ELECTROACOUSTICS - 2023/4

Module Overview

This module is intended to provide you with a solid grounding in electro-acoustics with emphasis on the study of loudspeakers and microphones including use of single degree of freedom modelling.

Module provider

Music & Media

Module Leader

MASON Russell (Music & Med)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 5

Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A

Module Availability

Year long

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

• TON1023 Audio Signal Analysis
• TON1024 Computer Systems
• TON1029 Audio Electronics 1

Module content

Indicative content includes:

• Use of the single degree of freedom model in electro-acoustic devices


• Deriving mathematical expressions for microphone and loudspeaker behaviour


• Calculation of loudspeaker and microphone characteristics from physical parameters


• Transduction mechanisms in loudspeakers


• Operating principles of moving coil, electrostatic, ribbon and horn loudspeakers


• Design of a loudspeaker using commercially available parts


• Analysis of results of experimental data produced in class


• Performance limitations of typical loudspeaker designs


• Principles of operation of pressure, pressure gradient, combination, condenser, moving coil, and ribbon microphones.


• Microphone specifications.

Assessment pattern

Alternative Assessment

N/A

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is designed to provide you with the opportunity to demonstrate academic writing skills, solution of calculation based problems, and application of theory to a design proposal.

Summative  Assessment

• Two written coursework assessments based on microphones (addresses learning outcomes 1-5) and loudspeakers (addresses learning outcomes 6-10); and


• 2-hour examination - a written paper given under exam conditions (addresses learning outcomes 1-9).

Formative  assessment

There are no formal formative assessment components for this module, but formative feedback will be given to you in tutorials and throughout seminar and practical workshops, and in the form of regular revision questions in lectures.

Feedback

Written feedback will be given on the coursework assignments. You will receive verbal feedback on your practical work throughout the module, particularly in seminars and practical workshops, and in the form of regular revision questions in lectures.

Module aims

• Familiarise you with the principles behind the operation of common transducers and how the alteration of various physical parameters will affect the performance characteristics of the device.
• Familiarise you with the use of single degree of freedom modelling

Learning outcomes

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching strategy is designed to: deepen understanding of loudspeaker and microphone design following on from HE4 introduction in Level 4 Recording Techniques.

 

The learning and teaching methods include:

• 22 two-hour lectures


• A practical loudspeaker measurement session followed by report writing and results analysis


• Independent reading and research

 

Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.

Reading list

https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: TON2014

Programmes this module appears in

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2023/4 academic year.