You are here: Home / Know-how / Measurements / Transducer Parameters / Small Signal Lumped Parameters

Small Signal Lumped Parameters

Characteristics:

KLIPPEL R&D SystemKLIPPEL QC System

Resonance frequency fs

LPM, LSI3, PWT, RMA, HMAIMP, SPL-IMP, MSC

Mechanical quality factor Qms

LPM, LSI3, PWT, RMA, HMAIMP, SPL-IMP, MSC

Electrical quality factor Qes

LPM, LSI3, PWTIMP, SPL-IMP, MSC

DC resistance Re

LPM, LSI3, PWTIMP, SPL-IMP, MSC

Force factor Bl(x=0)

LPM, LSI3, PWTIMP, SPL-IMP, TSX

Mechanical resistance Rms(v=0)

LPM, LSI3, PWTIMP, SPL-IMP, TSX

Stiffness Kms(x=0) and compliance Cms(x=0)

LPM, LSI3, PWTSPL-IMP, TSX

Additional Thiele-Small parameters (e.g. Vas)

LPM, LSI3, PWTIMP, SPL-IMP, TSX

Visco-elastic parameter (creep factor λ)

LPMTSX

Lossy inductance parameters (Wright, Leach, LR2 model)

LPMIMP

The linear lumped parameters describe the vibration and transfer behavior of the transducer in the small signal domain and at frequencies where the size of the transducer is small compared to the wavelength. An electrical impedance measurement provides the parameters of the electrical equivalent circuit (e.g. dc resistance Re, resonance frequency fs, quality factors Qes, Qms and Qts). Accurate modeling of the impedance at higher frequencies requires additional lumped parameters (e.g. Leach, Wright, LR2 model) describing the electrical losses due to eddy currents in the pole tips.

 

The mechanical parameters (moving mass Mms) can be estimated by performing a second perturbation measurement (with added mass, in test enclosure). Both methods are not practical on high-frequency transducers. The test enclosure method requires accurate value of the effective radiation area Sd and the air volume. A direct measurement of the mechanical vibration and the use of a laser sensor gives more accurate results, especially if a spatial averaging on the radiators surface compensates for rocking modes. Direct measurement of the mechanical vibration reveals visco-elastic effects (creep) which reduces the stiffness of the suspension at very low frequencies. The particular Thiele-Small parameters (e.g. equivalent air volume of the suspension) can be derived from the physical parameters.

Nonlinear distortion generated by the transducer at higher amplitudes may affect the accuracy of the linear parameters. Novel measurement techniques which are based on a nonlinear loudspeaker model provide the parameter at the rest position x=0 which correspond with small signal parameters. However, due to visco-elastic properties of the suspension material, the stiffness Kms(x=0) and the resonance frequency fs(x=0) decreases with the peak displacement xpeak. The mechanical parameters without air influence can be measured by operating the transducer in vacuum.

KLIPPEL R&D SYSTEM (development)

Module

Comment

Linear Parameter Measurement (LPM)

LPM measures the small signal parameters by using a multi-tone stimulus which ensures the best SNR of voltage and current in the small signal domain. LPM supports perturbation and laser techniques, checks linear operation of the transducer and uses extended models for creep and lossy inductance.         

Large Signal Identification (LSI3)

LSI3 measures the parameter values at the rest position x=0 while exciting the speaker with pink noise of high amplitude.

Power Testing (PWT)

PWT measures the parameter values at the rest position x=0 while operating the transducer in the large signal domain using an arbitrary stimulus (music).

Scanning Vibrometer System (SCN)

SCN measures the mechanical transfer function Hx(f) by spatial averaging of the displacement at multiple points on the radiator to cope with rocking modes.

Higher Modal Analysis (HMA)

HMA performs modal analysis of distributed vibration data (like from Klippel SCN). It decomposes the total vibration into the contribution of separate modes, described by modal parameters (resonance frequency, damping coefficients, gain) and mode-shapes (characteristic vibration patterns). It visualizes cone deformation and simplifies the systematic analysis of mode interaction and sound radiation.

Rocking Mode Analysis (RMA)

RMA analyses undesired rocking modes of the diaphragm which can cause impulsive distortion. It determines imbalances in the distributions of mass, stiffness and electromagnetic force factor, the main root causes for rocking motion. It also quantifies the excitation force caused by each of these effects and supports the user to find the location of the disturbance on the diaphragm.

KLIPPEL QC SYSTEM (end-of-line testing)

Module

Comment

Impedance Task (IMP)

IMP measures the Thiele/Small and other small signal parameters of the linear transducer model at high speed using a sinusoidal sweep (chirp) or multi-tone stimulus in the small signal domain. 

Sound Pressure and Impedance Task (SPL-IMP)The SPL-IMP is a comprehensive measurement task dedicated to QC applications. It combines the speed and sensitivity of the SPL task with the precise lumped parameter measurement of the Impedance Task. A sine chirp excitation is used.

Motor+Suspension Check (MSC)

MSC dispenses with an additional small signal measurement but measures the nonlinear parameters at the rest position x=0 while operating the transducer in the large signal domain using an ultra-short multi-tone stimulus.

T/S Parameter Laser Fitting (TSX)

The TSX enhances the QC Impedance Task with laser displacement measurement for full mechanical linear parameter identification.

Example:

Templates of KLIPPEL products

Name of the Template

Application

LPM Microspeaker T/S (SP2)

Linear parameters of microspeakers using sensitive current sensor 2

LPM Subwoofer T/S (Sp1)

Linear parameters of subwoofers using standard current sensor 1

LPM Subwoofer T/S (Sp2)

Linear parameters of subwoofers using sensitive current sensor 2

LPM Tweeter T/S (SP2)

Linear parameters of tweeters using sensitive current sensor 2

LPM Woofer T/S (Sp1)

Linear parameters of woofers using standard current sensor 1

LPM Woofer T/S (Sp2)

Linear parameters of woofers using sensitive current sensor 2

LPM Woofer T/S added mass

Linear parameters of woofers using added mass method

LSI Tweeter Nonlin. Para Sp2

Tweeters with fs > 400 Hz at sensitive current sensor 2

LSI Headphone Nonlin. P. Sp2

Nonlinear parameters of headphones with fs < 300 Hz at sensitive current sensor 2

LSI Woofer Nonl. P. Sp1

Nonlinear parameters of woofers with fs < 300 Hz at standard current sensor 1

LSI Woofer Nonl.+Therm. Sp1

Nonlinear and thermal parameters of woofers with fs < 300 Hz at standard current sensor Sp1

LSI Woofer+Box Nonl. P Sp1

Nonlinear parameters of woofers operated in free air, sealed or vented enclosure with a resonance frequency fs < 300 Hz at standard current sensor Sp1

LSI Microspeaker Nonl. P. Sp2

Nonlinear parameters of microspeakers with fs > 300 Hz at sensitive current sensor 2

PWT 8 Woofers Param. ID Noise

Parameter identification of woofers using internal test signal (no cycling, no stepping)

PWT Woofer Param. ID MUSIC

Parameter Identification of Woofers using external test signal (no ON/OFF cycling, no stepping)

PWT Woofer param. ID NOISE

Parameter Identification of Woofers using internal test signal (no ON/OFF cycling, no stepping)

Diagnost. MIDRANGE Sp1

Comprehensive testing of midrange drivers with a resonance 30 Hz < fs < 200 Hz using standard current sensor 1

Diagnost. RUB&BUZZ Sp1

Batch of Rub & Buzz tests with increased voltage (applied to high power devices)

Diagnost. RUB & BUZZ Sp2

Batch of Rub & Buzz tests with increased voltage (applied to low power devices)

Diagnost. SUBWOOFER (Sp1)

Comprehensive testing of subwoofers with a resonance 10 Hz < fs < 70 Hz using standard current sensor 1

Diagnostics MICROSPEAKER Sp2

Comprehensive testing of microspeakers with a resonance 100 Hz < fs < 2 kHz using sensitive current sensor 2

Diagnostics TWEETER (Sp2)

Comprehensive testing of tweeters with a resonance 100 Hz < fs < 2 kHz using sensitive current sensor 2

Diagnostics VENTED BOX SP1

Comprehensive testing of vented box systems using standard current sensor 1

Diagnostics WOOFER (Sp1)

Comprehensive testing of subwoofers with a resonance 30 Hz < fs < 200 Hz using standard current sensor 1

Diagnostics WOOFER Sp1,2

Comprehensive testing of subwoofers with a resonance 30 Hz < fs < 200 Hz using current sensor 1 and 2



Standards

Audio Engineering Society
AES2 Recommended practice Specification of Loudspeaker Components Used in Professional Audio and Sound Reinforcement

International Electrotechnical Commission
IEC Standard IEC 60268-5 Sound System Equipment, Part 5: Loudspeakers
IEC Standard IEC 62458 Sound System Equipment – Electroacoustic Transducers - Measurement of Large Signal Parameters




Papers and Preprints

W. Klippel, U. Seidel, “Fast and Accurate Measurement of Linear Transducer Parameters,” presented at the 110th Convention of the Audio Eng. Soc., Amsterdam, May 12-15, 2001, Preprint 5308, J. of Audio Eng. Soc., Volume 49, No. 6, 2001 June, P. 526. (abstract)

M. H. Knudsen, et al., “Low-Frequency Loudspeaker Models that Include Suspension Creep,” J. of Audio Eng. Soc., Volume 41, pp. 3-18, (Jan./Feb. 1993).

M. Zollner, E. Zwicker, „Elektroakustik,“ Springer Verlag, 2003.

L. L. Beranek, “Acoustics”, McGraw-Hill, New York 1965.

D. Clark, “Precision Measurement of Loudspeaker Parameters,“ J. of Audio Eng. Soc., Volume 45, pp. 129 – 140, (1997 March).

R. H. Small, “Direct-Radiator Loudspeaker System Analysis,“ J. of Audio Eng. Soc., Volume 20, pp. 383 – 395 (1972 June).

R. H. Small, “Closed-Box Loudspeaker Systems, Part I: Analysis,” J. Audio Eng. Soc., Volume 20, pp. 798 – 808 (1972 Dec.).

A. N. Thiele, “Loudspeakers in Vented Boxes: Part I and II,” in Loudspeakers, Volume 1 (Audio Eng. Soc., New York, 1978).

J. Vanderkooy, “A Model of Loudspeaker Driver Impedance Incorporating Eddy Currents in the Pole Structure,” J. of Audio Eng. Soc., Volume 37, No. 3, pp. 119-128, March 1989.

W. M. Leach, “Loudspeaker Voice-Coil Inductance Losses: Circuit Models, Parameter Estimation, and Effect on Frequency Response,“ J. of Audio Eng. Soc., Volume 50, No. 6, pp. 442-450, June 2002.

J. R. Wright, “An Empirical Model for Loudspeaker Motor Impedance,“ J. of Audio Eng. Soc., Volume 38, No. 10, pp. 749-754, October 1990.

M. Dodd, et al., “Voice Coil Impedance as a Function of Frequency and Displacement,” presented at the 117th Convention of the Audio Eng. Soc., 2004 October 28–31, San Francisco, CA, USA.