Importance

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Abstract

An acoustic element assembly used in underwater receivers and projectors comprises two piezoelectric elements bonded to opposite sides of a hybrid circuit substrate (16). The hybrid circuit substrate (16) includes radial slots (32, 34, and 36) which have been cut therethrough. The radial slots (32, 34, and 36) permit a center section (31) to move bidirectionally. Integral micro-electronic circuitry which makes up the receiver or projector is fabricated in the center section (31) on both sides of an alumina ceramic disk (30) using thick and thin film technologies. Piezoelectric cylinders (12 and 14) or piezoelectric hemispheres (22 and 24) are bonded to opposite sides of disk (30) with both conductive and non-conductive bonding materials. The microelectronic circuitry is electrically connected to said cylinders or hemispheres (12, 14, 22, and 24) by conductive lines (44). The acoustic element assembly may be formed by automated techniques and does not require any internal wiring.

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First Claim