Patent ID: 6111335
Filing Date: 2000-08-29
Classification: G01R,H01L

Abstract:
A method for rapidly discharging a direct current (""DC"") voltage accumulated by a piezoelectric element, comprising:(a) applying a DC voltage to the piezoelectric element to place an electrical stress on the piezoelectric element, the electrical stress causing a deformation of the piezoelectric element and causing the piezoelectric element to accumulate a DC voltage component;(b) stopping applying the DC voltage and discharging essentially all of the DC voltage component from the piezoelectric element before the deformation of the piezoelectric element is converted into an oscillation;(c) using the oscillation to generate an alternating current (""AC"") signal; and(d) outputting the AC signal after essentially all of the DC voltage component has been discharged from the piezoelectric element.