Tint Pro Window Tinting and Car Audio

Lincoln Park's premier destination for upgrading your car, truck, boat or UTV

4089 Dix Hwy, Lincoln Park, MI 48146 313-382-8468
  • Services
    • Car Audio
    • Remote Starters
    • Truck Accessories
    • Collision Avoidance and Driver Safety Solutions
    • Paint Protection
    • Motorcycle Audio
    • Window Tint
    • Marine Audio
    • Powersports Audio Upgrades
    • Car Wraps and Vinyl Vehicle Graphics
    • Cosmetic and Fashion Paint Protection Films
    • Vehicle Lighting
  • Interactive Garage
  • Visual Tinter
  • About Us
  • Location
  • Contact Us
  • Facebook
  • Instagram

Car Audio Electrical Theory – Capacitance and Inductance

CapacitanceAs we move toward the end of our discussion of car audio electrical theory, we need to talk about capacitance and inductance and how the characteristics of those phenomena interact with AC and DC signals. There’s no doubt that these are advanced concepts, but even a basic understanding of how capacitors and inductors work is fundamental to a thorough understanding of mobile electronics systems.

What Is a Capacitor?

CapacitanceA capacitor is a two-terminal electronic component that stores energy. Capacitors are made of two metallic plates that are separated by an electrical insulator. When we apply a voltage to one terminal of the capacitor, the electrons on one plate will impose a force on the opposite plate to create an opposite charge. The result is that the plates have equal and opposite charges and thus, maintain an electric field. Because the plates in a capacitor are very close together, they can store a large amount of energy for their overall size.

Capacitors are quantified in units of farads. A farad is defined as one coulomb of charge on each plate, resulting in a voltage of one volt across the terminals.

Capacitors in DC Circuits

CapacitanceCapacitors are, at their most basic function, a device that stores a microscopic magnetic field between its plates. When we apply a DC voltage to a discharged capacitor, it appears as a short circuit for an instant as the magnetic and electric fields start to form between its plates. As the capacitor starts to store energy, it increases in effective resistance, and the amount of current flowing through the device is reduced. Once the capacitor has equalized with the supply voltage, almost no current passes through the device.

When we remove the supply voltage from a capacitor, it will attempt to maintain the voltage across the terminals. It is this characteristic that makes capacitors an ideal solution to reduce variations in voltage. Capacitors resist changes in voltage.

Inside the amplifiers in our car audio systems, capacitors are used to store large amounts of energy at the rail voltage. When there is a sudden demand for current that exceeds the capability of the power supply, the capacitors will release energy to maintain their initial voltage. This characteristic helps to stabilize the voltage of the amp during dynamic transients. This same concept applies to “stiffening capacitors” used on the 12V feed to your amplifier. When implemented using high-quality components, the addition of a large capacitor can help to provide transient current to the amp.

The Capacitor in AC circuits

CapacitanceIn alternating current circuits, capacitors take on an interesting phenomenon of “virtual resistance.” As we know, capacitors don’t like to change voltage, yet an AC signal is one that is defined as ever-changing. Depending on the relationship between the capacitor value and the frequency of the AC signal, some amount of the current is allowed to pass through the cap.

If we attempt to measure the resistance of a capacitor with a conventional multimeter, we’ll find it shows an extremely high value. For AC signals, we use the formula Xc = 1 / (2 x 3.1416 x F x C) to calculate the effective resistance, where F is the frequency of the signal and the C is the value of the capacitor in farads. Because this resistance is not present in DC signals, we call it capacitive reactance.

If we wanted to create a simple filter circuit to limit the amount of low-frequency signal going to a speaker, we could wire a non-polarized capacitor in series with the speaker. To calculate the frequency at which the cap starts to reduce bass going to the speaker, we can rearrange the above equation to F = 1 / (2 x 3.1416 x R x C), where R is the same value as the speaker resistance. For a four-ohm speaker and a capacitor with a value of 200 uF (microfarads), we get a frequency of 198.9 Hz. At this frequency, the capacitor appears to have the same reactance as the speaker, and the signal that is going to the speaker is reduced by 50 percent. Because capacitance is inversely proportional to frequency, the impedance of the capacitor increases as frequency decreases. At 99 Hz, the reactance is 8 ohms, at 50 Hz, it’s 16 ohms, and so on. This phenomenon simultaneously reduces the current supplied by the amplifier and acts as a voltage divider between the cap and the speaker.

A capacitor in series with a speaker is known as a first-order high-pass filter. It reduces the output of the speaker at a rate of -6dB per octave as you move away from the crossover frequency as defined above. Capacitors are suitable as filters for midrange and high-frequency drivers in passive designs and as protection devices for tweeters in active designs.

What Is an Inductor?

CapacitanceIn the simplest of terms, an inductor is a coil of wire that creates a magnetic field based on the amount of current flowing through it. Many inductors feature iron cores to increase the intensity of the magnetic field. Where a capacitor resists changes in voltage, an inductor resists changes in current flow. We know from our previous article on magnetism that current flowing through a conductor creates a magnetic field around that conductor. If we wrap the conductor in a loop, the proximity of the loops to one another intensifies the magnetic field.

Also from our previous article, we also know that a magnetic field can impose a voltage on a conductor. If the current in an inductor tries to change, the magnetic field attempts to create a voltage across the device to maintain the current flow.

A good analogy for an inductor is a flywheel on a motor. Once you have established a specific rotational speed, it takes a large amount of work to increase or decrease its speed. Inductors work the same way with current. They resist changes in current flow. Inductors are rated using the unit henry (H). A henry is defined as the opposition to electrical current flow through a device that results in one volt of electromotive force to appear across the terminals.

Inductors in Electrical Circuits

CapacitanceIn most applications, we don’t want inductors in a 12V DC circuit because they resist changes in current flow. For a variable load such as an amplifier, a large amount of inductance in the supply wiring would result in an unstable supply voltage as the current requirements change.

There are some cases where inductors are used in combination with a capacitor to act as a noise filter.

In an AC circuit, inductors allow low-frequency signals to pass through the device with little to no effect. If we wire an inductor in series with a speaker, it acts as a high-pass filter. Unlike a capacitor, in a DC circuit, an inductor appears as a short circuit with very little resistance. To an AC signal, we can calculate the reactive inductance of a capacitor using the equation Xl = 1 x 3.1416 x F x L, where F is frequency and L is inductance in henries.

If we want to use an inductor as a high-pass filter, we can determine the effective crossover point by swapping the Xl for the resistance of the speaker. In this example, we’ll use an inductor with a value of 6 mH (millihenries) and a speaker with a nominal impedance of 4 ohms. There, the -3dB point of the filter circuit would be F = 4 / (2 x 3.1416 x 0.006), or 106.1 Hz. This value of inductor would make a good low-pass filter for a woofer. Just as with a capacitor in series with a speaker, an inductor acts as a first-order filter and reduces output at a rate of -12dB per octave as frequency increases from the crossover point.

Other Cases of Inductance and Capacitance

Anytime two conductors are parallel to each other and in close proximity, there will some level of capacitance. Many overly exuberant enthusiasts talk about capacitance in interconnect cables. While this is a factor, the microscopic changes (if indeed any are perceptible) can be compensated for during the tuning process of the system. When it comes to buying high-quality interconnects, noise rejection and overall design durability should be your top goals.

Capacitance

The voice coil winding in the speakers we use has a certain amount of inductance. This characteristic reduces high-frequency output by reducing current flow at high frequencies. Because speakers are dynamic, their parameters change as the speaker cone moves. In the same way that having an iron core in an inductor increases inductance as compared to an air-core design, the inductance of a speaker voice coil increases when the cone assembly moves rearward into the basket. The T-yoke in the center of the speaker increases the strength of the magnetic field created by the current in the voice coil. Likewise, as the speaker moves forward, the inductance decreases. These position-based inductance distortions can cause a high-frequency warbling effect that can be detrimental to the reproduction of your music. One solution is to implement an under-hung voice coil design where the gap is taller than the coil winding. The drawback to this design is that the voice coil is often small and lacks power handling. Another option is to include a copper pole piece cap to reduce the magnetic field and minimize distortion. A copper cap is an expensive option but offers excellent performance benefits.

Car Audio Electrical Theory

For now, this is the end of our series of articles on car audio electrical theory. We hope you’ve enjoyed learning about the physics behind how your car audio system works. Our goal is to educate enthusiasts so that they can make educated purchases and upgrades to their mobile sound system. If you have any questions, drop by your local mobile electronic specialist retailer. They can help you design an upgrade that will truly transform your commute into an enjoyable listening experience.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

Filed Under: ARTICLES, Car Audio, PRODUCTS, RESOURCE LIBRARY

Product Spotlight: Sony XAV-AX4000 Digital Multimedia Receiver

Sony XAV-AX4000

Over the last few years, Sony’s multimedia receivers have become increasingly popular. As more units have sold, retailers have asked for iDatalink Maestro integration, USB-C support and powerful sound customization. With Sony’s new XAV-AX4000, those requests and more have been fulfilled. Let’s look at what this sleek and impressive car audio source unit offers.

Clean Cosmetics and Intuitive Technology

The first thing you’ll notice about the XAV-AX4000 is that it still looks great in the dash of your car or truck, and the user interface is as intuitive as it gets. Anyone can easily select source options or adjust settings without needing to read the owner’s manual. The icons on the screen can be expanded by selecting the “All Apps” icon on the screen and can be rearranged to create a layout that gives you quick access to the elements you choose on the home screen.

The 6.95-inch touchscreen display has a resolution of 800 by 480 pixels with a brightness of 600 Cd/m2. Four physical control buttons along the bottom of the screen make it easy to access the main menu, adjust the volume, change tracks or activate voice recognition features.

Sony XAV-AX4000
Sony multimedia receivers have one of the most intuitive menu systems on the market.

The radio includes wireless Apple CarPlay and wired and wireless Android Auto connectivity. Start your car, and the phone will connect automatically so you can make phone calls, send texts or get navigation directions from Google Maps or Waze. Of course, you can use your favorite streaming services like Pandora, Spotify, iHeartRadio or Apple Music to be entertained while you drive. A USB-C port on the rear of the chassis can be used with a USB mass storage device to play MP3, WMA, AAC, FLAC, WAV, ALAC, DSF or DSDIFF audio files.

You can also use the USB-C port to charge your phone with up to 3 amps of current. The XAV-AX4000 supports the LDAC codec with Android smartphones for those wanting excellent Bluetooth streaming audio quality. Of course, the radio includes an AM/FM receiver with RDS information display.

Sony XAV-AX4000
High-resolution Bluetooth audio streaming is supported by Android smartphones that use the LDAC audio codec.

Audio Features Add Realism to Your Music

The XAV-AX4000 includes a 14-band graphic equalizer, front, rear and subwoofer signal delay setting adjustments and adjustable three-zone high- and low-pass crossovers so your installer can fine-tune your system to deliver excellent sound and detail. The preamp outputs are rated to provide up to 2 volts of output, and the built-in four-channel amp is good for 20 watts of power in compliance with the CTA-2006 standard.

Sony XAV-AX4000
Premium system configuration and calibration included with the XAV-AX4000 will help your car stereo sound great

iDatalink Maestro Integration

One of the most sought-after upgrades to the XAV-AX4000 is the inclusion of support for the iDatalink Maestro RR and RR2 integration modules. These interfaces will allow the radio to communicate with certain vehicles to provide steering wheel control, backup camera and auxiliary input connectivity. You can display vehicle information such as engine speed, vehicle speed, battery voltage or engine load on the dashboard display and check tire pressures and battery voltage on another. Many vehicles allow the Maestro interface to provide access to climate control adjustments. Your Sony retailer can let you know about the features that are compatible with your make, model and year of car or truck.

Sony XAV-AX4000
Compatibility with the iDatalink Maestro RR and RR2 allows the Sony XAV-AX4000 to communicate digitally with your vehicle.

Installer- and User-Friendly Design

From an installation standpoint, the single-DIN chassis behind the double-DIN display dramatically simplifies installation. The radio includes an external Bluetooth microphone to deliver excellent outgoing audio quality. Another new feature is selectable and user-uploadable background wallpapers to match your vehicle interior or your mood.

The radio also includes a rear-view camera input with automatic reverse triggering, and the Maestro will include factory parking lines and sensor data in some vehicles. Finally, Sony has designed the XAV-AX4000 to wake up quickly, so your music starts playing when you are ready to go.

Sony XAV-AX4000
Users can select from several background wallpaper colors or upload their own image to personalize their radio.

Experience the Sony XAV-AX4000 Today!

If it’s time to upgrade the technology in your car or truck, drop by an authorized Sony retailer today and ask for a demonstration of the new XAV-AX4000 multimedia receiver. We’re sure you’ll be impressed by its performance, features, appearance and intuitive interface. You can find a Sony retailer using the dealer locator on the Sony Car Audio website. Be sure to subscribe to Sony’s YouTube channel and follow them on Facebook and Instagram to be the first to learn about their latest car audio product releases.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

Filed Under: ARTICLES, Car Audio, PRODUCTS, RESOURCE LIBRARY Tagged With: Sony

Recent Articles

Soundstage

What Is A Soundstage And Where Can I Buy One?

March 19, 2023 

When it comes to listening to music, there seem to be two kinds of listeners in the context of “where the sound comes from.” Some people want to be enveloped by the music. They … [Read More...]

Car Audio

How Car Audio Has Changed Through The Years

March 6, 2023 

If you have been around the mobile electronics industry for more than a decade, then you may have noticed some significant changes. New technologies make our time behind the wheel … [Read More...]

Starter Remote

Car Starter Remote Control Options

February 19, 2023 

It’s fall, and for the mobile electronics industry, the focus shifts directly to the sales and installation of remote car starters. The size of the remote start industry is … [Read More...]

Enclosure Location

Subwoofer Enclosure Locations – Finding Space For Bass

February 12, 2023 

When it comes to bang-for-the-buck upgrades to any audio system, none can beat the dramatic difference of adding a subwoofer. Factory audio systems are getting pretty good at … [Read More...]

Crossover Networks

Passive Vs Active Crossover Networks

January 29, 2023 

To optimize the performance capabilities of a speaker, it should operate within the frequency range for which it was designed. A woofer or subwoofer won’t be able to reproduce high … [Read More...]

Contact Us

Testimonials

Highly recommend!

I had a great experience! The entire staff was extremely friendly and knowledgeable. I would highly recommend this business for any future car window tinting, stereo or exterior protection.

I jumped on board!

My mom got her windows tinted with tint pro and after seeing hers, I jumped on board. The staff is extremely transparent with how their business works, especially on a busy Saturday - when they advise you to line up, line up! I appreciate how on top of things they are and you can tell they care about their customers by how they treat them. 10/10 recommend, thanks Tint Pro!

Great quality and price

Tint Pro was able to get my wife's car in at the last minute. We were in and out in less than a half hour. Great quality and great price. Will be bringing all of my future vehicles here.

Subscribe to Our Website

Enter your email address to subscribe to our website and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Location


Get Directions to Tint Pro Window Tinting and Car Audio

Address

Tint Pro Window Tinting and Car Audio
4089 Dix Hwy
Lincoln Park, MI 48146
Phone: 313-382-8468

Connect With Us

  • Facebook
  • Instagram

Services

  • Car Audio
  • Remote Starters
  • Truck Accessories
  • Collision Avoidance and Driver Safety Solutions
  • Paint Protection
  • Motorcycle Audio
  • Window Tint
  • Marine Audio
  • Powersports Audio Upgrades
  • Car Wraps and Vinyl Vehicle Graphics
  • Cosmetic and Fashion Paint Protection Films
  • Vehicle Lighting

Store Hours

SundayClosed
Monday9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Copyright © 2023 Tint Pro Window Tinting and Car Audio · Privacy Policy · Website by 1sixty8 media · Log in

 

Loading Comments...