Express Paper
Open Access
Impact of Voice-Coil Temperature on Electroacoustic Parameters for Optimized Loudspeaker Enclosure Design in Small-Signal Response
Express Paper · Paper 326 · May 2025
Abstract
The study of electroacoustic parameters in relation to loudspeaker temperature has predominantly focused on large-signal conditions (i.e., high-power audio signals), with limited attention to their behavior under small-signal conditions at equivalent thermal states. This research addresses this gap by investigating the influence of voice-coil temperature on electroacoustic parameters during small-signal operation. The frequency response of the electrical input impedance and the radiated acoustic pressure were measured across different voice-coil temperatures. The results revealed temperature-dependent shifts across all parameters, including the natural frequency in free air (fS), mechanical quality factor (QMS), electrical resistance (RE), electrical inductance (LE), and equivalent compliance volume (VAS), among others. Specifically, RE and LE increased linearly with temperature, while fS decreased and VAS increased following power-law functions. These changes suggest that thermal effects influence both electrical and mechanical subsystems, potentially amplified by the viscoelastic creep effect inherent to loudspeaker suspensions. Finally, simulations of sealed and bandpass enclosures demonstrated noticeable shifts in acoustic performance under thermal variations, emphasizing the importance of considering temperature effects in enclosure design.
