A surface acoustic wave (SAW) is a kind of wave used in piezoelectric devices called SAW devices in electronics circuits. SAW devices are employed in as filters, oscillators and transformers based on the transduction of acoustic waves. A wave is a disturbance that propagates in a periodically repeating fashion, often transferring energy. ... Piezoelectricity is the ability of certain crystals to produce a voltage when subjected to mechanical stress. ... Two digital voltmeters The field of electronics is the study and use of systems that operate by controlling the flow of electrons or other electrically charged particles in devices such as thermionic valves and semiconductors. ... An electrical network or electrical circuit is an interconnection of electrical elements such as resistors, inductors, capacitors, diodes, switches and transistors. ... Electronic filters are electronic circuits which perform signal processing functions. ... An electronic oscillator is an electronic circuit that produces a repetitive electronic signal, often a sine wave or a square wave. ... A transformer is an electrical device that transfers energy from one electrical circuit to another by magnetic coupling without using any moving parts. ... A transducer is a device, usually electrical or electronic, that converts one type of energy to another. ...

Electronic devices employing the SAW normally utilize one or more interdigital transducers (IDTs) to convert acoustic wave to electrical signal and vice versa utilizing the piezoelectric effect of certain materials (quartz, lithium niobate, lithium tantalate, LGS etc). These devices are fabricated utilizing common processes used in the manufacture of silicon integrated circuits. Quartz is the most abundant mineral in the Earths continental crust. ... Lithium niobate (Li Nb O3) is a compound of niobium and lithium. ... Lithium tantalate (LiTO3) possesses unique optical, piezoelectric and pyroelectric properties which make it valuable for motion detectors, cell phones and possibly nuclear fusion. ...

SAW filters have enjoyed successful application in the booming cellular telephones market and provide significant advantages in performance, cost, and size over other filter technologies (digital signal processors, quartz crystals (bulk wave) , LC-filters, and waveguide filters). Cellular redirects here. ... A digital signal processor (DSP) is a specialized microprocessor designed specifically for digital signal processing, generally in real-time. ...

Significant research has been done in the last 20 years in the area of surface acoustic wave sensors. Sensor applications include all areas of sensing (such as chemical, optical, thermal, pressure, acceleration, and biological). SAW sensors have seen limited commercial success.

External links and references

• SAW Filter Information - Custom SAW Filter Manufacturing