Planar Magnetic Technology for Headphones

A few HiFi audio companies are reviving the planar magnetic iem magnetic technology. These companies design and manufacture headphones using old-school planar drivers that deliver an impressive sound quality.

This paper analyzes the core features of a planar magnet device by looking at the inductance of the winding, leakage capacitance and winding conduction losses. In addition, a method for reducing the parasitic elements in these devices is suggested.

Low profile or low vertical height

As compared to traditional wire-wound magnets, planar magnetic technology provides lower profile and greater efficiency. It also minimizes leakage and capacitance. This method allows for the use of a smaller core utilized, which reduces the cost of the device. In addition it doesn't require any clamping of the magnets. This makes it ideal for use in power electronics devices.

Planar magnetic technology has the benefit of being lighter and smaller than traditional headphones. It can also handle an increased frequency range without distortion. This is because the diaphragm that is flat in these devices is often made from a thin film with a conductor trace. This film can react quickly to audio signals and can produce high sound pressure levels with ease.

This means that the sound produced by these devices is more rich and detailed. Many audiophiles like it, especially those who wish to listen to music at work or at home. It is important to remember that a planar magnetic driver requires a powered amplifier as well as a digital audio converters in order to perform correctly.

The sound produced is more natural and precise when compared to dynamic drivers. Planar magnetic drivers are also capable of reacting to changes in audio signals much faster, making them ideal for listening to fast music.

Despite their benefits they have many disadvantages. Their high price can be partially due to the large amount magnetic material needed for their operation. Another drawback is their size and weight, which can be a problem when trying to make them portable.

Wide band gap (WBG) devices

Wide band gap (WBG) semiconductors are a type of material that have better electrical properties than silicon-based devices. They are able to handle higher current and voltage densities. This makes them ideal for power electronics and optoelectronics applications. Wide band gap semiconductors like gallium nitride and silicon carbide can provide significant enhancements in performance, size and cost. They are also environmentally friendly than traditional silicon-based products. These features make them appealing to aerospace and satellite manufacturers.

Planar magnetic drivers are based using the same fundamental principles as dynamic drivers, with an electrical conductor that moves between fixed magnets when audio signals are passed through them. Planar magnetic drivers, however, employ a flat array of conductors embedded or attached to a thin diaphragm-like film instead of a coil. The conductors are made up of coils that are placed on the diaphragm and are positioned directly between two magnets. This creates the push/pull phenomenon that creates the diaphragm's to move.

This technology produces distortion-free music and has a unique, pleasing sound. The driver is able to move uniformly and quickly due to the uniform distribution of magnetic force across the entire surface and the lack of a coil in the diaphragm. This results in a clear and accurate sound. The resulting sound is known as isodynamic, orthodynamic, or magnetically-incident.

However, because of their complex design and higher price headphones with planar magnetic drivers are typically more expensive than those using other driver technologies. There are a few excellent and affordable options, such as the Rinko from Seeaudio or S12 Z12 from LETSHUOER which have recently been released.

Power electronics

Planar magnetics dissipate heat more efficiently than traditional wire wound components. This lets them handle more power without causing excessive strain or audible strain. This makes them ideal for applications like headphones. Planar magnetics are more efficient and Planars Headphones also offer higher power density. The technology is particularly suited for applications such as fast charging of electric vehicles batteries, battery management, and military equipment.

As opposed to dynamic driver planars Headphones, which utilize a diaphragm suspended by a voice coil planar magnetic drivers operate with a completely different premise. A flat array of conductors rests directly on the diaphragm, and when an electromagnetic signal flows through the array, it triggers an interaction between the push-pull magnets on both sides of the diaphragm. This causes soundwaves to move the diaphragm and generate audio.

Planar magnetic devices are more efficient than conventional magnetics since they have a higher surface-to volume ratio. This means they are able to disperse more heat, which allows them to operate at higher frequencies of switching without exceeding their maximum temperature ratings. They have lower thermal sensitivity compared to wire-wound devices. This allows them to be utilized in smaller power electronics circuits.

To optimize a planar boost inductor, designers must take into consideration a variety of factors, including the fundamental design, winding configuration, losses estimation, and thermal modeling. Ideally, the inductor should have a low leakage and winding capacitance, and be simple to integrate into PCBs. Additionally, it must be able to handle high currents and be of a small size.

In addition, the inductor must be compatible with a multilayer PCB using SMD or through-hole packages. Additionally the copper thickness has be sufficiently thin to reduce eddy currents within the layers and also prevent thermal coupling between conductors.

Planar winding based on Flex circuits

In planar magnetic technology, flex circuit-based windings can be utilized to create an inductor with high efficiency. They are made up of a single-patterned conductor layer on a flexible dielectric film and can be fabricated using a variety of metal foils. A common choice is copper foil, which has excellent electrical properties and is processed to enable termination features on both sides. The conductors on a flex circuit are connected with thin lines that extend beyond the edges of the substrate, thereby providing the flexibility needed for tape automated bonding (TAB). Single-sided flexes can be found in many different thicknesses and conductive finishes.

In typical headphones, the diaphragm will be set between two permanent magnets that vibrate in response to the electrical signals generated by your audio device. The magnetic fields produce the soundwave that runs across the entire surface of diaphragm. This piston-like motion stops distortion and breakups.

One of the primary advantages of planar magnetic headphones is their ability to reproduce a wider frequency range, especially in the lower frequencies. The reason for this is that they have a wider surface than traditional cone-shaped speakers, allowing them to move more air. Moreover, they can also reproduce bass sounds with a higher clarity and detail.

Planar magnetic headphones are expensive to make and require a powered amplifier and DAC for operation properly. They are also larger and heavier than traditional drivers, making them difficult to transport. Additionally, their low impedance requires lots of power to drive them which can be a problem when you're listening to music at high volumes.

Stamped copper winding

Stamped copper windings can be used in planar magnet technology to increase window's efficiency and lower manufacturing costs. The technique involves placing grooves in the coil body to hold the windings in a layer-accurate location. This helps to prevent deformations of the coil and increases tolerances. This reduces scrap and improves quality control. This type of planar coil is typically used in contactor coils and relay coils. It can also be used in ignition coils as well as small transformers. It can also be used in devices with wire thicknesses of up to 0.05 millimeters. The stamping process produces a uniform coil with a high current density. The windings will be perfectly positioned.

In contrast to traditional dynamic drivers, that use a conductor voicecoil behind the diaphragm to create sound waves, planar magnetic headphones have an array of conductors that are flat and placed directly to the diaphragm. When electronic signals are applied to these conductors, they vibrate, causing an elongated motion that produces sound. Planar magnetic headphones create higher-quality sound than other kinds of audio drivers.

This technology can increase the range of transducers. This is significant because it permits them to operate over a wider frequency range. It also reduces the power requirements of the driver.

This technology is not without some drawbacks. For example, it can be difficult to produce a thin film diaphragm that can handle the high temperatures required for this type of technology. However, manufacturers like Wisdom Audio have overcome this problem by creating an adhesive-free option that can withstand temperatures of up to 725degF (385degC). This allows them to create superior audio quality without compromising on durability and longevity.