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EC1/ES1 Electrostatic Speaker: Hardware Reference

The EC1/ES1 Electrostatic Speaker hardware reference provides detailed information about the design, specifications, and maintenance of TDT's electrostatic speakers, which are optimized for ultrasonic signal production. Key features include a low moving mass membrane, cable connection instructions, and guidelines for maximizing speaker lifespan through careful signal management. The document also outlines technical specifications for both models, emphasizing the importance of calibration in experimental setups.

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12 views9 pages

EC1/ES1 Electrostatic Speaker: Hardware Reference

The EC1/ES1 Electrostatic Speaker hardware reference provides detailed information about the design, specifications, and maintenance of TDT's electrostatic speakers, which are optimized for ultrasonic signal production. Key features include a low moving mass membrane, cable connection instructions, and guidelines for maximizing speaker lifespan through careful signal management. The document also outlines technical specifications for both models, emphasizing the importance of calibration in experimental setups.

Uploaded by

saravanan.mc670172
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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EC1/ES1 Electrostatic Speaker

Hardware Reference

Updated 2025-02-27
EC1/ES1 Electrostatic Speaker | 2

© 2016-2025 Tucker-Davis Technologies, Inc. (TDT). All rights reserved.

Tucker-Davis Technologies
11930 Research Circle
Alachua, FL 32615 USA
Phone: +1.386.462.9622
Fax: +1.386.462.5365

Notices

The information contained in this document is provided "as is," and is subject to being changed,
without notice. TDT shall not be liable for errors or damages in connection with the furnishing, use, or
performance of this document or of any information contained herein.

The latest versions of TDT documents are always online at https://www.tdt.com/docs/


Table of Contents | 3

Table of Contents

EC1/ES1 Electrostatic Speaker


Overview 4
Cable Connection 5
EC1 Coupled Electrostatic Speaker 5
Maximizing the Life of the Speakers 6
Broadband Signals 6
Click Stimuli 6

Routine Care and Maintenance 6


ES1 Technical Specifications 7
EC1 Technical Specifications 8
Frequency Response in Plexiglas Coupler 9
EC1/ES1 Electrostatic Speaker | 4

EC1/ES1 Electrostatic Speaker

Overview
TDT Electrostatic Speakers (Patent No. US 6,842,964 B1) are designed specifically for
ultrasonic signal production. The electrostatic design offers a thin, flexible membrane with an
extremely low moving mass. Unlike conventional speakers, these speakers distribute the
driving signal homogeneously over the surface of the membrane. These factors produce a
small, lightweight speaker with an excellent ultrasonic response and very low distortion.
Available with or without a coupler, both models are easy to position and are particularly well
suited for studies with small animals that have hearing in the ultrasonic range.

Part Numbers (Patent No. US 6,842,964 B1):

ES1 - Free Field Electrostatic Speaker

EC1 - Electrostatic Speaker-Coupler Model


EC1/ES1 Electrostatic Speaker | 5

Cable Connection
The ES1 and EC1 electrostatic speakers work exclusively with the ED1 Electrostatic Speaker
Driver. Input is via a 4-pin, mini-DIN connector, which carries both bias and signal voltages from
the speaker driver. Connection to the speaker driver is through a standard 6.1 m long cable.
Other cable lengths can be special ordered, but will affect the speaker's frequency response.
The speakers come fully enclosed to eliminate access to the high-voltage bias and driving
signals. A 3.175 mm mounting hole at the base of the speaker accepts a standard 4-40
standoff. See ED1 Electrostatic Speaker Driver for information about gain settings.

The orientation of the cable connection is indicated with dots on the cable connector and on
the speaker. The cable should be connected so that the dot on the cable faces towards the
speaker.

When connecting the cable, ensure that the four pin connectors are fully seated on the speaker
and the speaker driver. When the cable is repeatedly moved during the experiment, periodically
check that the connectors are fully seated.

EC1 Coupled Electrostatic Speaker

The EC1 includes a small piece of ⅛" O.D. Tygon tubing coupled to the output. The tubing will
transfer the signal best when it is kept straight. Note that the speaker performance is
dependent on the coupling system used and the ear of the animal. Users should test the
device under experimental conditions to ensure it meets their requirements. If using BioSigRZ
software, see the ABR Guide or DPOAE Guide for calibration tips. Technical Specifications
measured under specific controlled conditions are provided for comparison purposes.
EC1/ES1 Electrostatic Speaker | 6

Maximizing the Life of the Speakers


The TDT electrostatic speakers are designed to operate with input signals between 4 kHz and
110 kHz. Playing signals below 4 kHz causes a large amount of harmonic distortion that
degrades the operation of the speakers over time, causing a decreased power output across
all frequencies. Although the speakers won't clip until ±10 V, presenting continual input voltage
over ±4 V will reduce speaker lifespan.

Broadband Signals

When using broadband signals, limit the amount of energy in the low frequency ranges
whenever possible. For example, band-limiting noise stimuli with a high pass filter at 4 kHz or
above (the higher the better for the life of the speakers) and limiting complex harmonic signals,
such as frequency sweeps, to frequencies above 4 kHz can increase the effective life of the
speakers.

Click Stimuli

ABR experiments in both human and mouse studies typically use a 100 microsecond click
stimuli, which has most of its energy in the 2 kHz to 8 kHz range. Because click stimuli are
short impulses that generate signals across a broad frequency range, band limiting the
frequencies is not feasible. TDT recommends that users attenuate the click stimuli so as to
minimize the potential effects on the speaker. Also note that the shorter the stimuli the flatter
the frequency response and the greater the energy in the higher frequencies. Moreover, the
shorter the duration of the click the less total energy it has (for a given voltage).

Routine Care and Maintenance


Inspect speakers for visual damage or obstruction of the speaker holes prior to use. If there is
damage to the copper shield around the components next to the connector or debris clogging
the speaker holes, contact TDT for an RMA for repair.

Caution

NEVER attempt to clean the holes in the baseplate of the speaker. Doing so can puncture the speaker membrane.
EC1/ES1 Electrostatic Speaker | 7

When using the EC1, check the end of the Tygon tubing for cerumen and other debris and clean
as necessary.

ES1 Technical Specifications


Frequency Response ±11 dB from 4 kHz to 110 kHz

Weight 22 g

Dimensions 3.8 cm outside diameter x 2.6 cm deep

Typical Output (10 V peak input) 95 dB SPL at 10 cm, 5 kHz signal

Total Harmonic Distortion <3%, 2 kHz - 110 kHz, 4 Vp input

Free-field Frequency Response of Four Speakers at 10 cm


EC1/ES1 Electrostatic Speaker | 8

Harmonic Distortion at 4 V Peak

Noise as well as harmonic distortion is measured. Lower signal levels (e.g. above 75 kHz
shown above) have higher THD+noise because of lower signal to noise ratios. When measured
at higher signal levels, the THD above 75 kHz is actually <3% up to 110 kHz.

EC1 Technical Specifications


Frequency Response ±9 dB from 4 kHz to 110 kHz

Weight 22 g

Dimensions 3.8 cm outside diameter x 2.6 cm deep

Typical Output 90 dB SPL, 5 kHz signal*

Every experimental setup is unique. It is important to calibrate the response of the


speaker in each experimental setup.

Total Harmonic Distortion Every experimental setup is unique. It is important to calibrate the response of the
speaker in each experimental setup.
EC1/ES1 Electrostatic Speaker | 9

Frequency Response in Plexiglas Coupler

*Measurements were made in a 1 cm x 0.5 cm coupler with a 20 cm length of 2.4 mm i.e.


tubing attached to the fitting of the EC1. 4 V peak input tones were tested and frequency
response was measured with a calibrated pressure microphone.

The results of the calibration will vary depending on the type of ear to which the speaker is
coupled and the length of the tube that is coupled to the ear. This curve is provided as
representative of the type of response that may be obtained in a closed field.

In this case, the low end of the response (<5 kHz) is enhanced over the free- field response
while the high end of the response (>80 kHz) is attenuated.

Every experimental setup is unique. It is important to calibrate the response of the speaker in
each experimental setup.

Important

Modifying the EC1 or ES1 can result in unexpected changes in the transfer function. All modifications to the EC1
or ES1 should be performed by TDT. If you need to be 30-60 dB lower than specifications, or if you have one of
these devices, contact TDT for assistance.

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