Press release

HiWave’s ‘SoundSleeve’ acoustic module adds high quality, high volume sound to tablet computer sleeves

Cambridge, UK, June 09, 2011:: HiWave Technologies PLC, the provider of electronic and transducer solutions for audio and haptic touch, announces an acoustic module designed to be incorporated into tablet computer sleeves to deliver enhanced quality and volume audio compared with the size-compromised internal loudspeakers in tablet computing devices.

The HIAM-SS2S ‘SoundSleeve’ module comprises a pair of 2W peak audio power exciters attached to a lightweight honeycomb panel to create clear stereo sound. The panel is mounted into a thin-profile, protective shell, forming a functional module that developers of accessories for iPad and other tablet computers can easily integrate into a sleeve or cover for the devices.

The modular format embraces a range of HiWave’s intellectual property developed to create compelling audio quality and volume from small, flat surfaces. This includes the design of low-profile electromagnetic exciters, the algorithms to determine optimum positioning on any panel, the specification of the material for the ultra-light panel, and its suspension dynamics in the protective shell. The protective shell enables tablet computer sleeve developers to easily incorporate the module into soft or hard enclosures and keeps the profile slim.

Designers can incorporate amplifier and interface electronics into the module by positioning a printed circuit board and battery pack into the cavity provided in the shell. For high-end applications, HiWave is working on the development of its Audium amplifier chip and a reference design. This will optimise audio quality using the on-chip audio processing core to equalise (EQ) the signal to take into account the materials and assembly of any SoundSleeve design. The Audium chip’s signal processing capability can also be used to further enhance low-frequency performance and widen the stereo effect from a small format tablet sleeve. The tablet becomes a ‘personal cinema’.

James Lewis, CEO of HiWave said, “With tablet computing led by Apple’s iPad now finding a place in so many people’s daily lives, there is a rapidly growing market for protective sleeves that also deliver top quality audio for entertainment and conferencing to the tablet user on the move. HiWave’s flat speaker technology is the ideal solution to take tablet audio to the next level.”

HiWave is sampling its HIAM-SS2S SoundSleeve module to major customers now and production ramp will be September 2011 to meet the Christmas market demand. Indicative pricing for 1K volumes will be in the region of $12.