A small acoustic transducer built to handle the upper end of the human hearing spectrum, typically from 2 kHz up to 20 kHz. They use lightweight diaphragms made of silk, metal, or synthetic films to move rapidly without flexing. Because high-frequency sound waves are highly directional, the placement and waveguide design of these drivers are critical for an accurate acoustic response.
Check the crossover network before you hook up the tweeter, or you'll burn up the voice coil.
Tweeters are easily blown by clipping amplifiers, which send high-frequency harmonics that burn out their delicate voice coils.
Related terms
Voice coil
A tightly wound electromagnet that moves a speaker cone or read head when driven by an audio or control signal.
Amplifier
A circuit or standalone device that increases the power, voltage, or current of an electrical signal.
Passive
An electronic component that does not require external power to operate and cannot provide signal gain.