planar magnetic technology (
Notabug.org) for Headphones
Planar magnetic technology is being revived by a few specialist HiFi audio companies. These companies make headphones with planar drivers that are based on the old school that deliver the most powerful, full-bodied sound distinctive.
This paper focuses on the fundamental characteristics of a planar magnetic device by studying the leakage capacitance, inductance and winding and conduction losses in winding. In addition, a method for reducing the parasitic elements in these devices is suggested.
Low profile or low vertical height
Compared to traditional wire-wound magnetics Planar magnetic technology has lower profile and higher efficiency. It also reduces leakage capacitance and parasitic capacitance. This method also allows for the use of a smaller core, which lowers the total cost of the device. It also does not require the magnets to be clamped. This makes it suitable for use in power electronics devices.
Planar magnetic technology has the advantage of being smaller and lighter than traditional headphones. It can also handle more frequencies without distortion. This is because the flat diaphragm used in these devices is typically composed of a thin film with a conductor trace. This film can react quickly to audio signals and produce high sound pressure levels easily.
This means that the audio that these devices produce is more rich and detailed. This is why they are preferred by many audiophiles, especially those who want to listen to music in their office or at home. It is crucial to remember that a
planar magnetic driver requires a powered amplifier as well as a digital audio converter to function properly.
The sound that is produced is more natural and precise when compared to dynamic drivers. Planar magnetic drivers are also able to respond faster to changes in the audio signal, which means they are perfect for listening to music that is fast.
Despite their advantages however, planar magnet drivers do have a few drawbacks. One of them is their price which is due to the massive amount of magnetic material needed for them to operate. Their weight and size can be a challenge particularly when they're being utilized as portable devices.
Wide band gap (WBG) devices
Wide band gap (WBG) semiconductors are a class of materials that exhibit higher electrical properties than conventional silicon-based devices. They can withstand higher current density as well as higher voltages and lower switching losses. They are therefore ideal for optoelectronics as well as power electronics applications. Wide band gap semiconductors, like gallium nitride and silicon carbide, offer significant improvements in performance and size. They are also more environmentally friendly than conventional silicon devices. These advantages make them appealing to satellite and aerospace manufacturers.
Planar magnetic drivers operate in the same way as dynamic drivers. An electrical conductor moves between two magnets fixed when audio signals pass through them. Instead of a coil attached to a conical diaphragm, planar magnetic drivers utilize conductors in a flat array connected to, or embedded into a diaphragm made of film that can be made very thin. The conductors are made up of coils that are placed on the diaphragm and sit directly between two magnets. This causes the push/pull phenomenon that triggers the diaphragm's movement.
This technology creates distortion-free music reproduction and has an unique sound that many listeners find pleasing. The uniform distribution of the magnetic force across the entire surface of the driver and the absence of a coil behind the diaphragm cause it to move evenly and quickly, resulting in an extremely precise, detailed sound. The resulting sound is known as isodynamic, orthodynamic, or magnetically-incident.
Generally speaking, headphones with magnetic drivers with planar design cost more than other technologies due to their complexity and price. There are a few good and affordable choices like the Rinko from Seeaudio or S12 Z12 from LETSHUOER which have recently been released.
Power electronics
Contrary to conventional wire wound magnetic components, planar magnetics are more effective in dispersing heat. This lets them handle more power without creating excessive strain or audible strain. This makes them ideal for applications such as headphones. Planar magnetics are more efficient and also offer a higher power density. This technology is particularly suited to applications such as electric vehicle fast charging, battery management, and military systems.
Compared to dynamic driver headphones which use a diaphragm that's suspended by a voice coil planar magnetic drivers work on a much different principle. A flat array of conductors sits directly on the diaphragm, and when an electromagnetic signal runs through the array, it creates a push-pull interaction with the magnets on both sides of the diaphragm. This causes soundwaves to move the diaphragm, and create audio.
Due to their higher surface-to volume ratio which is why planar magnetic devices are more effective than conventional magnetics. They are able to disperse heat more effectively, which allows for higher switching frequencies while still maintaining their maximum temperature ratings. They also have lower thermal sensitivity than wire-wound devices. This allows them to be used in smaller power electronic circuits.
Designers must consider several factors to optimize a planar booster inductor. These include core design and winding configurations as well as losses estimation and thermal modeling. Ideally, the inductor should have a low leakage and winding capacitance. It should also be easy to integrate into a PCB. It should also be able to handle high currents and be of a compact size.
The inductor should also be compatible with multilayer PCBs using through-hole or SMD packages. Additionally, the copper thickness needs to be thin enough to limit eddy currents in the layers and
planar magnetic technology also prevent thermal coupling between conductors.
Flexible circuit-based planar winding based on flexible circuits
In the field of planar magnetic technology, flex circuit-based windings can be employed to make an inductor with high efficiency. They use a single-patterned conductor layer on a flexible dielectric film. They can be constructed with a variety foils. Copper foil is a popular choice because it has excellent electrical properties. It is also processed to permit termination features on both the back and front. The conductors of a flex-circuit are connected with thin lines that extend beyond the edges on the substrate. This gives the flexibility needed for automated bonding using tape. Single-sided flexes are available in a variety of thicknesses and conductive finishes.
In a typical pair of planar headphones, the diaphragm is set between two permanent magnets that vibrate in response to the electric signals sent by your audio device. The magnetic fields create the sound wave that moves across the entire surface of the diaphragm, creating a piston-like motion which prevents distortion and breakups.
Planar magnetic headphones can reproduce a variety of frequencies, particularly at lower frequencies. This is because they have a larger surface area than traditional cone-type drivers, allowing them to move more air. Moreover, they can also reproduce bass sounds with a much higher clarity and detail.
However they are expensive to make and require a powered amplifier and DAC to function properly. In addition, they are larger and heavier than standard drivers, making them difficult to transport or fit into smaller spaces. Also, their low impedance requires lots of power to drive them and can add up quickly when you're listening to music at high volumes.