Module overview
Electroacoustic transducers, such as microphones and loudspeakers, are commonplace in the fields of acoustics and audio and it is important that acoustical engineers have an understanding of the theory and mechanisms of electroacoustic transduction. This module provides the knowledge to understand and predict the behaviour of a wide range of electroacoustic devices, and to relate this to real-world transducer technology.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Disciplinary Specific Learning Outcomes
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Discuss the use of crossover networks in loudspeaker systems
- Describe equivalent models for moving coil loudspeakers.
- Describe the general two-port description of transducers including their electrical, mechanical and acoustic properties.
- Understand and interpret the literature relating to loudspeaker and microphone design and operation.
- Recognise and select appropriate techniques for the analysis of electroacoustic problems
- Microphone calibration methods.
- Discuss loudspeaker and microphone performance in terms of frequency response, directivity and distortion
- Describe the principles of pressure and pressure gradient microphones and be aware of the frequency limits due to equalisation and diffraction
- Predict the influence of a baffle, a closed box and a tuned enclosure on the response of a loudspeaker.
- Understand product specifications for electroacoustic transducers and interpret manufacturers' catalogues.
- Describe the principles of operation of condenser, ceramic, electret and dynamic microphones.
- Predict changes to the electrical behaviour of a transducer by its mechanical environment and vice-versa.
- Recognise and use electroacoustic analogies.
- Recognise and use the Thiele-Small parameters
Syllabus
General Theory (9 lectures):
Description of electrical, mechanical and electroacoustic systems as two-port networks. Coupling. Analogies. Acoustic networks. Reciprocity. Microphone and loudspeaker arrays. Hydrophones.
Loudspeakers (12 lectures):
Equivalent models for moving coil loudspeakers, and relationship to practical loudspeakers. Loudspeaker performance in terms of frequency response, directivity, and distortion, and their measurement. The influence of an infinite baffle, closed box and tuned cabinets. Crossover networks. The horn equation, simple solutions and application, loudspeaker specifications. Power output and mutual coupling. Diaphragm dynamics.
Microphones (12 lectures):
Pressure and pressure gradient principles. Diffraction. Diaphragm dynamics and transduction mechanisms, hence complete frequency responses for various microphone types. Methods of calibration. Directivity of first order microphones. Diffuse field response. Highly directional microphones. Microphone specifications.
Laboratory (3 lectures):
Estimation of the Thiele Small parameters of a loudspeaker driver.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
This is a one-semester course comprising three 45 minute lectures per week. Lectures include a combination of presentation, the discussion of the properties of examples of practical loudspeakers and microphones handed round in class and a laboratory session. Past exam papers are supplied to aid personal study, feedback and revision. Blackboard is used to allow the lectures and additional material to be disseminated. Students are encouraged to read supporting texts and a booklist is provided.
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Completion of assessment task | 12 |
| Lecture | 36 |
| Wider reading or practice | 30 |
| Follow-up work | 24 |
| Revision | 45 |
| Supervised time in studio/workshop | 3 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Assessment
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Continuous Assessment | 10% |
| Final Assessment | 90% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Set Task | 100% |
Repeat
An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Set Task | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External