CeramTec delivers fast track to high gain transducers for medical ultrasonic applications

Faster and more cost-effectively

Manufacturers of medical devices can now incorporate high gain transducers into new products faster and more cost-effectively, thanks to a new package developed and supplied by CeramTec.

Combining a horned transducer and a remote drive electronics board, the kit streamlines the development process for new devices, facilitating shorter lead times for ultrasonic applications. CeramTec has launched this package to meet customer demand for added-value piezoceramic solutions that enable time and cost savings during product development.

“High gain / low loss transducers are commonly used across medical devices, with targeted, high power vibrations beneficial to a broad spectrum of applications. The technology can be used to agitate tools such as scalpels or dental descaling devices for improved performance, or to speed up the mixing or liquid samples or dissolving of solids,” explains Richard Miles, Business Development Manager at CeramTec.

 “Historically, manufacturers have developed electronic drives themselves to power transducers, but from our ongoing conversations with customers we realised that by providing everything in one package, we can cut out a significant part of their testing process and help them to focus on other areas of product development.”

This combination of board and transducer can deliver 12um p-p tip displacement with around 5W power consumption. The transducers are manufactured in low loss Navy Type III ceramic, using CeramTec's advanced design and production techniques.

Separate pre-configured 240W 24Vdc driver boards are available to suit the particular transducer type for each application. These can be positioned remotely in the machine's control cabinet and connected to the power supply and transducer head via board mounted connectors.

The analogue electronics board is designed to operate at a frequency of around 39KHz, but this can easily be changed to match the requirements of the specific application. To support future demand for smart technology, a digital communications board can be incorporated for programmable firmware, RS232 / RS485 and Bluetooth communication, self-test and performance monitoring.

Key transducer parameters are tracked to optimise the performance and maintain vibration amplitude at pre-determined levels, under a variety of drive and load conditions. The board is designed to meet the requirements of a variety of common ISO standards associated with industrial equipment.

“We know that OEMs of medical devices will want to fine-tune the technology, so we've made this kit as flexible as possible to accommodate their specific needs. Our design and manufacturing capability puts us in a strong position to work with manufacturers to develop bespoke products to accommodate specific requirements,” adds Richard.