(August 3, 2010) — Murata Electronics North America debuted an ultra-thin waterproof piezoelectric speaker. With a thickness of 0.9mm, this 19.5 x 14.1mm speaker enables greater design freedom for the rapidly growing and evolving mobile market.

Specific speaker characteristics include an average sound pressure level of 92.0 ±3.0dB (1400Hz ±20%, 5Vrms sine wave, 10cm) and a capacitance of 0.9μF ±30%. The speaker achieves IPX7 grade waterproof protection without a costly waterproof acoustic membrane. Using just ordinary acoustic mesh and double sided tape to seal the speaker to the front cavity, this waterproof speaker application allows for decreased application costs, thin size, and good sound performance. The high torque nature of the speaker’s piezoelectric motor also makes it idea for operation in very small and thin back cavities where dynamic speakers have difficulties. As such, these features make the speaker ideal for mobile phones, music players, digital still cameras, digital video cameras, IC recorders, e-books and other mobile equipment.

There have been numerous indicators that demonstrate the growing trend towards waterproofing mobile equipment. For example, of the 50 new Japanese mobile phone models announced in late 2010, almost one in four were waterproof. “We developed this waterproof speaker based on feedback from our customers and market trends,” said Peter Tiller, senior group product manager, Murata Electronics North America. “Too often we hear of consumers losing a phone or camera due to accidental submersion in water. We hope our new speaker will allow more mobile consumer products to be waterproof and survive life’s little accidents.”

Further information can be found at http://www.murata-northamerica.com

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