Multifunction Alert Component
Multi-function alert for handheld electronic devices
Handheld electronic devices, like phones, PDAs and pagers, provide a variety of audible and vibratory output. These outputs range from beeping and vibrating alerts, to melodies and even voice. The feature sets evolve rapidly and there is continual pressure to add functionality to these products. Market forces are driving cellular phones, PDAs, handheld PCs and even watches to feature similar attributes: cellular phones are "smart"; pagers play voice messages; PDAs record memos and watches receive pages. Multimedia and the proliferation of the Internet are further driving the need for improvements in audio performance in compact products.
OMNICOMT 300 3 FUNCTIONS IN 1
The QuickPack OmniCom 300 product line consists of ultra-thin devices that provide:
1. Tone alert
2. Vibration alert
3. Voice quality speaker
Despite the requirement for new features, handheld electronic products are typically constrained by overall device size and thickness, power consumption and cost. The challenge for designers is how to add functionality while simultaneously reducing cost.
Competing Technologies
Today, handheld electronic devices use traditional technologies. Typically, rotary motors are used for vibrating alerts, piezoelectric buzzers for audible alerts and voicecoil technology for speakers. Providing multiple functions requires multiple components - multiplying component cost, manufacturing cost, product size, and power system requirements. Emerging resonant transducers, while reducing the number of components, may not provide a viable alternative due to low shake force.
QuickPack Piezoelectric Actuators
Midé QuickPack® OmniComT products uniquely provide vibration, audio alert and speaker function in a single device. Packaged in an innovative protective skin, QuickPack devices are designed for production assembly and can withstand drop tests imposed on handheld products.
Technical Details
At the heart of the OmniComT transducer is a piezoelectric actuator. When a positive or negative voltage is applied across a piezoceramic element, it will contract or expand. The actuator is constructed with two piezo-ceramic elements stacked together. Clamping one end and applying opposing voltages to the piezo elements will create controlled motion or actuation force. A mass at the tip of the actuator allows the device to provide significant shake force.
Small and Ultrathin
The actuator beam is only 0.027" thick. Since the OmniCom device is significantly thinner over the unweighted, center of the actuator (Figure 1), optimizing placement within the handheld device will allow the thinnest possible product.
Don't Sacrifice Functionality for Size
Unlike rotary motors, transducers and combination devices can only get smaller by reducing performance. The OmniCom transducer gives you a compact multi-function device without compromising vibration and SPL levels.
True Voice Quality
Voice quality speakers are routinely added to portable electronics devices to provide voice memo playback, voice messaging and full functioned internet multimedia capabilities.
The OmniCom transducer provides voice capability over the 800Hz - 3kHz range enabling you to add voice and music to your device (Figure 2).
For more information:
Please email Conor Clery (Products), or call: 781-306-0609 x292