Patent Review: Acoustic Filter for Omnidirectional Loudspeaker

This is an interesting patent awarded to Lakshmikanth Tipparaju, Allan Devantier, William Decanio, and Andri Bezzola, on behalf of Samsung Electronics - effectively the audio research team that Samsung created in Valencia, CA. The industry has attempted to achieve a successful implementation of acoustic radiation closely coupled to a boundary surface for omnidirectional and subwoofer applications - unfortunately, mostly plagued by resonances generated by the waveguide or reflector surface. This new approach appears to be an effective solution.

Compact 1” to 2.5” diameter full-range drivers (micro speakers) are unquestionably one of the most used transducers in consumer electronics, finding broad applications in smart speakers, soundbars, and portable Bluetooth speakers. For this Test Bench we characterized the Punktkilde FSA621520-2300 2” diameter 3 Ω full-range driver. This article was published originally in Voice Coil, November 2018.

Compact 1” to 2.5” diameter full-range drivers (micro speakers) are unquestionably one of the most used transducers in consumer electronics. They are finding broad applications in smart speakers, soundbars, and portable Bluetooth speakers. This Test Bench examines the FSB611015-1400 neodymium full-range driver from Eastech's "designed in Denmark" Punktkilde line. This is a 1.5” diameter 4 Ω driver built on a proprietary stamped frame that is fully vented below the spider mounting shelf. This article was published originally in Voice Coil, November 2018.

When Ethan Winer found himself in need of an oscilloscope, he turned to the Internet for advice and ended up selecting LabNation’s SmartScope. Described by its makers as “the oscilloscope of the new generation” the device, originally funded by a Kickstarter campaign, is targeted at makers and hobbyists, as well as professional engineers. In his review, Winer explains why this digital oscilloscope, signal generator — analog and digital — and eight-channel logic analyzer from LabNation turned out to be perfect solution for his needs.

Celebrating its 32nd anniversary, Voice Coil carefully looks at future prospects, starting with an overview of the neodymium supply chain and its implications for the loudspeaker industry, while Test Bench characterizes two full-range neodymium drivers from Eastech’s Punktkilde compact line, typically used in smart speakers and soundbars. In acoustics patents, James Croft reviews the "Acoustic Filter for Omnidirectional Loudspeaker" patent recently awarded to Samsung Electronics. Download now!

In this edition, audioXpress pays tribute to one of its most esteemed and prolific writers, Ron Tipton (1936–2018). In our cover feature, Scott Dorsey details his fascinating visit to the Library of Congress National Audio-Visual Conservation Center. Tom Perazella concludes the construction of his flagship Egg Speakers, Andy Lewis explains more about Back EMF, Peter Lehmann shares his time-alignment design for a two-way speaker, and Ethan Winer shares his experience with the affordable LabNation SmartScope USB oscilloscope. And that's just the start of another great edition, now available in print and online.