Piezoelectric Actuators

 The piezoelectric actuator by piezoelectric ceramics with applied voltage deformation (elongation and contraction) characteristics, widely used in mobile phone camera module in automatic focusing, digital camera image stabilization system and position control device.

A piezoelectric ceramic actuator converts an electrical signal into a precisely controlled physical displacement (stroke). If displacement is prevented, a useable force (blocking force) will develop. The precise movement control afforded by piezoelectric actuators is used to finely adjust machining tools, lenses, mirrors, or other equipment. Piezoelectric actuators are also used to control hydraulic valves, act as small-volume pumps or special-purpose motors, and in other applications requiring movement or force.

Piezoelectric ceramic actuators have two different types of piezoelectric actuators that are stack actuators and stripe actuators. Stack Actuator: Stack actuators offer low stroke and a high blocking force. Based upon the user’s requirements stack actuators can be either discrete or co-fired. Stripe Actuator: A Stripe actuator, also called a bending actuator, is designed to produce a relatively large mechanical deflection in response to an electrical signal. This deflection offers a large stroke and avery limited blocking force when compared to a stack actuator.