Harman Kardon® in
GreenEdge: The Sound of Efficiency
Harman Kardon® GreenEdge™ audio systems offer superior sound quality and high SPL output levels with minimum energy consumption. The new systems utilize unique amplifier and speaker technologies delivering substantial increases in component and system efficiency levels. GreenEdge amplifiers outperform traditional amplifier efficiency by up to 55 percent – representing a net efficiency of more than 90 percent in many cases. The acoustic transparency and dynamic response have been significantly improved at the same time in comparison with conventional systems.
This means the new Harman Kardon GreenEdge audio system solutions are better quality, more powerful, more compact, less weight, and more energy-efficient than conventional systems. And they are ready for production applications today.
The advantages at a glance:
- Amplifier efficiency up to 90 percent (increase of up to 55 percent)
- Reduced power consumption with increased audio performance
- Improved acoustic transparency and dynamic response
- Higher sound pressure levels (SPL)
- Reduced heat dissipation
- Lower system weight and packaging requirements
For many years, HARMAN has been driving the corporate initiative of energy-efficient audio and infotainment systems trademarked “GreenEdge”. The goal for these systems is twofold; to help the environment by saving energy and provide excellent performance. Market research confirms that uncompromised performance is highly valued by consumers as is the knowledge that reducing the power requirements in a car will help lower energy consumption and carbon emissions. Audio system energy efficiency becomes even more important for hybrid and electric cars of the future due to the direct effect electrical current consumption has on drivable range.
Only complete systems, where all the components work in concert with a high degree of efficiency and where all the components meet our high standard, will receive the “GreenEdge” label. With good reason – the energy-saving and thus environmentally friendly effects can only be achieved if all system components are perfectly matched to each other. This includes amplifiers, speakers, and head units, which, based on the new Intel® Atom™ processor, provides our energy efficient GreenEdge Infotainment solution.
Maximum energy efficiency is achieved through the optimum combination of low power, low weight, high-efficiency amplifiers, and speakers as well as total system tuning. Only then could such a system be designated ”HARMAN GreenEdge approved”.
The first production-ready energy-efficient HARMAN Kardon GreenEdge audio system celebrated its world premiere in March 2009 at the Geneva Motor Show. Our highly efficient solutions in the innovative Rinspeed iChange electric concept car equally impressed OEM manufacturers, journalists, and visitors.
GreenEdge High-Efficiency Amplifiers – efficiency of more than 90 percent with more compact, lightweight construction
The latest amplifier generation already achieves efficiency of more than 90 percent compared with 35 to 50 percent in the previous models. Also particularly critical here are the integrated HARMAN output stages (ICs), which are the result of intensive development collaboration by the acoustic specialists from the HARMAN Professional and Automotive Divisions. One major design aspect is that cooling is effectively not needed since very little waste heat is generated. This means that an optimized lightweight housing can be used without heavy heat sinks or need for cooling fans. A much more compact design is also possible, making installation easier where there may be limited space in the vehicle body.
GreenEdge High-Efficiency Speakers – low power consumption and high sound-pressure levels
The compact high efficiency transducers make an important contribution to energy savings, requiring far less input power. The high-efficiency speaker designs ensure higher sound pressure levels (SPL) with a dramatic increase in dynamic sound quality. The speakers are tuned for maximum efficiency and perfectly matched to the amplifier output stage. This match enables the speakers to deliver outstanding acoustic transparency and dynamism. Using innovative, lightweight materials, such as carbon fiber and an array of highly efficient design solutions also ensures optimized low mass products.
GreenEdge systems expertly combine low input power, low weight, high output transducer efficiency, together with the high efficiency amplifiers and other energy-efficient system components, to contribute to a low-energy requirement. This results in less fuel consumption and reduced pollutant emissions from vehicles.