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CTE313 HND1 Lecture Note

The document provides an overview of various types of microphones and loudspeakers, detailing their principles of operation and applications. It covers carbon microphones, crystal microphones, moving coil loudspeakers, moving iron telephone receivers, and capacitor microphones, explaining how each device converts sound into electrical signals or vice versa. Each section includes working steps and uses, highlighting the historical significance and technological evolution of these audio devices.

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23 views11 pages

CTE313 HND1 Lecture Note

The document provides an overview of various types of microphones and loudspeakers, detailing their principles of operation and applications. It covers carbon microphones, crystal microphones, moving coil loudspeakers, moving iron telephone receivers, and capacitor microphones, explaining how each device converts sound into electrical signals or vice versa. Each section includes working steps and uses, highlighting the historical significance and technological evolution of these audio devices.

Uploaded by

therealjoepossum
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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NAME

COMPUTER ENGINERING
TECHNOLOGY

CTE 317
TELECOMMUNICATIONS ENGINEERING II
HND 1
10/03/2025

SUBMITTED TO

DR A O AYOFE
ASSIGNMENT
Write a term paper explaining with the aid of diagrams
the principles of operation and uses of: a. Carbon
microphone b. Crystal microphone; c. Moving coil
loudspeaker; d. Moving iron telephone receiver e.
Capacitor microphone

ANSWER

A. PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION OF A CARBON MICROPHONE

A carbon microphone (also known as a carbon button microphone) operates on


the principle of variable resistance. It consists of granules of carbon enclosed
between two metal plates, with one plate acting as a diaphragm. When sound
waves hit the diaphragm, the carbon granules are compressed and released, causing
variations in electrical resistance. This change in resistance modulates the electrical
current passing through the microphone, producing an electrical signal
corresponding to the sound wave.

Working Steps:

 Sound waves strike the diaphragm, causing it to vibrate.


 compress and expand the carbon granules, altering their
electrical resistance.
 A steady direct current (DC) flows through the carbon granules,
and the resistance variations cause fluctuations in the current.
 The fluctuating current produces an electrical signal that
represents the sound wave.
 The signal is amplified and transmitted for further use (e.g., in
telephones or radios).
Diagram of a Carbon Microphone

Uses of Carbon Microphones

Carbon microphones have been widely used in various applications, including:

 Telephones: Early telephones used carbon microphones for voice


transmission.
 Radio Communications: Used in early radio transmitters due to their
simplicity.
 Hearing Aids: Some early models utilized carbon microphones.
 Sound Recording: Before modern condenser and dynamic
microphones, carbon microphones were used in early audio recording
devices.
 Public Address Systems: Used in early PA systems for amplifying
voices.

Although largely replaced by modern microphones, carbon microphones were


crucial in the development of telecommunication and audio technology.

B. PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION OF A CRYSTAL MICROPHONE

A crystal microphone operates based on the piezoelectric effect, where certain


crystalline materials generate an electric voltage when subjected to mechanical
pressure or vibrations. In this microphone, a diaphragm is attached to a
piezoelectric crystal. When sound waves strike the diaphragm, it vibrates, causing
the crystal to deform and generate an electrical signal corresponding to the sound
wave.

Working Steps:

 Sound waves hit the diaphragm, making it vibrate.


 The diaphragm is connected to a piezoelectric crystal, which
deforms under mechanical pressure.
 The deformation of the crystal generates an electric voltage,
proportional to the sound wave.
 The voltage is sent as an electrical signal to an amplifier or
recording device.
Diagram of a Crystal Microphone

Uses of Crystal Microphones

Crystal microphones have been widely used in various applications, including:

1. Public Address (PA) Systems: Due to their ability to produce strong


signals without external power.
2. Early Radio and Communication Devices: Used for speech transmission.
3. Hearing Aids: Some early models utilized crystal microphones.
4. Musical Instrument Pickups: Some guitars and violins use piezoelectric
pickups.
5. Speech Recognition Devices: Used in early voice-recognition technology.

Although crystal microphones have been replaced by modern dynamic and


condenser microphones in many areas, they remain useful for applications where
simple, self-powered operation is needed.
C. PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION OF A MOVING COIL
LOUDSPEAKER

A moving coil loudspeaker operates based on electromagnetic induction and


converts electrical signals into sound waves. It consists of a diaphragm (cone), a
coil of wire (voice coil), a permanent magnet, and a supporting frame. When an
electrical audio signal passes through the voice coil, it interacts with the magnetic
field, causing the coil (and attached diaphragm) to move back and forth. This
movement generates sound waves in the surrounding air.

Working Steps

1. An audio signal (AC current) flows through the voice coil, creating a
varying magnetic field.
2. The coil is placed in the field of a permanent magnet, causing it to
experience a force due to electromagnetic interaction.
3. The coil moves back and forth, following the frequency and amplitude of
the audio signal.
4. The diaphragm, attached to the coil, vibrates, pushing air and producing
sound waves.
5. The sound waves correspond to the original audio signal, allowing the
reproduction of sound.
Diagram of a Moving Coil Loudspeaker

Uses of Moving Coil Loudspeakers

Moving coil loudspeakers are widely used in various applications, including:


 Home and Professional Audio Systems: Used in speakers, home theaters,
and professional PA systems.
 Musical Instruments: Found in electric guitar amplifiers and keyboards.
 Radio and Television Sound Systems: Used to output sound from TVs and
radios.
 Headphones and Earphones: Miniaturized versions operate on the same
principle.
 Public Address Systems: Used in auditoriums, stadiums, and outdoor
events.

Moving coil loudspeakers are the most common type of speaker due to their
efficiency, durability, and wide frequency response range.

D. PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION OF A MOVIJNG IRON TELEPHONE


RECEIVER

A moving iron telephone receiver is an early type of telephone earpiece that


converts electrical signals into sound waves using electromagnetic principles. It
consists of a diaphragm (thin iron disc), a coil wound around an electromagnet, and
a permanent magnet. When an electric current passes through the coil, it
magnetizes the iron diaphragm, causing it to move and produce sound waves.

Working Steps:

 Electrical signal from the telephone line flows into the coil, generating a
changing magnetic field.
 The changing magnetic field affects the soft iron diaphragm, attracting or
repelling it depending on the signal.
 The diaphragm vibrates, following the variations in the electrical signal.
 These vibrations produce sound waves, which are heard by the user.
Diagram of a Moving Iron Telephone Receiver

Uses of Moving Iron Telephone Receiver

 Early Telephone Handsets: Used in old landline telephones for voice


reception.
 Hearing Aids: Some early hearing devices used moving iron receivers.
 Radio Headphones: Early versions of radio headsets used this technology.
 Telegraph Sounders: Employed in Morse code communication devices.
 Intercom Systems: Found in early wired communication systems.
While modern speakers and receivers use dynamic and piezoelectric technology,
moving iron receivers played a crucial role in the development of communication
devices.

E.PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION OF CAPACITOR MICROPHONE

A capacitor microphone, also known as a condenser microphone, operates


based on the principle of capacitance variation. It consists of a diaphragm and a
backplate, which form a parallel-plate capacitor. When sound waves hit the
diaphragm, it vibrates, changing the distance between the plates and altering the
capacitance. This variation generates an electrical signal that corresponds to the
sound wave.

Working Steps:

 The microphone requires an external power source (phantom power) to


maintain the electrical charge between the diaphragm and backplate.
 Sound waves hit the diaphragm, causing it to vibrate.
 The movement of the diaphragm changes the capacitance between it and
the backplate.
 This capacitance variation generates an electrical signal, which is
amplified and processed to produce sound.

Diagram of a Capacitor Microphone


Uses of Capacitor Microphones

 Studio Recording: Used in professional studios for vocals and instruments.


 Broadcasting and Podcasts: Preferred for high-quality voice recording.
 Lavalier (Clip-on) Microphones: Small condenser microphones are used in
interviews and presentations.
 Live Sound Applications: Used in overhead drum mics, choirs, and
acoustic performances.
 Measurement and Scientific Applications: Used in precise sound analysis
and research.

Capacitor microphones are favored for their high sensitivity, wide frequency
response, and superior sound clarity, making them a standard choice for
professional audio applications.

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