Piezoelectric devices rely on vibration generators, such as motors, to produce mechanical energy and other electrical signals. These block, disk and tube-shaped piezo devices are used primarily in applications related to the aerospace, automotive, biomedical, electronics and consumer products industries. Piezoelectric actuators, piezoelectric motors and piezoelectric ceramics dominate as the types of devices available. Piezoelectric actuators handle positioning and switching operations for optical, electrical and mechanical purposes. Piezoelectric motors are equipped with piezoelectric ceramics to produce ultrasonic motions. Camera equipment, robotics and computer disk drives operate through piezoelectric motors.

Other piezoelectric devices also exist, including piezoelectric sensors and the piezoelectric transducer. Piezoelectric sensors operate with pressure applications such as tire gauges, while a piezoelectric transducer generates electrical pulses to create mechanical vibrations. The transducer then produces electrical energy used in ultrasounds. Piezoelectricity devices use BNC connectors for military, radio frequency and video applications, and AWG connectors use two wires depending on their diameter. Push-pull devices, trademarked as LEMO connectors, lock for high-stress mechanical applications. Before you buy piezoelectric devices for your company:

1. Distinguish among different kinds of piezoelectric devices.

2. Find piezoelectric devices that manage testing, imaging and measurement applications.

3. Research and analyze ways to produce or distribute piezoelectricity devices.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Understand the differences among piezoelectric devices

Piezoelectric actuators, piezoelectric ceramics, piezoelectric motors and other piezoelectricity devices can apply to your project goals.

I recommend: Physik Instrumente manufactures piezoelectric actuators and piezoelectric motors for aerospace, biotechnology and medical applications. Kadco Ceramics offers machining capabilities for piezoelectric ceramics and other piezo devices. Kinetic Ceramics provides piezoelectric drivers, piezoelectric ceramics, piezoelectric actuators and other piezoelectric supplies to the optics, semiconductor, microelectronics industries and more.

Look at piezo devices that have measurement or other testing capabilities

Find components such as piezoelectric drivers and piezoelectric sensors to test acceleration, force or pressure of industrial equipment.

I recommend: Kistler Instruments is one of the top piezoelectric device suppliers for automotive, biomechanics and manufacturing applications. Measurement Specialties designs and manufactures piezo switches and piezoelectric sensors for consumer products such as tire pressure gauges and measurement scales. Buy piezoelectric devices such as smoke detectors and alarms from Floyd Bell.

Seek piezoelectric device manufacturers that offer in-house research, design and repair services

Piezoelectric device manufacturers are certified to test and build industrial assemblies.

I recommend: Honeywell Sensing and Control designs tools such as the piezoelectric transducer or piezoelectric generator for vehicles. Sensor Systems assembles and manufactures piezoelectric transducers and other piezo devices. The company also offers maintenance and repair services.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Characteristics of piezoelectric devices include a compact design, high efficiency and little to no electromagnetic noise. Because they are nonflammable, piezo devices can handle short circuits or equipment overloads.