ATF (Advanced Thin Film) 11
ATF (A
DVANCED
T
HIN
F
ILM
)
Figure 5.
Cut away view of an ATF transducer. Note the simplicity due
to minimal parts usage.
ATF Operation
The MartinLogan ATF transducer consists of a micro-thin,
low-mass Kaladex diaphragm with an ultra-light, etched
conductive aluminum surface suspended between two high
field strength neodymium super magnet arrays (see figure 5).
When an electrical current (music signal) passes through the
etched aluminum on the diaphragm's surface it is simulta-
neously pulled towards one of the neodymium arrays and
pushed away from the opposing array. When the direction of
current is reversed the diaphragm is simultaneously pushed
and pulled in the opposite direction, thus producing sound.
Extremely Low-Mass Diaphragm
—Blazing Speed and Inner Detail
Low-mass diaphragms are crucial to a loudspeakers ability
to accurately reproduce sound. As the mass of a transducer's
diaphragm decreases, its ability to resolve detail increases.
With extremely low-mass characteristics, the ATF transducer
tracks the audio signal with almost perfect accuracy.
MartinLogan ATF diaphragms are constructed of extremely
low mass Dupont Kaladex® PEN (polyethylene naphthalate)
—a material chemically similar to the low-mass PET (poly-
ethelene terathylate) film used in MartinLogan's generation
2 electrostatic transducers, yet capable of handling the
high thermal requirements required for stable magnetic
thin film operation.
High Field Strength
—Superb Control and Efficiency
With a field strength almost 2000% more powerful than
traditional systems, Neodymium iron boron (NIB) rare-
earth super magnets are one of the world's strongest
commercially available magnetic materials. This incredible
field strength proves ideal for maintaining perfect control
over the low-mass Kaladex diaphragm. Super-low distortion
levels, high-resolution, and crystal-clear transparency are
just a few of the benefits resulting from this superb combi-
nation of low-mass diaphragm and high field strength.
Push-Pull Operation = Ideal Linearity
Linearity is another factor contributing to a loudspeaker's
ability to achieve ultimate clarity, detail and resolution. By
positioning neodymium magnet arrays in a push-pull con-
figuration, MartinLogan ATF transducer technology maintains
uniform diaphragm control, regardless of position as it
traverses the entire audio signal. The push-pull concept is
a major contributor to the linearity and sonic superiority of
ATF transducers.
Direct Full-Surface Drive
Provides Outstanding Clarity
Unlike traditional voice coil driven systems, ATF diaphragms
are directly and uniformly driven throughout their entire
surface. This full-surface drive system results in ultra-fast
transient response with no cone break up and the ability
to accurately reproduce sound with great delicacy, nuance
and clarity.
Dipole Design For A Realistic, Open Sound Stage
The audio industry has long recognized that late arrival
reflective information significantly enhances the ambient
nature of sound reproduction. This ambient reflective
information dramatically contributes to a realistic, "you are
there" listening experience. MartinLogan's dipole radiation
pattern (radiating out of phase information from both the
front and back) ideally interacts with your listening envi-
ronment to create this realistic sound stage. We have
contoured Montage's radiation pattern to emulate the same
dipole characteristics as our world standard setting elec-
trostatic technology, resulting in the same outstanding
sound staging and 3-dimensionality.
