Piezo Solutions

Discover the broad portfolio of TDK piezo solutions

PZT, or lead zirconate titanate, is one of the world’s most widely used piezoelectric ceramic materials. It is a metallic oxide and its outstanding properties have been first discovered at the Tokyo Institute of Technology around 1952. Compared to the previously discovered piezoelectric material barium titanate, PZT allows higher operating temperatures and exhibits a much stronger piezoelectric effect.

TDK is using three different basic technologies to manufacture piezoelectric devices:

Single layer types

which are mainly used for sensors, actuators or buzzers and which traditionally are manufactured by pressing technology or tape casting

Multi-layer types

incorporating internal electrodes made of AgPd or Cu are used for example for actuators or speakers

MEMS based devices

for time-of-flight measurement

With manufacturing locations for piezo components in Europe as well as in Asia, TDK is focusing on high-volume production for the global market. We offer standard products as well as customized solutions and we continuously expand our product offering with new innovative modular solutions.

Our strength

Innovative modular solutions

Piezoelectric components typically come in standardized shapes, like disks, stacks, tubes, or bimorph benders. Usually, these devices have not been designed with specific applications in mind. This makes the integration into new applications troublesome.

TDK is aiming beyond such generic components: We offer modular solutions based on piezoelectric elements, designed with a specific application in mind.

Some examples: amplified actuators, miniaturized ultrasonic sensors modules, PiezoListen™ and powder level sensors.

Copper multilayer technology

Multilayer piezoelectric devices consist of multiple layers of piezoelectric material alternating with internal electrodes. While AgPd is the industry standard as material for the inner electrodes, TDK is the only company in the market that in addition is processing copper as alternative inner electrode material for mass production since decades.

Which advantages does the use of copper offer?

High-volume production & customized solutions

Manufacturing piezoelectric devices generally involves three main steps:

First the powder needs to be prepared.
After this, the product has to be brought into the required shape, making use of pressing or tape-casting technology.
Finally sintering is creating a solid ceramic material with the requested properties.

TDK has been manufacturing piezoelectric devices for decades and has proven to be a world-class supplier for demanding applications like automotive, consumer, or even medical applications. Our focus is on mass production of standard components; however, we also offer customized solutions for high-volume applications.

Did You Know?

Acoustic Data Link

That it is possible to transmit data through metal acoustically by using piezo technology?

The Acoustic Data Link (ADL) makes use of ultrasonic waves to transmit data and electrical energy through layers of metal. Piezoelectric components convert electrical signals into mechanical vibrations which excite acoustic waves and vice versa. This effect enables devices to be identified or sensor data to be read out from within hermetically sealed metal chambers or pipes.

PiezoTap™

That this piezo touch switch is less sensitive to wet conditions compared to capacitive touch switches?

PiezoTap, currently under development at TDK, is a compact, slim, and highly sensitive (high output voltage) piezoelectric switch mountable on enclosures made of a wide range of materials, including metal, plastic, and glass which protects the electronics from moisture penetration.

InWheelSense

That piezo technology is also at the heart of InWheelSense?

TDK's new module converts the force of tire rotation into electric power and enables battery-less sensing, data collection, and transmission from the wheel.

The principle behind is called energy harvesting, a process by which energy is derived from the vibrations of a piezoelectric element. Tiny amounts of energy are captured and stored to operate the module, which is integrated into the tire.

CeraLink

That CeraLink capacitors are derived from lead zirconate titanate (PZT), a very common piezo material?

By slightly modifying the recipe a so-called antiferroelectric (AFE) material is formed. AFE materials are great for high-energy-density capacitors. Today CeraLink capacitors are used in a multitude of applications in power electronics. Two prominent examples are electric vehicles, where CeraLink capacitors enable the design of ultra-compact electronics, and home energy storage systems based on SiC or GaN technology.

CeraPlas

That TDKs CeraPlas cold plasma source is only possible because of the piezoelectric effect?

The patented CeraPlas cold plasma source is designed as a multilayer Rosen-type piezoelectric transformer. The input side features a multilayer structure with copper inner electrodes, while the output side of the transformer has a monolithic structure. As a result, you get a very compact cold plasma source that is easy to drive and that is very compact. At TDK, the focus in the use of cold plasma is on industrial, medical, and personal care applications.

Ultrasonic Sensors

To measure distances the sensor emits an ultrasonic impulse and receives the reflected signal back from the target object. Ultrasonic sensors are time of flight (TOF) sensors, as they measure the distance to the target by measuring the time difference between emission and reception.

TDK offers these ultrasonic product lines:

Ultrasonic Sensor Discs

Ultrasonic Sensor Module

Powder Level Sensors

Nebulizer Modules

MEMS ToF Sensors

Solutions for Haptics

To generate vibrotactile haptic feedback on surfaces, e.g., on displays or for wearable devices, actuators are required. Many of today’s solutions make use of electromagnetic actuators which often limit the haptic feedback to simple clicks or boring vibrations. To generate more versatile haptic feedback, so-called high-definition haptics, a new generation of actuators is required.

Piezoelectric actuators are perfect for creating high-definition haptics. This is mainly because of their short response time and large signal bandwidth. Moreover, piezo actuators come in a compact package combined with low power consumption and strong force.

TDK offers two different product lines, specifically designed for haptic feedback:

PowerHap actuators

Small but strong

PiezoHapt L actuators

Ultrathin / low driving voltage

Find more about the differences of these product families in our comprehensive solutions page and featured story:

Piezo Haptic Solutions

Learn more about TDK’s comprehensive portfolio of piezoelectric actuators for every haptic application to deliver superior, sharp, and crisp haptic feedback.

Actuators and Elements

Piezoelectric actuators can come in a variety of form factors, like stacks, bimorph benders or simple discs.

Piezoelectric stacks

Piezoelectric benders and plates

Solutions for Sound

A piezoelectric speaker is a loudspeaker that uses the piezoelectric effect for generating sound. It can be a simple buzzer, or, as in the case of our PiezoListen family a complete ultrathin speaker:

PiezoListen™ Piezo Speakers

Piezoelectric Buzzers

In case you are interested take a look to our comprehensive solutions page:

TDK Sound Solutions

Get in touch with the experts

Not found what you are looking for? Want to know more?

Please briefly describe your idea/requirement and fill out the contact form. Our piezo experts will get in contact with you.

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