Piezo transformers

Technology

Piezo transformers convert an electrical input into mechanical energy and subsequently reconvert this mechanical energy back to an electrical output. 

Piezo transformers are primarily used in voltage step-up applications, but can also be used in the reverse way. Attractive features of piezo transformers are high efficiency, non-flammable, no EMI and EMC and high power density leading to very compact designs.

The internal structure of the piezo transformer dictates the voltage conversion ratio.

Whereas a magnetic transformer operates by converting an electrical input to magnetic energy and then reconverting the magnetic energy back to an electrical output, piezoelectric transformers convert an electrical input into mechanical energy and subsequently reconvert this mechanical energy back to an electrical output.

The input signal causes the piezoelectric transformer to vibrate at the resonant frequency of the component. The secondary side of the transformer acts as a piezo generator, generating the transformed voltage. The efficiency associated with this acoustic activity is extraordinarily high with Q factors over 1000.

This transformer action is accomplished by utilizing properties of certain ceramic materials and structure
 

Noliac patent on Piezoelectric Transformer