What is Crossover Network? – Types, Features | New Topic [2024]

In this note, we are going to learn about a topic called What is Crossover Network? and also its types of Crossover Network and features of crossover network. Welcome to Poly Notes Hub, a one stop solution for Polytechnic Note for Diploma Engineering Students.

Author Name: Arun Paul.

What is Crossover Network?

An electrical circuit known as a Crossover Network in a loudspeaker separates the audio signal into several frequency bands and routes each band to the proper driver (woofers, tweeters, and midrange drivers, for example) within the speaker system. Its primary goal is to ensure that every driver only hears the appropriate frequencies, enhancing the overall sound quality and guarding against driver injury.

Types of Crossover Network

There are two types of crossover network –

1. Passive Crossover
2. Active Crossover

1. Passive Crossover Network

Resistors, capacitors, and inductors are examples of passive parts used in the construction of this kind of crossover network. Usually, it is positioned in the speaker enclosure between the amplifier and each individual driver. Although passive crossovers are inexpensive and simple to install, they may result in some signal loss and impedance changes.

2. Active Crossover Network

Active crossover networks divide the audio signal before amplifying it using active electrical components like transistors or operational amplifiers. After being amplified independently for each frequency band, the relevant driver receives the signal. Active crossovers provide increased control and accuracy over the crossover slopes and locations, which may lead to better sound quality. Nevertheless, compared to passive crossovers, they usually require more complicated and expensive implementations and call for many amplifier channels.

Features of Crossover Network

Below we listed some crossover network features –

1. Separates the audio information into distinct frequency ranges for every driver.
2. By assigning the proper frequencies to each driver, it prevents harm.
3. Improves image, tonal balance, and clarity.
4. Enables the crossover points and slopes to be adjusted for the appropriate audio characteristics.
5. Essential in speaker systems with several drivers.
6. Permits different amplification for various frequency ranges.