An improved method for analyzing the performance of multilayer piezoelectric transformers

Multilayer piezoelectric transformers have a high potential for use in power supply units because they exhibit a large power to volume ratio and allow the flexibility in the design of voltage ratio, output impedance and output power. Although some work has been done in the design and theoretical analysis of multilayer piezoelectric transformers, it is still difficult to predict their performance accurately before fabrication. In this paper, an attempt has been made to reduce the design problem by adopting all improved method of analysis. By introducing two piezoelectric resistances to the equivalent circuit and by improving the method of calculation of equivalent circuit parameters, good agreement between theoretical predictions and experimental results of power and efficiency characteristics has been achieved. Also, a valid approach to the estimation of the maximum output power has been obtained. In addition, useful guidelines for optimizing the design of multilayer structures have been established