Piezoceramic sensors convert mechanical signals - pressure, vibration, acceleration, or ultrasonic waves — into electrical signals with exceptional sensitivity and reliability. CeramTec's SONOX® materials for sensor applications are optimized for exactly this purpose: high piezoelectric activity, broad thermal stability, and consistent long-term performance.
From automotive parking systems to industrial flow measurement and medical ultrasonic diagnostics, CeramTec piezoceramic sensors are trusted in demanding environments across industries.
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 Technology | Ultrasonic diagnostics and therapy |
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.
