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3 Common Causes For Why Your Planar Magnetic Technology Isn't Working (And How To Fix It)
Planar Magnetic Technology for Headphones

Planar magnetic technology is being revived by a handful of specialized HiFi audio companies. These companies make headphones using old-school planar drivers that deliver an impressive sound experience.

This paper focuses on the fundamental characteristics of a planar magnetic device by examining winding inductance, leakage capacitance and conduction losses from winding. A method is also proposed to reduce the parasitic elements.

Low vertical height or low profile

Planar magnetics are more efficient and have a lower profile than wire-wound magnets. It also minimizes leakage capacitance and parasitic capacitance. This method allows for a smaller core to be employed, which reduces the cost of the device. In addition, it does not require any clamping of the magnets. This makes it ideal for use in power electronics devices.

Planar magnetic technology has the benefit of being smaller and lighter than traditional headphones. It can also handle more frequencies without distortion. This is because the diaphragm, which is flat, used in these devices is usually composed of a thin film with a conductor trace. This film is able to react quickly to audio signals and produce high levels of sound pressure quickly and easily.

As a result, the audio produced by these devices is more pronounced and clear. This is why it is highly favored by audiophiles, particularly those who want to listen to music in their workplace or at home. It is important to keep in mind that a planar magnet driver requires a powered amplifier as well as a digital audio converters to work effectively.

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

Despite their benefits they do have some drawbacks. One of these is their cost which is due to the huge amount of magnetic material needed to run. Another disadvantage is their size and weight, which can be problematic when trying to make them portable.

Wide band gap (WBG), devices

Wide band gap (WBG) semiconductors are a group of materials that possess higher electrical properties than conventional silicon-based devices. They can withstand larger current densities as well as higher voltages and lower switching losses. This makes them ideal for power electronics and optoelectronics applications. Wide band gap semiconductors, such as gallium nitride and silicon carbide, can provide significant enhancements in performance and volume. They are also more environmentally friendly than conventional silicon devices. These characteristics make them appealing to satellite and aerospace companies.

Planar magnetic drivers work in the same way as dynamic drivers. A conductor in an electrical circuit moves between magnets that are fixed when audio signals are passed through them. Planar magnetic drivers, however, employ a flat array with conductors that are attached or embedded into an elongated diaphragm that resembles a thin film instead of coils. The conductors act as coils which are placed directly on the diaphragm, and are placed between two magnets, causing the push/pull mechanism that causes the diaphragm to move.

This technology produces a clear, distortion-free music reproduction and has a unique sound that a lot of listeners find pleasing. The even distribution of magnetic force over the entire surface of the driver and the absence of a coil behind the diaphragm causes it to move in a uniform manner and quickly, resulting in high-quality, precise sound. The resulting sound is known as isodynamic, orthodynamic, or magnetically-incident.

However, due to their complex design and higher price, headphones using planar magnetic drivers are typically more expensive than those with other driver technologies. There are a few great and affordable options for example, like the Rinko from Seeaudio or S12 Z12 by LETSHUOER, that were recently released.

Power electronics

Planar magnetics dissipate heat more efficiently than wire wound components. This allows them handle more power without causing undue strain or audible strain. This makes them perfect for use in headphones. In addition to their higher efficiency, planar magnetics also provide greater power density. This technology is particularly suitable for applications like electric vehicle charging, battery management, and military systems.

Planar magnetic drivers operate in a different way than dynamic driver headphones. Dynamic driver headphones utilize a diaphragm that is suspended by a voice coil. A flat array of conductors rests directly on the diaphragm, and when an electromagnetic signal runs through the array, it triggers an interaction between the push-pull magnets on both sides of the diaphragm. This creates sound waves which move the diaphragm creating audio.

magnetic earphones are more efficient than conventional magnetics because they have a greater surface-to-volume ratio. This means that they can disperse more heat and allow them to operate at higher frequencies of switching without exceeding their maximum temperature ratings. They also have lower thermal sensitivity than wire-wound devices. This means they can be used in more compact power electronics circuits.

To maximize the performance of a planar boost inductor, designers must be aware of several aspects, such as core design winding configuration, losses estimation, and thermal modeling. Ideally, the inductor should have a low leakage and winding capacitance and be easy to integrate into the PCB. Additionally, it should be able to handle high currents and be of a tiny size.

In addition, the inductor needs to be compatible with a multilayer PCB that has a through-hole or SMD package. The copper thickness must also be thin enough to prevent thermal coupling and reduce the eddy-currents between conductors.

Flexible circuit-based planar winding based on flexible circuits

In planar magnetic technology, flex circuit-based windings can be utilized to create a high-efficiency inductor. They utilize one-patterned conductor layers on dielectric film that is flexible and can be made by using a variety of metal foils. A common choice is copper foil, which has superior electrical properties and is processed to allow termination features on both sides. The conductors in a flex-circuit are joined by thin lines which extend beyond the edges on the substrate. This allows for the flexibility required for automated bonding using tape. Single-sided flexes are available in many different thicknesses and conductive finishes.

In a typical pair of planar headphones, a diaphragm will be sandwiched between two permanent magnets. These magnets oscillate in response the electric signals sent from your audio device. These magnetic fields generate the sound wave that moves across the entire diaphragm's surface creating a piston-like movement which prevents distortion and breakups.

One of the primary advantages of planar headphones is their capacity to reproduce a greater frequency range, specifically in the lower frequencies. This is due to the fact that they can create a greater surface area than conventional cone drivers, which allows them to move more air. They also reproduce bass sounds with greater clarity and detail.

However the headphones that are planar magnetic are expensive to produce and require a powered amplifier and DAC to function effectively. They are also heavier and bigger than conventional drivers making them difficult to transport. Their low impedance also requires a lot more power to drive, which can increase when you listen to music at high volume.


Stamped copper winding

Using stamped copper windings in planar magnetic technology can improve the window utilization factor and cut down on manufacturing costs. The method works by putting grooves on the body of the coil which ensure a precise layer of the windings. This helps to prevent deformations of the coil as well as improves tolerances. It also reduces the amount of scrap that is created during production and improves quality assurance. This kind of planar coil is usually employed in contactor coils as well as relay coils. It is also found in ignition coils and small transformers. It can also be used in devices that have a wire thickness of up to 0.05 mm. The stamping process produces an even winding that has high current density. The windings will be precisely positioned.

Planar magnetic headphones, unlike traditional dynamic drivers which use a voicecoil conductor behind the diaphragm's thin surface, feature an array of conductors that are flat directly applied to the diaphragm's thin surface. The conductors vibrate when electronic signals are applied. This creates a pistonic movement that produces sound. Planar magnetic headphones provide superior sound quality compared to other types of audio drivers.

In addition to reducing weight and costs, this technology could also help increase the bandwidth of planar magnetic transducers. This is crucial, since it allows them to work in a wider frequency range. In addition, it reduces the power requirements of the driver.

This technology is not without some drawbacks. It is difficult to develop a diaphragm made of thin film capable of withstanding the high temperatures required by this type of technology. Manufacturers like Wisdom Audio have overcome the problem by creating a solution that is adhesive-free and is able to withstand temperatures as high as 725 degF. This allows them to produce audio of superior quality, without sacrificing durability and longevity.

Website: https://www.headphonesshop.uk/categories/planar-magnetic-headphones