achieve precise mechanical movement through electrical control. By thinning the ceramic substrate, these actuators can operate at lower voltages, enhancing their efficiency.

Other Information on Piezoelectric Actuators

1. Comparison With Electromagnetic Actuators

Piezoelectric actuators offer several advantages over traditional electromagnetic actuators, including the potential for greater displacement and reduced drive voltages. Electromagnetic actuators, requiring coils, struggle with miniaturization and cannot match the precision, controllability, and energy efficiency of piezoelectric actuators.

2. Hysteresis of Piezoelectric Actuators

While piezoelectric actuators can achieve nano-level control, they exhibit hysteresis, meaning their displacement is not perfectly linear with control voltage. This necessitates external precision control mechanisms, such as strain gauges and ASICs, for accurate operation.

3. Development of Energy Harvesting Applications

Interest in piezoelectric actuators for energy harvesting is growing, driven by environmental sustainability goals. These devices can convert mechanical displacement into electrical energy, with potential applications in power generation from environmental sources, including vibration, light, heat, and electromagnetic waves. This technology is also being explored for use in wireless communication tags powered by vibration energy.