VOICE COIL Meaning and
Definition
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A voice coil is a critical component of a loudspeaker or headphone that plays a crucial role in converting electrical signals into audible sound vibrations. It is a coil of wire that is tightly wound around a cylindrical or bobbin-shaped former made of a lightweight material such as aluminum or kapton. The wire used is typically made of copper, known for its excellent conductivity.
The voice coil is positioned inside the magnetic structure of the loudspeaker or headphone, between the permanent magnet and the diaphragm. Tightly fixed to the diaphragm, the voice coil moves back and forth in response to the electrical signals received, thereby producing sound waves. When an electric current flows through the wire, a magnetic field develops around the coil, interacting with the permanent magnet. This interaction generates a force that propels the voice coil, causing it to move rapidly and reproduce the corresponding sound.
The voice coil's movement governs the pace and intensity of the vibrations in the diaphragm, ultimately influencing the pitch, volume, and quality of the sound produced. By adjusting the strength and direction of the electrical currents fed to the coil, it is possible to finely tune the loudspeaker or headphone's audio output, allowing for a wide range of frequencies to be accurately reproduced.
In summary, a voice coil is an integral component of audio devices that converts electrical signals into mechanical vibrations to produce sound, helping to transform electrical impulses into pleasurable auditory experiences.
Etymology of VOICE COIL
The word "voice coil" is derived from the combination of two words: "voice" and "coil".
- "Voice": In this context, the word "voice" refers to the ability to produce sound or speak. It originates from the Old French word "voiz" and the Latin word "vox", both meaning "voice" or "sound".
- "Coil": The word "coil" refers to a wound or spiral shape, typically in the form of a helix or a spiral-shaped object. It comes from the Middle English word "coilen", which means "to wind or twist". The origin can be traced back to the Old French word "coeillir" and the Latin word "coliculus", both meaning "a skein" or "a ringlet".
