All items in category Magazine Articles
Modern PCB Design Practices: Part 2 — Tips and Techniques
by Ethan Winer

Modern PCB Design Practices: Part 2 — Tips and Techniques

The first article from audio expert Ethan Winer about Modern PCB Design Practices, gave a general overview of board design using surface-mounted devices (SMDs). The article examines current practices and methods for designing four-layer printed circuit boards using surface mounted components (SMDs), and this second part explains specific strategies and related issues to deal with the design and production of great quality PCBs. This article was originally published in audioXpress, March 2023.
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Patent Review: Passive Radiator with Dynamically Adjustable Resonant Frequency
by James Croft

Patent Review: Passive Radiator with Dynamically Adjustable Resonant Frequency

This review addresses an important patent awarded to Joseph F. Pinkerton (Austin, TX), on behalf of Clean Energy Labs, LLC. The patent describes an audio speaker having one or more passive radiators, and more specifically, an audio speaker having a passive radiator with dynamically adjustable resonant frequency. Croft reviews the patent and compares it with previous attempts to achieve this useful development, with significant potential if its full capability is realized.
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Modern PCB Design Practices: Part 1 — An Overview of the Process
by Ethan Winer

Modern PCB Design Practices: Part 1 — An Overview of the Process

In this two-part series, Ethan Winer examines current practices and methods for designing four-layer printed circuit boards using surface-mounted components (SMDs). A great article for our DIY readers and many developers who often are faced with the need to build and test their projects on a properly designed, prototype printed circuit board. Part 1 presents an overview of the process, while Part 2 he will explain specific strategies. Many related issues will be described along the way.
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Fresh From the Bench: Arylic Audio Up2Stream Amp V4
by Stuart Yaniger

Fresh From the Bench: Arylic Audio Up2Stream Amp V4

The Up2Stream Amp stereo streaming amplifier board from Arylic is a complete, affordable solution that invites integration by DIYers and system integrators for multiroom and wireless audio setups. This board is part of the large Arylic portfolio of audio products produced by Rakoit, a design house and OEM/ODM manufacturer with excellent credentials in digital and wireless audio. Stuart Yaniger attests to how this affordable and versatile solution performs and measures.
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Patent Review: Passive Radiator Structure
by James Croft

Patent Review: Passive Radiator Structure

This article analyzes a patent awarded in March 2017 to Yeh-Feng Chou (Taiwan), on behalf of Meiloon Industrial Co., Ltd., of a new Passive Radiator Structure, which adds some desirable attributes and improved performance. As the abstract details, the passive radiator structure includes a surround suspension, a frame, and a web-like spider having a plurality of suspension arms integrally extended to between the diaphragm and the frame, which together minimize sound distortion, increase compliance and upgrade efficiency.
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Patent Review: Low-Profile Loudspeaker Transducer
by James Croft

Patent Review: Low-Profile Loudspeaker Transducer

This review looks at a patent awarded in October 2016 to George Bullimore, on behalf of Tymphany. Considering the number of patents on shallow drivers, and the fact that the inventor also previously developed transducers for Harman International and holds other key patents, this is no doubt an interesting document to analyze in depth. This article was originally published in Voice Coil, May 2017.
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On the Subject of Standards: Filling in the Gaps Left by AES67
by Ekin Binal

On the Subject of Standards: Filling in the Gaps Left by AES67

Is the AES67 interoperability standard a viable alternative as the core solution for audio-over-IP distribution? Crestron proved that it is with its DM NAX technology filling the existing gaps of network discovery and routing. Ekin Binal, Director, Product Management (AV Solutions) at Crestron shares the company's practical experience in embracing the AES67 standard for distributing audio over a residential audio installation. This article was originally published in audioXpress, February 2023.
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Building a Haptic Dimension: The Science Behind the Taction Transporter
by James Biggs and John Steinberg

Building a Haptic Dimension: The Science Behind the Taction Transporter

Haptic motors are finding applications in gaming, music, VR/AR, and therapeutic/wellness. The Transporter is a patented transducer that delivers faster more accurate bass and is designed to work with the main audio driver in headphones. It subtly vibrates against the user’s skin to produce an extra dimension that can be described as a high-fidelity extension. Silmon J. Biggs and John Steinberg, the two masterminds behind Taction Technology share the story of this development. This article was originally published in audioXpress, January 2023.
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Patent Review: Parametric System for Generating a Sound Halo and Methods of Use Thereof
by James Croft

Patent Review: Parametric System for Generating a Sound Halo and Methods of Use Thereof

This review looks at a patent of parametric loudspeaker awarded in November 2016 to Luke Batchelder (Somers, NY), and J. Samuel Batchelder (Somers, NY) on behalf of Convey Technology, Inc. (Somers, NY). As James Croft (Croft Acoustical) comments in this patent review: "The parametric loudspeaker is one of those technologies that get rediscovered and “invented” about every 10 years." This article was originally published in Voice Coil, February 2017.
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Unified Coverage Map - A Radically Better Technology for Today’s Hybrid Environments
by Erica Yorga

Unified Coverage Map - A Radically Better Technology for Today’s Hybrid Environments

This article discusses a new patent-pending feature of Nureva’s next-generation technology for audio presentations and conferencing that provides a new perspective on how microphone coverage works in large meeting rooms. Erica Yorga, the Principal Intellectual Property manager at Nureva, details the unique features and benefits of the Unified Coverage Map technology for conference and lecture rooms. This article was originally published in audioXpress, February 2023.
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