Key Facts at a Glance
- CeramTec develops soft piezoceramics (PZT-based) for sensor technology, precision measurement and ultrasonic applications.
- They offer high piezoelectric sensitivity and strong electromechanical coupling, converting small signals precisely and efficiently.
- SONOX® P502 and P504 provide stable properties over temperature and time and suit combined transmitter/receiver operation.
- Used in ultrasonic distance sensors, level sensing, flow measurement and automotive sensors (operating range −40 °C to +160 °C).
Sensors and precision transducers demand materials that respond reliably to even small mechanical or electrical signals. CeramTec’s soft piezoceramics are engineered for exactly these conditions. From sensing, measurement and ultrasonic applications, our SONOX® and PZT materials provide high piezoelectric sensitivity and strong electromechanical coupling for precise and efficient energy conversion.
What are Soft Piezoceramic Materials?
Soft piezoceramics are based on modified lead zirconate titanate (PZT). Their composition allows the ferroelectric domain walls to move more easily. This produces a high piezoelectric response and high sensitivity for a given mechanical input.
In sensor applications, the material is responsible for converting a small mechanical signal into a usable electrical signal. The material choice therefore significantly influences signal strength, measurement accuracy and stability over temperature and time.
Comparison with hard piezoceramics
Soft piezoceramics are optimized for sensitivity and signal generation. Hard piezoceramics are optimized for power, efficiency and stability under high drive levels. Choose soft materials when sensitivity matters more than power handling.
What are Typical Applications for Piezoceramic Sensors
| Market | Application |
|---|---|
| Automotive | Level sensors (oil & fuel), parking distance control, knock sensors, acceleration sensors (wheel balancing machines) |
| Industrial | Ultrasonic distance sensors, flow rate measurement (water & heat metering), level sensors (storage silos), leakage detection, ultrasonic counters, burglar alarms & property protection |
| Medical Equipment | Ultrasonic diagnostics and therapy |
Selecting the Right Soft Piezoceramics
The right soft piezoceramic depends on the sensing or transmitting task and the operating environment. CeramTec’s soft materials are characterized by the following properties:
- High piezoelectric activity and sensitivity: Large charge (d33) and voltage (g33) constants convert small mechanical inputs into strong electrical signals and vice versa.
- High permittivity for efficient signal conversion: Supports efficient energy conversion in sensor and transmitter/receiver circuits.
- Tailored coupling and damping: The electromechanical coupling factor (kP) and mechanical quality factor (Qm) can be matched to the operating frequency and operating mode, from broadband sensing to resonant transmission.
- Thermal and temporal stability: SONOX® P502 and P504 provide stable piezoelectric properties over temperature and time, supporting consistent signal quality over temperature and time.
- Automotive-grade operating range: Operation from −40 °C to +160 °C for demanding vehicle and industrial environments.
- Suitable for combined transmitter/receiver operation: A single material can serve both transmitting and receiving functions within one transducer.
From Material to High-Precision Sensor
Material selection is only one part of reliable sensing and transmitting performance. Component geometry, polarization, electrodes, mechanical preload, bonding and assembly all influence how the finished transducer behaves, including sensitivity, bandwidth and temperature response.
CeramTec combines piezoceramic material expertise with component manufacturing and the development of customized sensors and transducers. This allows material, component and system design to be aligned with the requirements of the final application.
Exemplary Soft Materials for Sensor Applications
CeramTec offers a comprehensive range of piezoceramic grades tailored for sensor applications, including SONOX® P5, SONOX® P502, SONOX® P504, SONOX® P508, PZT 503, PZT5A1, PZT 5A4, and PZT5H1.
| Property | Value / Characteristic |
|---|---|
| Permittivity (εᵣ) | 1,000 – 2,000 |
| Piezoelectric Activity (d33) | ≥ 400 x 10⁻¹² C/N |
| Mechanical Quality Factor (Qm) | Low (≤ 100) |
| Operating Temperature Range | −40 °C to +160 °C (automotive-grade grades) |
| Thermal & Temporal Stability | High (SONOX® P502, SONOX® P504) |
Most sensor applications use piezoceramic elements in a combined transmitter/receiver configuration — alternating between emitting and detecting ultrasonic signals. SONOX® P502 and P504 have been specifically developed for this dual-function role, with particularly high thermal and temporal stability, making them the preferred choice for automotive sensor applications operating between −40 °C and +160 °C.
