AES New York 2018
Product Development Track Event PD06
Thursday, October 18, 10:30 am — 11:45 am (1E09)
Product Development: PD06 - Loudspeaker Life Testing and Power Amplifier Requirements
Chair:Steven Hutt, Equity Sound Investments - Bloomington, IN, USA
Panelists:
John Dawson, Jade Electronics Ltd - Cambridge, UK
D. B. (Don) Keele, Jr., DBK Associates and Labs - Bloomington, IN, USA
Richard Little, Goertek Electronics Inc. - Santa Clara, CA, USA
Loudspeaker life testing is a critical aspect of characterizing the capacity of loudspeaker (drivers/systems) to accept input voltage. The AES2 (1984/2012) standard defines an accelerated two hour test to define a safe input level from which a device under test (DUT) can recover without permanent alteration. AES2-2012 adopted use of pink noise with a 12 dB Crest Factor that has potential to demand extreme peak capability from power amplifiers. This discussion will address the challenge of updating the life test section of AES2 with incite from industry experts. Discussion may include pre/post measurements, test duration, Crest Factor, source signal, duty cycle, mechanical vs. thermal stress, maximum useful acoustic output, power amplifier requirements, and the challenge of assigning a frequency dependent power rating to loudspeakers.
 | This session is presented in association with the AES Technical Committee on Loudspeakers and Headphones |