# SoundBug

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> Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SoundBug
> Source revision: 1285677535
> License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/)

**Soundbug** is a small speaker that can turn a resonant flat surface into a flat panel speaker. The Soundbug is attached to a smooth [resonant](/source/Resonant) surface. This surface then acts as speaker. The tone differs depending on the surface (wood, metal, glass etc.). The Soundbug was developed by [FeONIC](/source/FeONIC) Technology (formerly Newlands Scientific), a commercial research and development company specialising in [magnetostrictive](/source/Magnetostrictive) audio products as a spin-off from [Hull University](/source/Hull_University). FeONIC used the same technology for [Whispering Windows](/source/Whispering_Windows), which is able to resonate shop windows.

Soundbug transmits the audio signal to the flat surface by way of a small piece of [Terfenol-D](/source/Terfenol-D), which is a [magnetostrictive](/source/Magnetostrictive) alloy of rare earth metals and iron. This material, when stimulated with an electrical input, causes the Terfenol to expand slightly, resulting in sound output with a very small amplitude. Once attached to a flat surface, Soundbug will translate electric signals into mechanical energy, causing the flat surface to vibrate and broadcast the sound.

## External links

- [Soundbug Whispering Windows and Invisible Speakers from FeONIC](http://www.feonic.com/)
- [Whispering Windows website](http://www.whisperingwindow.com)
- [YouTube video showing Whispering Windows and SoundBug in action](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_15Rb6weV4)
- [Bug sets windows shaking](http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/1879247.stm), BBC, 18 March 2002

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [SoundBug](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SoundBug) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SoundBug?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.