CIE Components in Electronics
Avnet Abacus, one of Europe’s leading interconnect, passive, electro-mechanical and power distributors and a regional business unit of Avnet, has been appointed European distribution partner by PUI Audio, one of North America’s largest providers of broadcast audio components. The deal extends the existing agreement between PUI and Avnet in the Americas.
Avnet Abacus will provide design support to customers throughout Europe on PUI Audio’s range of acoustic audio devices, including the vendor’s new Audio Sound eXciters, Slim-Line Micro Speakers and forthcoming Piezoelectric MEMS Microphones.
PUI Audio’s new line of Sound eXciters transforms nearly any object into an audio generating device. Instead of relying on a diaphragm attached to the voice coil to generate sound, eXciters are designed to couple the voice coil directly to the inside surface of an object, transforming that object’s outer surface into an invisible, protected speaker. Without the need for mounting into an optimised enclosure or specialised chambering and venting to allow sound out, PUI Audio’s eXciters can be mounted within hermetically-sealed packaging for waterproof/dustproof applications and afford more freedom for customers in outer case design. In addition, when the eXciter vibrates the surface of a product, audio is generated in a planar-wave fashion creating a more linear frequency response, meaning listeners can be positioned up to 90° off-axis of the excited surface and experience the same sound quality as a listener positioned directly in front of the excited surface.
PUI Audio’s Slim-Line Micro Speakers are designed for use where space is limited, such as in smartphones, tablets, laptops, as well as in wearable technology and IoT devices such as WiFi-enabled thermostats.
PUI Audio will also soon offer Piezoelectric MEMS Microphones. Instead of following the design of traditional capacitive MEMS microphones, trapping air between layers, PUI Audio’s piezoelectric MEMS diaphragm travels freely with sound making for improved fidelity and noise-rejection. With their IP68 rating, these new microphones are waterproof, dustproof, particle-resistant and shockproof. Also featuring a fast start-up time and low quiescent current draw, these microphones are ideal for use in nearly any application driven by voice capture and voice control.
“PUI’s audio products undergo rigorous testing throughout manufacture, and customers are assured of the very highest standards of quality control across the range,” commented Alan Jermyn, vice president of marketing for Avnet Abacus. “This partnership, founded on quality and service, is a key advantage for customers in Europe, with our product specialists located close by to offer design support for a range of sound requirements using PUI’s innovative audio components.”
“Our experience with Avnet in the Americas has delivered excellent results, and we have every confidence in repeating this success in Europe by bringing Avnet Abacus on board as a European distribution partner,” said Brian Coleman, global distribution manager at PUI. “Along with product innovation, our family business is built on superior customer service and quality. Avnet Abacus will be a great asset in ensuring that these values are met with efficiency and reliability, and with strong technical know-how, to support and help grow our customer base in Europe.”
Photo caption (left to right): Hagen Götze, director, Supplier and Product Management, Avnet Abacus; Alan Jermyn, VP marketing, Avnet Abacus; Juliette Whithair, product manager, Avnet Abacus; Brian Coleman, global distribution manager, PUI; Mike Van Den Broek, applications engineer
