Analytical modeling of a sandwiched plate piezoelectric transformer-based acoustic-electric transmission channel

• Published in: IEEE transactions on ultrasonics, ferroelectrics, and frequency control ferroelectrics, and frequency control, 2012-11, Vol.59 (11), p.2476-2486
• Main Authors: Lawry, T. J., Wilt, K. R., Scarton, H. A., Saulnier, G. J.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Acoustics; Algorithmics. Computability. Computer arithmetics; Analytical models; Applied sciences; Channels; Computational modeling; Computer science; control theory; systems; Computer systems and distributed systems. User interface; Dilatational waves; Exact sciences and technology; Fundamental areas of phenomenology (including applications); Materials; Mathematical analysis; Mathematical models; Physics; Piezoelectricity; Plates (structural members); Slabs; Software; Theoretical computing; Transducers; Transduction; acoustical devices for the generation and reproduction of sound; Wave propagation
• ISSN: 0885-3010; 1525-8955
• DOI: 10.1109/TUFFC.2012.2480

The linear propagation of electromagnetic and dilatational waves through a sandwiched plate piezoelectric transformer (SPPT)-based acoustic-electric transmission channel is modeled using the transfer matrix method with mixed domain two-port ABCD parameters. This SPPT structure is of great interest because it has been explored in recent years as a mechanism for wireless transmission of electrical signals through solid metallic barriers using ultrasound. The model we present is developed to allow for accurate channel performance prediction while greatly reducing the computational complexity associated with 2- and 3-dimensional finite element analysis. As a result, the model primarily considers 1-dimensional wave propagation; however, approximate solutions for higher-dimensional phenomena (e.g., diffraction in the SPPT's metallic core layer) are also incorporated. The model is then assessed by comparing it to the measured wideband frequency response of a physical SPPT-based channel from our previous work. Very strong agreement between the modeled and measured data is observed, confirming the accuracy and utility of the presented model.