ABSTRACT
Pulse drive motors are used in imaging systems, inchworms and impulse drive motors, piezoelectric relays, automobile adaptive suspension systems, and inkjet and diesel injection valves. This chapter considers vibration overshoot and ringing are critical drive/control issues for the class of devices; thus, effective means of suppressing the detrimental effects. The swing charge-coupled device image sensor and swing pyroelectric sensor are as examples of how actuators can be used in imaging systems. A snap-action spring or a permanent magnet is often used in conjunction with the bimorph to ensure proper contact by producing a system with mechanical bistability. Both the on and off states are mechanically stable, and no continuous application of electric field is required. The Electronic Materials Research Laboratory at RWTH Aachen University developed piezoelectrically actuated micro-electro-mechanical-system switches used for reconfigurable microwave applications.
