KYOCERA DEVELOPS ULTRA-THIN, LIGHTWEIGHT "PIEZO FILM SPEAKER" FOR TVs, PCs, TABLETS & CO
“Smart Sonic Sound”, utilized in flat-screen TV for first time by LG, delivers highest audio quality
29 August 2013
Kyoto/Neuss – Kyocera Corporation (NYSE:KYO) (TOKYO:6971) today announced that it has developed an ultra-thin, lightweight (medium-size model thickness: 1mm; weight: 7g) audio device, called “Smart Sonic® Sound.” The new product is based on the company’s long history of pioneering fine ceramic technology and utilizes a piezoelectric actuator combined with a special film to create a piezo film speaker. Smart Sonic Sound will not only contribute to making digital devices even thinner — such as flat-screen TVs, PCs and tablets — but also enhances audio quality for a much more realistic audio experience. Its low directivity characteristics broaden the sound projection range, providing 180-degree sound quality and bringing delicate and minute sounds to life.
Development Background
Currently there is a growing demand for even further downsizing (thickness and weight) of flat-screen TVs, PCs and other digital devices. However, up until now there has been a limit to the achievable thinness of such devices due to the size of conventionally-used cone-shaped electromagnetic speakers, which has confined design and engineering layouts. Furthermore, as organic light-emitting displays (OLED) and 4K high-definition screens create a superior visual experience, it has become necessary for audio technology to rise to new heights as well.
Main Characteristics
1. Ultra-thin, lightweight size allows flexibility in end-product design
The piezo actuator used in the new product was born from Kyocera’s proprietary fine ceramic material technology and lamination technology, combined with a special film. Smart Sonic Sound can create the same audio volume as conventional electromagnetic speakers in just a fraction of the width and weight. This allows for the speaker device to be built onto the front face of an end-product with ease — contributing to flexibility and enhancements in end-product designs.
As the new product’s piezo actuator and film create sound through vibrations, the directivity (directional projection of sound waves) is more balanced than a conventional speaker, meaning that sound quality and volume are delivered almost completely equally within a 180 degree range. Moreover, the high speed of responsivity in the Smart Sonic Sound is able to reproduce delicate and minute sounds such as raindrops and background effects with greater clarity, thus providing an even more realistic audio experience.
Other products using Kyocera piezo actuators
Kyocera has developed a range of piezo actuator products using the company’s proprietary technology. Among the wide range of applications, some notable examples include: actuators** for diesel-engine vehicles requiring high reliability; actuators*** in the world’s fastest inkjet printhead**** used for on-demand printing applications; as well as Kyocera’s Smart Sonic Receiver.
| Model | Large | Medium | Small |
| Size (mm) | 70×110×1.5 | 35×65×1.0 | 19.6×27.5×0.7 |
| Weight (g) | 23 | 7 | 1 |
| Frequency Range | 200Hz - 20kHz | 500Hz - 20kHz | 800Hz - 20kHz |
* The world’s first use of a ceramic piezoelectric actuator as the sound device for a flat-screen television. As of July 31, 2013; based on research by Kyocera.
** These actuators control fuel injection, thus enhancing fuel efficiency and reducing emissions.
*** These actuators are used to control the ejection of ink drops in inkjet printheads.
**** As of July 31, 2013; based on research by Kyocera.
“SMART SONIC and SMART SONIC RECEIVER are registered trademarks in Japan”
For more information about Kyocera: www.kyocera.eu
Press Material
- Press Release (pdf) (237.85 KB)
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