Amps and Voltage Piezos Produce and Electrode Patterns APC Offers
Frequent Asked Customer Questions:
“How many amps & volts does a piezo produce?”
There is no exact answer to this question, it is all dependent on the piezo device used and the application the piezo device is to be incorporated into.
Piezoelectric ceramics can be effective when used in devices that require less than one watt of power. Keep in mind watts = volts x amps. So, if a piezoelectric ceramic is to generate a large voltage it will do so with only a very small current. Similarly, if your piezo device requires a larger current the piezoelectric ceramic will only generate a small voltage.
Examples of piezo devices and the amount of power generated largely depend on the application:
– Piezo igniters that are used in BBQ grills produce hundreds to thousands of volts but produce low amounts of currents/amps in the range of nano or micro amps.
– Bimorphs or stripe/stack actuators can produce currents in the micro and milli amps range but generate a much smaller voltage. Small electronic devices, such as cell phones, can incorporate piezoelectric ceramics in this manner.
Overall, the desired application will determine if piezoelectric ceramics can be used to power the device. If you need to power devices in small amounts, one watt or less, then piezo ceramics can be efficient. Keep in mind, piezo ceramics do not have the endurance for high amounts of currents/amps. A high flow of power will drain the device quickly.
What Piezo Electrode Pattern to Use?
APC offers a wide range of standard and custom electrode patterns for its lines of piezoelectric ceramics.
Depending on your piezo application, APC has a variety of electrode patterns that can help to improve the performance the piezo ceramic and make installation easier on you or your technicians. When designing a new piezo device consider the following electrode patterns:
– solid pattern
– wrap-around pattern
– side tab pattern
– insulation band pattern
– bull’s-eye pattern
These electrodes are fired onto silver material but APC can also apply electrodes onto alternative materials; such as nickel or gold upon request.
Read More On Piezo Applications
What is the Purpose of a Piezo Motor
Piezo Aiding Advancements in The Healthcare Industry
Discrete Piezo Stacks for Ultrasonic Applications
Self Charging Power Cells and Batteries
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