Piezoelectric receivers (e.g. hydrophones) generally have a much wider usable frequency range than acoustic / ultrasonic transmitters. This article explains why and looks at how different manufacturers specify the usable range of a hydrophone. ORIGINS OF THE PIEZOELECTRIC RECEIVER The first practical application of piezoelectric materials was in underwater sonar. That system was designed during World […]

The Navy Type PZT classifications defined in MIL-STD-1376B have been the standard for lead zirconate titanate materials for several decades. This article examines what is and what is not specified in the standard. Additionally, it briefly discusses variations in comparable materials from different manufacturers and their implications when switching vendors or adding an alternate piezoelectric […]