A high voltage generator utilizing a single PZT element with series-connected electrodes

This paper presents a high voltage generator utilizing a single piezoelectric element (PZT, 5 mm in diameter, 740 μm thick) with electrodes series-connected via a flexible Kapton cable. High voltage pulses over 1 kV are generated in response to transient mechanical input loads. The response of high voltage generator is evaluated for stress range from 1 MPa to 5 MPa. The high voltage generator is successfully used to operate a microdischarge-based chemical vapor sensor by providing high voltage pulses to enable microdischarge sparks across a 75 μm anode-cathode gap.