THE DEVELOPMENT OF A DINOSAUR INTO DRAGONS

BY STEVE MOWRY

The following is a discussion of the long term development of a high
performance low frequency transducer topology and woofer implementation.
The focus of the transducer R&D during the development period was multi-
magnet symmetrical drive assemblies as a way to improve low frequency
transducer performance. Overall the developmental transducer topologies
remained relatively consistent with incremental improvements with regards
to the initial push-pull complementary symmetrical drive topology that was
implemented in 2001. The high moving mass of low frequency transducers
makes the typical cantilevered drive topologies a far cry from the ideal. The
motivating consideration for the cantilevered drive topology seems to be at
least in part convenience based. Two dimensional illustrations and linear
parameter models were recreated from engineering notebooks and show
examples of design milestones. Two high end manufactures low frequency
transducer implementations are also illustrated with approximated
dimensions. Common transducer topology elements can be observed within
all of these illustrations. Additionally, the perceived pros and cons of each
transducer implementation will be briefly discussed; however, the
fundamental mechanical advantages of complementary symmetric topology
should be at least somewhat obvious.
In 2001 my employer asked me to design a new 6 in woofer that was
intended to be a member of the TM (Top Most) product family. At that
time, P.Audio was manufacturing and marketing their TM-12 woofer. The
TM-12 was essentially reverse engineered by inspection of the Velodyne 12
(in) Digital Drive active subwoofer (http://velodyne.com/pdf/hgs/hgs-
x_series_datasheet.pdf) before I joined P.Audios transducer development
team. A-TON Thailand, P.Audios sister company was the manufacturer of
the Velodyne 12s voice coil, at that time. Velodynes transducer
implementation utilized common sized hard ferrite magnets with open
tooling for much of the other parts. They used the popular NuWay large
progressive roll spider with open tooling. The primary basket was the
common Venezuela cast alloy basket, again with open tooling; however,
the secondary basket required custom tooling. The additional parts were
either selected and/or trimmed from open tooling parts or custom tooled.
Both the Velodyne 12 and the TM-12 were of significantly different
topology than anything that I had seen before. Finally there was a low
frequency transducer topology that seemed to be correct. I used a high
performance automotive analogy in code naming this topology as Mid-
engine, with the Wheelbase defined as the peak to peak distance between
suspension components.
2
Being an electrical engineer by training, a complementary symmetrical
configuration was something that I was familiar with and the analogy to
modern electronics design was clear. I thought what would happen to their
performance if amplifiers where designed asymmetrically like cantilevered
drive audio transducers? The only complementary symmetrical drive
transducers that I could identify then were either some planar magnetic or
electrostatic panels. Their sonic characteristics are legendary but with
limited low end output. Figure 1 contains an illustration of the TM-12 and a
linear parameter model that were recreated from my engineering notebook.
In all the following transducer illustrations (figures 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, and 11)
the blue sections are the ferromagnetic low carbon steel parts and the cyan
sections are the permanent magnets.
238mm
SECTIONAL
VIEW
TOP
VIEW
12in
Venezuela
Basket
2xNuWay
Progressive
Spider
A-TON
Voice Coil
2xMagnet
OD

200mm
ID85mm
Thick

20mm

FIGURE 1. TM-12 aka RAPTOR 12 Transducer Assembly Drawing with
a LspCAD Linear Parameter Model


3
Whereas the Velodyne 12 was used in a closed loop servo control system
with an accelerometer on board the moving assembly, the TM-12 was
marketed as a subwoofer driver without the accelerometer and/or control
system. The TM-12s parameters seemed to be suitable for car audio and
there was consumer interest for that application.
With respect to the LspCAD model in figure 1, it can be seen that mass and
stiffness were high, while the ratio of BETA/mass/cone area was moderate,
where b= (Bl)
2
/Re (N
2
/W). Using a single spider would reduce mass and
stiffness. Plus using a smaller voice coil diameter would reduce mass and
allow for a larger annular, less stiff, spider.
With that information under consideration and with the typical cost, package
size, and capability constraints, I designed an interesting small woofer. All
parts except the terminals were new and required simulation, design, and
documentation. HKS ABAQUS was used for soft-part design simulations,
including spider, surround, cone, and dust cap, while VECTOR FIELDS
OPERA was used for DC, AC, and Steady State Thermal motor design
simulations. P.Audios management licensed that software for me in early
2000 to facilitate new audio transducer development in SE Asia. These were
the same tools that were used at BOSE at that time. A transducer engineer is
really only as good as his tools and his attitude.
The primary customer for the TM-6 was MONACOR. They renamed this
woofer RAPTOR 6 (www.monacor.co.uk/products/carfi-
subwoofer/vnr/104350/) and this woofer is still sold today. An illustration
of my transducer concept assembly from 2001 and a linear parameter
LspCAD model that were recreated from my engineering notebook are
shown in figure 2.
4
Dimensions are at nominal and in
millimeters (mm) unless specified otherwise.
SECTIONAL
VIEW
TOP
VIEW
BOTTOM
VIEW
120
30
2x8
VCID

26
2x23
118
17

FIGURE 2. TM-6 a.k.a. RAPTOR 6 Transducer Concept Assembly
Drawing with a LspCAD Linear Parameter Model
TM-6/RAPTOR 6 was well received by users especially in Europe. There
are still a few videos on YouTube that contain demonstrations of the large
displacement capability of this woofer. Heres a link to an example,
www.youtube.com/watch?v=9o32OsgSyPc.


5
A detailed listing of RAPTOR 6 part specifications follows.
R.1 Gap plates material / process / finish:
Low carbon annealed steel / stamp or blank / black zinc plate
R.2 Magnets material / process / finish:
Hard ferrite / sintered with ground surfaces / none
R.3 Pole material / process / finish:
Low carbon annealed steel / cold forge or extrude with secondary
machining / black zinc plate
R.4 Primary basket material / process / finish:
Aluminum alloy / die cast with secondary machining / black paint
R.5 Secondary basket material / process / finish:
Aluminum alloy / die cast / black paint
R.6 Voice coil assembly:
2 x 2-layer heavy build copper magnet wire coils wound on a
polyimide film former with Nomex paper or equivalent collars and
braided copper tinsels attached and tinned
R.7 Spider material / process / color:
Treated cloth / hot form and trim / tan
R.8 Surround material / process:
NBR with carbon black or equivalent / injection mold
R.9 Cone material / process:
Treated paper / wet formed, semi-pressed and trim
R.10 Dust cap material / process:
Matte coated paper / wet formed, hot pressed, and trim
R.11 Terminals:
Push type
R.12 Fasteners:
Blackened steel hex head or equivalent
Sometime after leaving P.Audio to pursue independent transducer R&D, I
developed a strong interest in multi-magnet motor assemblies including but
not limited to the STEALLUS topology (STEALLUS, Part 1, Voice Coil,
Nov. 2007 and STEALLUS, Part 2, Voice Coil, Jan. 2008), www.pearl-
hifi.com/06_Lit_Archive/14_Books_Tech_Papers/Mowry_Steve/Steallus_M
otor_Design.pdf. Figure 3 contains a low frequency transducer
implementation example illustration of the STEALLUS topology.
6

223
SECTIONAL
VIEW
TOP
VIEW
Dimensions are at nominal and in
millimeters (mm) unless specified otherwise.
VCID
64
218
43
4x12
2x40
2xQUASI-
INFINITE
GAP

FIGURE 3. STEALLUS 11 Woofer Concept Assembly Drawing
It should be clear that the RAPTOR 6 and the STEALLS 11 transducer
topologies are related with the voice coils positioned between the surround
and spider, mid-engine topology. STEALLS 11 began simply as an attempt
to implement the best low frequency transducer possible. In retrospect,
the resultant implementation could be considered an upgrade to the
RAPTOR topology; however, this was not intentional. The fundamental
difference between RAPTOR 6 and STEALLS 11 is related to the
respective motor topologies, whereas RAPTOR 6 utilizes a push-pull
topology, while STEALLUS 11 utilizes a simple stacked array of two
magnetic return-less assemblies spaced by a nonferrous material. By using a
spacer between the two magnetic assemblies, the resultant voice coil
7
configuration is Quasi-XBL
2

(www.adireaudio.com/Files/XBL2TechPaper.pdf). The STEALLUS 11 is a
simplified minimalist low frequency transducer implementation with very
large and costly NdFeB magnets; however, performance potential is high for
this topology. If the magnetic assembly is purchased as a single assembled
unit and pre-magnetized, manufacture is just about as friendly as possible.
A detailed listing of STEALLUS 11 part specifications follows.
S.1 Gap plates material / process / finish:
Low carbon annealed steel / stamp or blank / black zinc plate
S.2 Magnets material / process / finish:
Neodymium Iron Boron / sintered with ground surfaces / nickel plate
S.3 Motor spacer material / process / finish:
Nonferrous stainless steel / cold forge or extrude with secondary
machining / none
S.4 Primary basket material / process / finish:
Aluminum alloy / die cast with secondary machining / black e-cote
S.5 Voice coil assembly:
8-layer heavy build aluminum magnet wire coils wound on a
polyimide film former with braided copper tinsels attached and tinned
S.6 Spider material / process / color:
Treated cloth blend / hot form and trim / tan
S.7 Surround material / process:
Polyether acoustic foam / hot form and trim
S.8 Cone material / process:
Carbon fiber-epoxy skins with Rohacell IG hard foam core or equivalent /
join in mold with adhesive and trim
S.9 Dust cap material / process:
Carbon fiber-epoxy skins with Rohacell IG hard foam core or equivalent /
join in mold with adhesive and trim
S.10 Terminals:
Push type
S.11 Fastener:
Blackened steel hex socket head or equivalent
8
Shortly after the STEALLUS discussion was published in Voice Coil, I
noticed that other high end loudspeaker manufacturers were also developing
interests in multi-magnet motor assemblies. Some of the top rated
loudspeakers had also begun to utilize multi-magnet motors. Figure 4
contains an assembly drawing with estimated dimensions that illustrates the
B&W 802D woofers topology, while figure 5 contains an assembly
drawing with estimated dimensions that illustrates the KEF BLADE
woofers topology. The transducers illustrated in figures 4 and 5 will serve
as points of reference for the purpose of a relative transducer evaluation.
The B&W 802D loudspeakers retail for US$15,000 / pair, while the KEF
BLADE loudspeakers retail for US$30,000 / pair. These are not active
loudspeakers; both systems are passive loudspeakers and require power
amplifiers.
The B&W 802D woofer has a topology that uses Neodymium Iron Boron
magnets and resembles the STEALLUS topology but with a magnetic return
path that is magnetically shorted at the very bottom of the motor,
www.bowers-wilkins.com/Discover/Discover/Technologies/Dual-Magnet-
Bass-Motor-System.html. However, thats about all that is similar. This is
obviously an asymmetric topology; the voice coil is overhung and
cantilevered; and the voice coil bobbin is large and very long. The spider
also seems undersized. There is a thick composite cone with a large dome
dust cap. All in all, this woofer appears to be an attempt to take the typical
low frequency transducer topology to a higher level of performance by using
limited motor drive symmetry.

9

200mm
SECTIONAL
VIEW
TOP
VIEW
SHORTED
GAP
EMPTY
SECONDARY
GAP

FIGURE 4. B&W 802D Woofer Assembly Drawing
The KEF BLADE woofer shown in figure 5 uses opposed hard ferrite
magnets about a gap plate in a configuration not too different from B&W
802D woofer; however the inside secondary magnet has ferrous material on
only one surface, like a missing magnet keeper. This results in a quasi-
infinite return with a very low magnet DC operating point for a magnet with
moderate thickness and thus a less than robust motor implementation. Cold
northern temperatures could cause some permanent demagnetization of that
secondary magnet. There is again obvious asymmetric topology with an
overhung large voice coil configuration.
10
225mm
SECTIONAL
VIEW
TOP
VIEW
VENTED COUPLER
SHORTED
GAP
ANALOGY
QUASI-
INFINITE
GAP

FIGURE 5. KEF BLADE Woofer Assembly Drawing
With respect to figure 5, the KEF BLADE woofers soft-parts are quit
extraordinary. The inverted shallow dome diaphragm will have limited
geometric stiffness. So unless the diaphragm is a super material such
Beryllium or Silicon Carbide, there is little hope for a wide band piston
mode. Additionally the Diving Board diaphragm to surround termination
is of concern. Diaphragms typically begin to bend at the OD as frequency is
increased.
Two spiders double the effective spider stiffness and require an additional
adhesive neck joint. I believe that KEF uses two small spiders to stabilize
the voice coil location during assembly so the soft-part shim gauge can be
removed (pulled) before the cone-surround assembly is attached. This
allows elimination of the dust cap but displacement will be constrained by
the small spiders free length. The diaphragm is also the dust cap in this
case. When I was a transducer engineer at BOSE, there was a rumor that an
engineer was fired for implementing a reverse roll surround in a small
woofer. This was only a rumor; however, reverse roll surrounds were
simply banned at BOSE at that time.
11
KEF touts a Vented Coupler that couples the voice coil bobbin to the
diaphragm. Their claims are narrated in a short video that can be view at
YouTube, www.youtube.com/watch?v=CiAVX8_QWxI. Venting under the
dust cap or in this case diaphragm seems like a good idea. Several
manufactures implement similar venting with holes in the voice coil bobbin
or the cone/diaphragm. Care must be taken because holes in the voice coil
bobbin will encourage bending or in some cases buckling and/or yield.
Finally and obviously the KEF BLADE woofers transducer topology is
asymmetric and the voice coil is cantilevered. I just cannot understand the
design objectives for such a woofer that is used in a US$30,000 loudspeaker
system. Clearly my low frequency transducer design objectives are
inconsistent with KEFs.
Having said that, the design objective for a new woofer concept was to
maximize electromagnetic, mechanical, and acoustical performance with a
hard ferrite magnet based motor assembly. Figure 6 contains the concept
transducer assembly drawing of KOMODO 9 and a simulated linear
parameter LspCAD model. All KOMODO 9 parts are unique except the
spider and terminals. The spider geometry is equivalent to the TM-
6/RAPTOR 6 spider but it is flipped over to facilitate attachment, the
bottom is now the top. It seems that I got the spider right back in 2001.



12
180
4x4
2x25
VCID

26
2x12.5
25
SECTIONAL
VIEW
TOP
VIEW
118
23
Dimensions are at nominal and in
millimeters (mm) unless specified otherwise.
BOTTOM
VIEW
PRIMARY
(CENTER)
VOICE
COIL
TOP
VOICE
COIL
BOTTOM
VOICE
COIL

FIGURE 6. KOMODO 9 Woofer Concept Assembly Drawing with a
LspCAD Linear Parameter Model


13
KOMODO 9 is another attempt to implement the best low frequency
transducer possible. Ironically, the resultant implementation can also be
considered an upgrade to the RAPTOR 6; however, again this was
unintentional. KOMODO 9 utilizes two of the push-pull type motors but in
a stacked symmetrical array such that a primary magnetic gap is
implemented along with two secondary magnetic gaps about that primary
magnetic gap.
Figure 7 contains a one half (right hand side) sectional contour plot of the
DC flux distribution simulation for the KOMODO 9 hard-part assembly.
The two magnets are magnetized in opposing directions. The primary and
secondary magnetic gaps show the focus of DC flux density. Notice that the
center pole carries only the DC flux from a single magnet in the stacked
topology mirror array. This facilitates a small diameter voice coil. This is a
critical design aspect and allows larger annular spider geometry. The bobbin
must be long to facilitate the axial stack-up. A large diameter voice coil
would thus be very high mass and would limit sensitivity.

FIGURE 7. VF OPERA DC FEA Flux Contour Plot of the KOMODO 9
Permanent Magnetic Assembly
Figure 8 contains a plot of a DC simulation of the nonlinear parameter Bl(x)
for the KOMODO 9 motor assembly; where B(x) is the position dependent
magnitude of the flux density (T); l is the length of the voice coil conductor
and l = N2pr (m) where N is the number of voice coil winding turns and r
is the radius of the voice coil. Then x is the position of the voice coil (m).
14
The data used to generate the Bl(x) plot shown is figure 8 was acquired
using proprietary voice coil emulating command files that run within the
Finite Element Model. The voice coil is segmented into three (3) segments
and the motor has three (3) magnetic gaps. The voice coil could be
considered to be a linear commutation; however, any switching must be
performed electronically. The obvious control system methodology is DSP
where each voice coil could have its own power amp.

FIGURE 8. KOMODO 9 Large Signal DC Simulation of Bl(x)
With regards to figure 8, the solid blue trace is the resultant DC magnetic
flux linkage to the primary voice coil. While the dashed blue traces are the
respective DC magnetic flux linkage to the two secondary voice coils. Then
the solid black trace is just the sum of the three blue traces. The area under
the black trace is the Work done per ampere.
Xmax
-Xmax
Work Bl(x) x d

i (Nm)
Where i is the input AC current (A).
What I call the motor bias is controlled by the distance between the
primary and secondary voice coils. The bias for KOMODO 9 was selected
for maximum linearity with minimum ripple. It should be noted that the
solid blue trace related to the primary voice coil is typical for an overhung
voice coil motor topology and is inherently nonlinear. It should also be
noted that the roll-off slope of the black trace beyond the linear region (~
12.5 mm) helps to control excessive displacement. This phenomenon is the
result of the primary magnetic gap flux linkage plus the secondary anti-
magnetic gaps flux linkage.
15
Then it can be observed that the resultant Bl(x) characteristic (the black
trace) resembles what would be expected from an under hung bias. Bl(x) is
linear and symmetrical about the rest position (x = 0) with just a bit of
ripple. The objective is for 25 mm peak to peak displacement with
reasonably low distortion at the lowest frequencies, 30 - 50 Hz.
Several other bias options are convenient. For example, the magnetic
assemblies could be spaced similar to STEALLUS 11 and an enhanced
quasi-XBL
2
bias or even enhanced under hung bias could be realized.
However, the length of the voice coil bobbin and the overall axial attack-up
would increase by the thickness of the spacer or additional gap plate
thickness.
KOMODO 9 is intended to be used in 3-way loudspeaker systems with
midrange and tweeter transducers. A detailed listing of KOMODO 9 part
specifications follows.
K.1 Gap plates material / process / finish:
Low carbon annealed steel / stamp or blank / black zinc plate
K.2 Magnets material / process / finish:
Hard ferrite / sintered with ground surfaces / none
K.3 Pole material / process / finish:
Low carbon annealed steel / cold forge or extrude with secondary
machining / black zinc plate
K.4 Basket material / process / finish:
Aluminum alloy / die cast with secondary machining / black electro-plate
K.5 Clamp ring / process / finish:
Aluminum alloy / stamp or blank / black electro-plate
K.6 Voice coil assembly:
3 x 2-layer heavy build copper clad aluminum magnet wire coils wound on
an anodized aluminum foil former with Nomex paper or equivalent collars
and insulated braided copper tinsels attached and tinned
K.7 Spider material / process / color:
Treated cloth blend / hot form and trim / dont care
K.8 Surround material / process:
NBR with carbon black or equivalent / injection mold
K.9 Diaphragm material / process:
Flat sandwich composite with carbon fiber-epoxy skins with Rohacell IG
hard foam core or equivalent / join in mold with adhesive and trim
16
K.10 Dust cap material / process:
Matte coated paper / wet formed and hot pressed
K.11 Terminals:
Push type
K.12 Fasteners:
Blackened nonferrous countersunk hex socket head or equivalent
K.13 Pole cap material / process / finish:
Aluminum alloy / forge or extrude / black electro-plate
Now in retrospect, the TM-6 was one of the best production woofers that I
ever designed! The test of time serves as a testament to this claim.
However, after more than a decade of independent transducer R&D, there is
room for improvement and an upgrade could be interesting. My claim is
then that KOMODO 9 is a serious upgrade to RAPTOR 6 with regards to
almost all aspects of performance and sets a new standard for low frequency
transducer topology.
The KOMODO topology utilizes a flat composite diaphragm with coupling
vents under the dust cap. Ironically, it was KEF that pioneered the flat
diaphragm for low frequency transducers
(www.kef.com/uploads/files/en/kef_units/A%20History%20of%20Kef%20
Drive%20Units%20issue%203.pdf). However, the flat panel composite
technology has significantly advanced since the B139 woofer et al. and
composite panels are now commonly utilized in the aerospace industry and
in F1 auto racing applications. The flat diaphragm assembly significantly
reduces the baffle cavity created by cone drivers. The basket and the
surround termination are designed to facilitate flush mounting of the
transducer from the backside of the baffle. The KEF BLADE woofer also
seems to be designed to address the cone cavity et al. The KOMODO
topology transducers utilize a trick molded surround that allows for high
displacement while relatively increasing effective diaphragm area. The
KEF BLADE and the B&W 802D woofers appear to use well dated half
roll surround topology. I am presently working with Clarasonic in Thailand
to develop flat composite diaphragms and attach trick surrounds for low
frequency transducer applications (www.clarasonic.com/).
The center of moving mass with the KOMODO topology is as close to ideal
as currently possible. While the resultant inherent mechanical stability
related to the ultra wide wheel base is second to no topology that I know
of. The backdoor lead-out eliminates through the cone lead dress. The
KOMODO 9 transducer concept is designed for manufacture and assembly
and is well suited for manufacture within Asia.
17
Another almost coincidental feature of KOMODO/RAPTOR transducer
topology is that DC Electromagnets
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electromagnet) can be conveniently utilized as
a replacement for the hard ferrite permanent magnet assemblies. In car
audio applications, a clean 12 (14) VDC source is available; otherwise a DC
voltage source is required. My research has shown that a size requirement
guideline for aluminum magnet wire field coils is approximately the same as
for hard ferrite magnets for a given b(x) (N
2
/W) target. Aluminum magnet
wire is the material of choice for two reasons, mass and cost. The mass
density of hard ferrite magnet is approximately 4,850 kg/m
3
. Whereas, the
mass density of copper is 7,760 kg/m
3
and the mass density of aluminum is
2,700 kg/m
3
. So the aluminum magnet wire electromagnets can actually
reduce transducer mass. Although, the cost of the aluminum magnet wire
field coils will be significantly less than the equivalent copper magnet wire
field coils they will still be significantly higher cost than hard ferrite
magnets.
In the cases with opposing magnet directions of magnetization such as
KOMODO 9, the assembly procedure is simplified and obviously there is
no need for a costly magnetizing system. The voice coil is shim gauged on
both the inside diameter, ID, and the outside diameter, OD, during the
assembly process to facilitate high quality and high reliability. Quality is
defined as the absence of variability.
Both the RAPTOR 6 and KOMODO 9 motor assemblies are lossy. The
DC flux leakage about the magnet(s) OD is quite high. In contrast both the
KOMODO EM 6 and KOMODO EM 9 are inherently magnetically
shielded and the external to the magnetic assembly DC flux leakage will be
low. This can be observed within the contour plots shown in figures 7 and
10. Figure 9 contains a concept assembly drawing of the KOMODO 9 EM
low frequency transducer.
I refer to KOMODO 9 EM as DSP Ready. There is the potential to
actively control the electromagnets and the voice coils inputs dynamically.


18
SECTIONAL
VIEW
TOP
VIEW
BOTTOM
VIEW
TOP
FIELD
COIL
BOTTOM
FIELD
COIL

FIGURE 9. KOMODO EM 9 Woofer Concept Assembly Drawing

19

FIGURE 10. VF OPERA DC FEA Flux Contour Plot of the KOMODO 9
EM Electro-magnetic Assembly
Figure 10 contains a DC simulation contour plot of the magnetic flux. The
DC magnetic flux goes as NI (ampere turns) from the field coils, where N is
the number of magnet wire turns and I is the DC current.
Figure 11 contains a concept assembly drawing of a TM-6/RAPTOR 6 that
has been retrofitted with the KOMODO EM transducer topology with a 12
VDC electromagnet drive, an Engine Swap analogy. Two terminals for
AC input signal are added to the bottom of the assembly, then the existing
two terminals are utilized for the 12 VDC field coils supply.
20
SECTIONAL
VIEW
TOP
VIEW
125mm
BOTTOM
VIEW

FIGURE 11. KOMODO EM 6 Woofer Concept Assembly Drawing
This discussion has briefly traced the R&D milestones that have taken low
frequency transducer topology development from the Velodynes Digital
Drive complementary symmetrical drive example to the KOMODO
topology. Are there any serious claims that asymmetric transducer
topologies with cantilevered voice coils represent an advantage in low
frequency transducer implementations? I can only identify cost and/or
inconvenience as the dominate obstacle to complementary symmetrical drive
low frequency transducer implementations.
21
Finally, both STEALLUS and KOMODO transducer topologies resulted
from independent R&D. Working independently allows for greater design
flexibility, which can sometimes map into innovation; however, the team
element of development is lost or constrained. Serious inquiries, comments,
and/or questions are welcome and encouraged. They can be sent to Steves
attention at steve.mowry@ymail.com.
The Author: Steve Mowry is in his 20
th
consecutive year of exclusively
practicing audio transducer engineering that all began within the BOSE
transducer research group (TRES) in mid 1995 after obtaining BS and MS
degrees in Electrical Engineering with highest distinction from URI. He has
worked with audio transducer and system development teams worldwide in
diverse development environments. With respect to transducer
manufacturers and part suppliers, Steve is conveniently stationed in
Southeast Asia. He is currently an independent transducer researcher and
consultant to the loudspeaker industry with strong interests in Design for
Manufacture, Supply Chain Design, Concurrent Product Development, and
Concurrent Project Management.






















Steve Mowry 12 September 2014