What Makes A Good Audio Transformer?
An audio transformer is an electronic audio component that transmits sound signals from the primary winding to the secondary. It functions just like a normal conventional transformer. Initially, audio transformers were designed to enhance long-distance communication as they reduce the noise and distortion by quite a fold.
This electronic audio component functions in a frequency range of 20Hz to 20kHz. It has a lot of applications in the daily used audio devices and even in the professional music industry. A lot of factors play an active role in determining the nature of an audio transformer. In this article, we will discuss such factors and see what makes a good audio transformer.
Impedance Matching Of An Audio Transformer
This is one of the prime functions of a good audio transformer. Impedance matching is the measurement of the resistance and reactance to the current flowing in the circuit. As the current is generated from an AC source, the impedance may differ between the input and output. This could result in low power transfer and high distortion levels.
That’s why a good audio transformer adjusts the levels of impedance according to the current flowing by changing the rotations of the primary and the secondary. This ensures optimal power transfer and highly accurate transmission of audio signals with low noise.
DC Blocking In An Audio Transformer
It is important to block the DC waves to ensure the proper transmission of sound signals. This is also required for matching the voltage. As amplifiers run on a low AC, it is mandatory to remove the DC component from the signal. This is another critical function of an audio transformer. The better the blocking mechanism, the better the audio transformer is.
Winding Arrangements In An Audio Transformer
Depending upon the application of the electronic audio component, the primary and secondary coils are arranged in several ways. The most common of them are phase splitting and isolation winding arrangements. In the case of the phase splitting arrangement, two anti-phase signals are produced across a combination of different turn ratios. The isolation arrangement, on the other hand, is mainly used for impedance conversion.
Specifications of An Audio Transformer
An audio transformer is designed to provide the ideal sound balance. There are a lot of specifications for this electronic audio component. The major ones are frequency response, total harmonic distortion (THD), insulation resistance, rated DC current, and insertion loss. A good audio transformer analyzes all these specifications and delivers the optimum sound output with minimized distortion. Other specifications like power levels of the source, DC resistance, bandwidth, and impedance of the primary and secondary coils also contribute to the quality of the sound output.
Applications
Audio transformers are both used as output and input transformers depending on the load impedance. In the case of low load impedance, audio transformers function as line drivers, and for the opposite case, it acts as line receivers. Apart from this, audio transformers are used in directional telephone coupling, speaker distribution, microphone, and interstage power input and output.
Conclusion
These are the things that make a good and efficient audio transformer. There are numerous applications of audio transformers in our daily lives. Starting from the speakers to the microphones, every device uses this electronic audio component. In a nutshell, an audio transformer is a device that maintains the optimal sound balance across multiple sources.
Author’s Bio
Shrey Jain is the Co-Founder of Writofy & a Chartered Accountant who works with a team of creative content writers. He holds a forte in creating informative content on niches like crypto, business, fintech, digital marketing, and several others. In addition, his willingness to learn and share his knowledge can immensely help readers get valuable insights on varied topics.
