Electret microphones offer a low-cost alternative to condenser microphones if the requirements are less demanding.
Are there similar electret planar loudspeakers around? Then we won't need dangerous high bias voltages...
Are there similar electret planar loudspeakers around? Then we won't need dangerous high bias voltages...
I don't know, but what I do know is that the diaphragm bias supply usually isn't that dangerous because it usually can't deliver much current. The secondary side of the step-up transformer that is connected to the stators is quite dangerous, but you would also need that for an electret loudspeaker.
Hi,
the size of the electret membrane material shouldn´t be a problem.
It´s rather that the amount of charge literally ´frozen´ into the diaphragm is not very high.
IIrc it would be equivalent to a maximum bias voltage of 800V to 1000V .... sufficient for Mics, HPs and Tweeters, but insufficient for almost any reasonably large sized ESL panel.
Also the electret layer adds mass to the diaphragm ... and the mass-related drop of SPL comes with diaphragms of 6µm up.
As Marcel already pointed out is the bias supply not the dangerous part of a typical panel, where the diaphragm is ´shielded´ against the outside by the stators and the current capability of the suppy is very low.
The real advantage of the electret would be the lower effort and the cost of electronics.
jauu
Calvin
the size of the electret membrane material shouldn´t be a problem.
It´s rather that the amount of charge literally ´frozen´ into the diaphragm is not very high.
IIrc it would be equivalent to a maximum bias voltage of 800V to 1000V .... sufficient for Mics, HPs and Tweeters, but insufficient for almost any reasonably large sized ESL panel.
Also the electret layer adds mass to the diaphragm ... and the mass-related drop of SPL comes with diaphragms of 6µm up.
As Marcel already pointed out is the bias supply not the dangerous part of a typical panel, where the diaphragm is ´shielded´ against the outside by the stators and the current capability of the suppy is very low.
The real advantage of the electret would be the lower effort and the cost of electronics.
jauu
Calvin