Patent ID: 6366006
Filing Date: 2002-04-02
Classification: H01L

Abstract:
A piezoelectric transformer, comprising:a first input portion having a first thickness, said first input portion further comprising; a first input ceramic layer having first and second opposing electroded major faces and polarized in a direction parallel to an axis normal to said first and second opposing major faces; and a first input terminal adjacent said first major face of said first input ceramic layer; a second input portion having a second thickness, said second input portion further comprising; a second input ceramic layer having first and second opposing electroded major faces and polarized in a direction parallel to said axis; and a second input terminal adjacent said first major face of said second input ceramic layer; and an output portion having a third thickness, said output portion further comprising; a first output ceramic layer having first and second opposing electroded major faces and polarized in a direction parallel to said axis; a second output ceramic layer having first and second opposing electroded major faces and polarized in a direction parallel to said axis; an output terminal adjacent said first major face of said first output ceramic layer and said first face of said second output ceramic layer; a first common terminal adjacent said second major face of said first output ceramic layer and said second major face of said first input ceramic layer; and a second common terminal adjacent said second major face of said second output ceramic layer and said second major face of said second input ceramic layer; wherein upon application of a first oscillating voltage across said first input terminal and said first common terminal, said first input ceramic layer alternatingly expands and contracts in said direction parallel to said axis; and wherein upon application of a second oscillating voltage across said second input terminal and said second common terminal, said second input ceramic layer alternatingly expands and contracts in said direction parallel to said axis; and wherein said expansion and contraction of said first and second input ceramic layers in said direction parallel to said axis causes a first oscillating mechanical strain of said first and second output ceramic layers parallel to said axis; and wherein said first oscillating mechanical strain of said first and second output ceramic layers piezoelectrically generates a third oscillating voltage between said first and second faces of each of said first and second output ceramic layers.