A Solid-State Ion Tweeter Our Team Members Rob Alejnikov Mark Blattner Colin Joye Our Advisors Dr. Robert Caverly Dr. Pritpal Singh Dr. Joseph Kozikowski
Presentation Objectives Need Identification Project Objectives and Analysis Possible Solutions Strategy
Need Identification Increase the Range of Optimal Listening Area Quest for higher Quality Sound Reproduction
Off-Axis Frequency Response Conventional Speakers Frequency Response degrades as Off-Axis angle increases Must be On-Axis for Optimal Frequency Response Constructive and Destructive Interference causes unpredictable Frequency Attenuations
Project Objectives Create a Device that Offers the Same Frequency Content in all Directions Concentrate on High Frequencies Since They Tend to Beam the Most
Possible Solutions Line Source Omni-Polar Siamese Tractrix Emits a Line Dispersion Pattern Omni-Polar Siamese Tractrix Produces Radial Dispersion Patterns Hypersonic Pseudo-Point Source Offers Hemispherical Dispersion Patterns Omni-Directional Point Source Radiates Spherical Dispersion Patterns
Types of Sources Line Source Omni-Polar (Siamese Tractrix) Solves Vertical Positioning Does not solve Horizontal Omni-Polar (Siamese Tractrix) Solves Horizontal Positioning Does not solve Vertical
Types of Sources (cont.) Hemispherical Source Solves Horizontal and Vertical Positioning Uses Beat Frequencies Requires specific physical positioning Point Source Solves both Horizontal and Vertical Positioning
The Point Source Decision The Point Source Offers Nearly Ideal Spherical Dispersion Patterns Corona Discharge Creates a Nearly Ideal Point Source Use of Corona Allows for a More Perfect Transient Response
Point Source Implementation Ion Flame Best Practical Point Source Existing Ion Tweeters use Vacuum Tubes, creating Excessive Heat Higher Efficiency could lead to wider Frequency Response Goal Raise Efficiency, then widen Frequency Response
Strategy Model Corona Discharge as an RLC Circuit Model Existing Ion Tweeters with above model Design and Build Efficient, High-Voltage Circuit Control High-Voltage Circuit With Audio Signal Time Permitting, Upsize High-Voltage Circuit Time Permitting, Design/Build Power Supply
Semester Plan
Join Us… At http://ee.vill.edu/ion to Monitor Our Progress References Olson,Harry F. Modern Sound Reproduction. Van Nostrand Reinhold company, New York, 1972. Pg30 Web References are Located on Our Web Page Questions????