Klippel KA3 Modules — Time Frequency Analysis

January 19 2022, 14:10
While Voice Coil Test Bench reviews only make use of the Large Signal Identification (LSI) data from the Klippel analyzer, the reality is that there is an amazing list of 30 modules available for the KA3 that are seriously valuable for transducer and system development. As space permits, I will be covering a number of these modules in future issues of Voice Coil. The first module in this series is the Time Frequency Analysis (TFA) module.
 
Figure 1: Example of the wavelet output from the Klippel TFA module.

The TFA is a processing module that visualizes the characteristics of an audio signal over time and frequency. Processing is based on three different methods (Wavelet Transform, Short Time Fourier Transform, Filter bank) and can be applied to any kind of time signal (e.g., from a measurement operation or an external .wav file).

In principle, TFA is a calculation technique that provides a detailed view on the behavior of an audio signal. The method simultaneously analyzes energy density in both frequency and time. Similar to a series of notes on a musical staff, it visualizes which frequency comes at which time. Based on the three different methods, the Wavelet Transform (WT), the Short Time Fourier Transform (STFT), or a Bark-scaled Filter Bank Transform (FBA), the module decomposes the input signal and visualizes the signal characteristics over frequency and time.

Output from this analysis can be seen in Figures 1-3, which are a spectrogram plot, a waterfall plot (filled and outline), and a group delay plot respectively. One of the most obvious applications is in transducer development. These various displays can be used to fine tune cone design, choose softer or harder adhesives, or finalize cone edge damping with surrounds. However, other useful applications include rub and buzz detection seen in Figure 4, and measuring room response depicted in Figure 5.

For more information, visit the Klippel GmbH website at www.klippel.de.
 
Figure 2: Example of the cumulative spectral decay (CSD) waterfall output from the Klippel TFA module.
Figure 3: Example of the group delay output from the Klippel TFA module.
Figure 4: A graph using the TFA module for Rub & Buzz detection.
Figure 5: Example using a TFA module waterfall plot for room mode and reverberation detection.
This article was originally published in Voice Coil, October 2021.
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About Vance Dickason
Vance Dickason has been working as a professional in the loudspeaker industry since 1974. A contributing editor to Speaker Builder magazine (now audioXpress) since 1986, in November 1987 he became editor of Voice Coil, the monthly Periodical for the Loudspeake... Read more

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