Samsung and LG Developing OLED Panels with Sound-Emitting Function
TapTechNews September 26th news, the Korean Current Affairs Magazine reported that Samsung Display and LG Display are developing an OLED panel that can emit sound through the screen itself and are currently preparing to introduce it to foldable smartphones.
It is said that the two companies, together with a Korean equipment company, have developed a piezoelectric device named Piezo, which can emit sound through the display without the need for a speaker.
Currently, although the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip series foldable phone can make voice calls when folded, it will automatically switch to the speaker to emit sound when answering the phone in the folded state (TapTechNews note: the receiver is located at the top of the front panel and the microphone is at the bottom of the phone. When the phone is folded, the distance between the two is very close, so normal calls cannot be made). If the sound comes from the display itself, this limitation can be eliminated.
Senior researcher Lee Jeong-nam of the Korea Electrotechnology Research Institute (KETI) said, Even if the piezoelectric method is not used, it is possible (to make calls in the folded state) if the distance between the microphone and the speaker can be ensured in the folded state, but if the sound can be emitted from the display itself, there is no need to ensure a separate space for the speaker, so there is greater freedom in design.
It is worth noting that this OLED panel using piezoelectric technology has previously been used in smart TVs by LG Electronics and some Chinese manufacturers. LG Display calls it CrystalSound OLED, and the principle is to use the display panel itself as the diaphragm of the speaker to emit sound.
However, compared to traditional speakers, the cost of this piezoelectric element is relatively high, so it is expected to be only used in high-end products. It is reported that Samsung Display and LG Display are considering this technology as one of the ways to develop high value-added OLED products to distinguish from Chinese companies.
An insider in the electronics industry said, As the price of OLED panels continues to decline, manufacturers such as Samsung Display and LG Display are considering OLED sound-emitting solutions as one of the ways to increase added value. However, if a piezoelectric element is added instead of a normal speaker amplifier, the price of the panel will increase, so they are cooperating with piezoelectric element manufacturers to optimize how to cheaply manufacture parts and supply them in the form needed by customers.