A groundbreaking new loudspeaker, less than 0.25mm thick, has been developed by University of Warwick engineers, using technology that could signal the beginning of the end for conventional speakers.

Lightweight and inexpensive to manufacture, the speakers are slim and flexible: they could be concealed inside ceiling tiles or car interiors, or printed with a design and hung on the wall like a picture.

Pioneered by University of Warwick spin-out company, Warwick Audio Technologies, the  ‘Flat, Flexible Loudspeaker’ (FFL) is ideal for public spaces as it delivers directional sound waves, which project further than sound from conventional speakers.

Steve Couchman, CEO of Warwick Audio Technologies, is passionate about the technology and believes it could entirely replace the speakers currently used in homes and in cars, as well as in public address systems used in passenger terminals and shopping centres.

He says: “We believe this is a truly innovative technology. Its size and flexibility means it can be used in all sorts of areas where space is at a premium. Audiovisual companies are investigating its use as point of sale posters for smart audio messaging and car manufacturers are particularly interested in it for its lightweight and thinness, which means it can be incorporated into the headlining of cars, rather than lower down in the interior.”

All speakers work by converting an electric signal into sound. Usually, the signal is used to generate a varying magnetic field, which in turn vibrates a mechanical cone, so producing the sound.

Warwick Audio Technology’s FFL technology is a carefully designed assembly of thin, conducting and insulating, materials resulting in the development of a flexible laminate, which when excited by an electrical signal will vibrate and produce sound.

The speaker laminate operates as a perfect piston resonator. The entire diaphragm therefore radiates in phase, forming an area source. The wave front emitted by the vibrating surface is phase coherent, producing a plane wave with very high directivity and very accurate sound imaging.

“Another great application would be in PA systems for public spaces,” says Steve. “The sound produced by FFL's can be directed straight at its intended audience. The sound volume and quality does not deteriorate as it does in conventional speakers, which means that public announcements in passenger terminals, for example, could be clearer, crisper, and easier to hear.”

The FFL was first developed by Dr Duncan Billson and Professor David Hutchins of the University of Warwick, with early trials using just two sheets of tin foil and an insulating layer of baking paper to produce sound. Since then its design has significantly evolved and the technology is now ready for commercial exploitation

Warwick Audio Technologies was spun out with the support of the University of Warwick’s technology transfer office, Warwick Ventures, and has been funded by Synergis Technologies and the Mercia Technology Seed Fund.

The company is currently in negotiations with a number of commercial partners and continues to welcome fresh approaches. It expects to launch its first commercial product following the next funding round later this year.

For further information, please contact:

1. Beck Lockwood, Campuspr Midlands Ltd. Tel:0121 451 1321; mobile: 0778 3802318; email: beck@campusprmidlands.co.uk

2. Peter Dunn, Press and Media RelationsManager, University of Warwick
Tel 024 76 523708 or 07767 655860 email p.j.dunn@warwick.ac.uk

Notes for editors:

1. Pictures of the speakers are available on request. Please contact Beck Lockwood on 0121 451 1321.

2. Warwick Audio Technologies was founded to develop technology invented by Dr Duncan Billson and Professor DavidHutchins, of the School of Engineering, at the University of Warwick. Dr. Billson is the company’s Technical Director.

3. Steve Couchman, CEO of WAT, has over 30 years experience in senior/MD positions in the manufacture & distribution of electronics with a number of blue chip companies, as well as a spin-out company from the University of Leeds.

4. Warwick Ventures was created in April 2000 to build on the research successes of the University of Warwick. Warwick Ventures is responsible for ensuring that the intellectual property that is the result of the University's annual research spend – some £86 million- is properly protected and commercialised for the benefit of the academics, the University, the region and the nation. For more information, see:www.ventures.warwick.ac.uk