Knowles Plate Number: A Comprehensive Guide

Finding the right Knowles plate number can be crucial, whether you're a seasoned audiophile meticulously restoring vintage equipment or a technician troubleshooting a faulty component. This guide delves into everything you need to know about Knowles plate numbers, deciphering their meaning and assisting you in identifying the specific model and its specifications.

What is a Knowles Plate Number?

Knowles Electronics is a leading manufacturer of micro-acoustic components, particularly renowned for their high-quality miniature microphones and receivers. Each Knowles component, especially those used in hearing aids and other precision devices, is assigned a unique plate number. This number isn't just a random sequence; it's a coded identifier containing vital information about the specific part's characteristics. Understanding this code can save you time, money, and frustration when sourcing replacements or conducting repairs.

Deciphering the Knowles Plate Number Code:

Unfortunately, there's no universally published, easily accessible decoder ring for all Knowles plate numbers. The coding system is often proprietary and varies depending on the component type and manufacturing period. However, several key aspects are commonly found within the number:

• Manufacturer Code: The number often begins with a prefix indicating Knowles as the manufacturer. This might be implicit or expressed explicitly in part of the number.
• Component Type: The code usually reveals the type of component, such as a balanced armature receiver (BA), a microphone, or a specific type of transducer.
• Specifications: Further digits within the plate number often denote specifications like impedance, sensitivity, and frequency response. This information is often crucial for matching components within a system.
• Revision Number: A suffix may indicate a revision or a minor modification made to the original design. This is important to ensure compatibility.

Where to Find the Knowles Plate Number:

The plate number is typically etched or printed directly onto the component itself. It's usually small and requires close inspection. A magnifying glass or even a microscope might be necessary, especially with miniature components used in hearing aids. Check the casing, the diaphragm, or the connecting terminals for markings.

Using the Knowles Plate Number for Sourcing Replacement Parts:

Once you've identified the Knowles plate number, you can use this information to:

• Search Online Retailers: Many electronic component suppliers list their inventory using these plate numbers. Websites like Mouser Electronics, Digi-Key Electronics, and others specializing in audio components are good starting points.
• Contact Knowles Directly: As a last resort, contacting Knowles customer support might be necessary. However, expect a possible delay in responses.
• Consult Datasheets: If you can identify the general component type, searching for corresponding Knowles datasheets can often provide details about similar components and specifications.

Troubleshooting and FAQs:

• What if I can't find the plate number? Take clear, high-resolution photos of the component from multiple angles. This may help experts identify it.
• Why is the plate number so important? It ensures you get the exact replacement part with consistent performance, avoiding compatibility issues.
• Are all Knowles components marked with a plate number? While most precision components are, some older or less sophisticated parts might not have a clearly marked number.

Conclusion:

Identifying the Knowles plate number is vital for anyone working with these sophisticated micro-acoustic components. While the coding isn't always immediately decipherable, using the techniques outlined above will greatly improve your chances of identifying the component and sourcing replacement parts, ensuring the successful completion of your project. Remember to approach your search systematically, starting with online retailers and expanding your search as needed. Good luck!