Driver converts windows into high quality loudspeakers
1 min read
A Cambridge based firm has developed a high power, modal exciter that generates high quality audio from high impedance substrates such as glass, metal and wood.
HiWave Technologies says its HIAX32C25 exciters deliver loud, clear 20W continuous (40W burst) stereo music from display panels or windows. The devices can be driven by a variety of audio amplifier topologies enabling it to run from a single AA battery.
By attaching the exciters directly to the reverse of a mirror or a metal / wood mounted artwork, users can create discrete audio systems for commercial or domestic use.
To drive high levels of bending wave energy into high impedance materials, the 32mm voice coil exciters have been designed to deliver a strong low frequency response, with a bass boosting peak, typically between 100 and 200Hz, and useful output to 10kHz and above.
To prevent acoustic roll off occurring below the resonant frequency of the panel, the HIAX32C25 moving coil exciters are intentionally resonant and include an additional suspension system - designed to have an appropriate spring constant - and damping. According to HiWave, this enables a broad resonance to be observed at a specific frequency, generating additional low frequency output.
Sampling now, the devices will be available in mass production quantities from November 2011.
