Small-signal calculations show that the maximum nominal efficiency of a horn loudspeaker compression driver is 50% and the maximum true efficiency is 100%. Maximum efficiency occurs at the driver`s resonance frequency. In the absence of driver mechanical losses, the maximum nominal efficiency occurs when the reflected acoustic load resistance equals the driver `s voice-coil resistance and the maximum true efficiency occurs when the reflected acoustic load resistance is much higher that the driver’s voice-coil resistance. To maximize the driver `s broad-band true efficiency, the Bl force factor must be increased as much as possible, while jointly reducing moving mass, voice-coil inductance, mechanical losses, and front airchamber volume. Higher compression ratios will raise high-frequency efficiency but may decrease mid-band efficiency. This paper will explore in detail the efficiency and design implications of both the nominal and true efficiency relationships including gain-bandwidth tradeoffs.
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