Patent ID: 9369787
Filing Date: 2016-06-14
CPC Classification: H04R

Claim Text:
1. An apparatus comprising: a transducer membrane for generating sound waves; and a plate, through which sound waves can pass, at least partially overlaying the transducer membrane, the plate having at least one plate conduit configured to permit sound waves to pass through the plate; at least one electrical contact configured to supply a signal to a transducer comprising the transducer membrane to drive the transducer membrane to generate the sound waves; and the plate is conductive and is coupled to at least one grounding contact integrated at component level with the plate such that an electrostatic discharge passes from the plate through the at least one grounding contact without passing through the transducer membrane or the at least one electrical contact, so as to protect the transducer membrane from the electrostatic discharge; wherein the at least one grounding contact integrated at component level with the plate comprises at least one grounding contact electrically coupled via internal wiring to the plate.