4 results about "Electrostatic transducer" patented technology

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to an electrostatic speaker system (225), a vehicle audio system (200) including the electrostatic speaker system (225), and a vehicle (300) including the vehicle audio system (200). An electrostatic speaker system (225) includes a voltage conversion module (245) and an electrostatic transducer (230). The voltage conversion module (245) is configured to: receive a low voltage "speaker level" signal (220) from a vehicle audio source (205); and converts the received low voltage loudspeaker level signal (220) into a high voltage audio signal (220a). The electrostatic transducer (230) is configured to receive a high voltage audio signal (from the voltage conversion module) and to convert the high voltage audio signal (220a) into sound waves for output by the electrostatic speaker system (225). The voltage conversion module (245) comprises at least one audio transformer (250) configured to boost a voltage of the low voltage loudspeaker level signal (220) to a predefined voltage level for the high voltage audio signal (220a).

Transducer systems disclosed herein include self-sensing capabilities. In particular, electrostatic transducers include a low voltage electrode and a high voltage electrode. A low voltage sensing unit is coupled with the low voltage electrode of the electrostatic transducer. The low voltage sensing unit is configured to measure a capacitance of the electrostatic transducer, from which displacement of the electrostatic transducer may be calculated. High voltage drive signals received by the high voltage electrode during actuation may be isolated from the low voltage sensing unit. The isolation may be provided by dielectric material of the electrostatic transducer, a voltage suppression component, and / or a voltage suppression module comprising a low impedance ground path. In the event of an electrical failure of the transducer, the low voltage sensing unit may be isolated from high voltages.

Aspects of the present invention relate to an electrostatic speaker system, a vehicle audio system comprising the electrostatic speaker system, and a vehicle comprising the vehicle audio system. The electrostatic speaker system comprises a voltage conversion module and an electrostatic transducer. The voltage conversion module is configured to receive a low-voltage ‘speaker-level’ signal from a vehicle audio source; and to convert the received low-voltage speaker-level signal to a high-voltage audio signal. The electrostatic transducer is configured to receive the high-voltage audio signal (from the voltage conversion module) and to convert this high-voltage audio signal into sound waves for output by the electrostatic speaker system. The voltage conversion module comprises at least one audio transformer configured to step-up the voltage of the low-voltage speaker-level signal to a predefined voltage level for the high-voltage audio signal.

The electrostatic speaker 210 is configured to be disposed within a vehicle interior component. The electrostatic speaker comprises an electrostatic transducer 220 and a speaker grille 230 configured