Electronic – Driving piezoelectric crystals, low to high or matched impedance

impedance-matchingpiezoelectricity

When designing an interface between a fixed frequency RF generator and a piezoelectric crystal, should the aim be to match the load impedance to the source impedance (for maximum power transfer). Or should there be a low to high impedance (maximum voltage transfer).

It seems intuitive to me that a matched impedance should be required, as ultimately I am aiming for maximum acoustic power. However when researching the subject, I only seem to read about electrical energy mentioned in terms of voltage, not power. Which leads me to think that I should be aiming for a low to High impedance.

What should I be aiming for, maximum power transfer to the transducer or maximum voltage transfer to the transducer?

Best Answer

It depends on how the amp is connected to the load...

If the cable is short enough relative to wavelength not to be a transmission line, and its inductance is small enough, then you will get maximum power into your load by using a low source impedance.

However if your cable is long and becomes a transmission line at your frequency, then you have to match impedances, or else power will be reflected at the load.

So, both answers are right, and the deciding factor is the cable length.