Design considerations of multi-layer piezoelectric transformers

Piezoelectric transformers (PTs) present an attractive solution compared with magnetic transformers because they have alternative characteristics that are appropriate for particular applications, namely high power density and high isolation levels with low EMI content. The behavior of PTs is very dependent on the material type, geometry and number of layers. Since PTs should be used in a power topology, it is necessary to establish design rules in order to select the proper specifications of the PT for each particular application. This work presents some design guidelines as well as the description of the influence of several constructive parameters on the behavior of the multi-layer PTs.