Tech - PS Audio Design

PSAD Technology

Powerful Haptic

The first haptics actuator which can make touch surfaces such as a display or steering wheel control to really feel like a physical button. The haptics response is very strong, even 15G or more, measured from a surface of a real application and not just read from specifications. The crisp feeling of a physical button requires immediate response time: the whole haptics signal cycle time with PSAD actuator can be less than 10ms. While the acceleration pulse of an LRA is still on-going, the PSAD actuator has already given the whole response cycle to the user. The operation frequency of the PSAD actuator can be chosen by the designer – all frequencies for haptics feedback are available. And best of all: the actuator itself is completely silent, no disturbing clicks any more. PSAD actuator is very small, the diameter of a typical haptics PSAD actuator is only 12 mm.

Sample use cases in automotive: steering wheel control area, touch control area in center console, car displays. The behaviour of PSAD actuator can be easily adjusted and customized with software. Especially in combination with optional Selection Detection functionality(Click to the link) the designer can implement an unmatched feeling of a physical button.

Panel Audio

The PSAD actuators provide immediate and powerful response, which allows their use as a motor for making a display, surface or a panel to act as a speaker. You can even make a steering wheel button to speak to you.

The advantage of using the panel (screen) as a sound source is that the sound is integrated with the image to provide a clearer audio-visual experience. In this way, you can take immersion to the next level by providing viewers with a high level of experience and maximizing the effectiveness of information delivery. It also enables haptic feedback and “Selection Detection” at the same time as audio playback, allowing more economical product development.

3 in 1 Actuator Technology

Integrating sound/haptic/selection detection, the PSAD actuator is a completely new electromagnetic actuator technology. Very small, fast and powerful actuators make possible the high-quality sound, haptic and attractive product design, and superior user experience.

Principle

The PSAD actuator consists of two parts. Upper and bottom parts are physically completely separated.

The upper part is firmly attached to the beneath of the vibrating surface, and the bottom part, including the coil, is secured to the device frame or other supporting member.

A real-time audio/haptic signal from the bottom coil changes the magnetic field inside the actuator, causing the upper magnet to vibrate. This precise control is possible only because the upper and bottom parts are separated.

By taking the principle of a simple permanent magnet to the limit, PSAD actuators are designed to have zero force at working distance. That means module positioned appropriately at the top and bottom generates minimal fixed power. This also minimizes the physical stress on the vibrating surface.

Configuration

The magnets on the upper and bottom sides are positioned in the direction of repulsion. The top and bottom structures are designed to balance the magnetic forces.

Input and drive

Power

The power handling of the PSAD actuator is determined by the thermal characteristics of the integrated design. The thermal characteristics can vary depending on the device to which it is applied, and the required power can also vary accordingly. For maximum Audio performance a smart amplifier with a thermal protection algorithm is recommended. (For example, if the actuator is mounted on an aluminum frame and cooled properly, it can handle a continuous tone of up to 5 Vrms.)

※ In the case of haptics, much higher voltage levels can be used as they are typically much shorter than audio signals.

Signal input

Both audio and haptic can be incorporated using the same DSP tuning and amplifier system. In the case of simultaneous implementation of sound and haptic, the haptic signal is combined with the sound signal and fed into the amplifier.

Driven Temperature

It operates normally at temperatures below 150 degrees Celsius.

(※ If you would like a detailed specification sheet for each actuator, please contact us.)

“Selection Detection” algorithm

The proprietary Selection Detection algorithm of the PSAD actuator is versatile and highly customizable. Detection algorithm can easily be adjusted for different kind of use cases like:

Both press and release
Deep press
Slow press

Comparison with other haptic technologies

Traditional vibration modules such as piezo and LRA have difficulty in combining fast response, strong power, quietness, and various actions at a low cost that are necessary for natural and colorful haptic effects.

In addition, because it can generate a strong physical force, it is possible to achieve ultra-quiet haptics with a low frequency band of 40-250Hz. Even for objects weighting over 1 kg.

PSAD actuators are the only technology that can provide high-quality audio + selection detection functions at the same time without generating unnecessary noise during haptic vibration. Therefore, it is also possible to develop products that are more economical and have a simple multi-functional integrated design.

Benefits

Cost-competitiveness

It does not require strict tolerances, and there is virtually no risk of damage, which reduces the cost of maintenance after launching the product.

Simplicity of design and ease of space saving

PSAD eliminates the need for complex internal designs aimed at emitting sound outside the device, as it utilizes the device surface itself as a vibrating plate. Consequently, there is no longer a requirement for separate waterproofing or dustproofing measures, and the design space previously reserved for speakers can be eliminated or repurposed for other uses, such as securing additional space for batteries.

Enabling enhanced user experience

When developing audio devices, the absence of the conventional speaker holes allows for a more user-friendly, futuristic, and versatile design.

View Application

Actuator Line-up

PSAD actuators are the world’s smallest and thinnest relative to power. The size of the physical components varies from 4 x 10 x 2 mm to D18.8 x 6 mm as shown below, and an appropriate actuator can be recommended depending on the function to be applied.

PSAD is still continuously developing a new, diverse and detailed lineup of actuators suitable for each application.

※ We can provide recommendations and consultations for actuators that are suitable for your desired application field.

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