High Frequency Broadband Hybrid Transducer/Amplifier

There is a need to develop a broad-bandwidth, efficient, small compact projector module with integral amplifier that can be imbedded in the hull of an unmanned vehicle or in the coating of a surface combatant or submarine. It should also have the capability of a hydrophone for possible use in a communications mode. The modules could be used together to form a conformal array. The transducer should also have a high coupling coefficient, yielding a high power factor and, because of the lower volt-ampere transducer requirement, a smaller power amplifier. This and the need for low frequency performance from a small container has led us to a transducer design which we call the CMX transducer which can be operated with PZT-8 or single crystal piezoelectric material, such as PMN-28%PT. This material has the advantage of considerably higher compliance, coupling coefficient, d constant and strain compared to conventional PZT-8. In this proposal we present FEA modeling results which demonstrate the exceptional performance of the CMX transducer with both PZT-8 and PMN-28%PT and its suitability for the desired application. We propose a program for the development of a practical prototype element and design for the above intended applications.