24REVISTA PERSPECTIVASVOLUMEN 7, N˚1 / ENERO - JULIO 2025 / e - ISSN: 2661
MUSIC PLAYBACK BY PLASMA GENERATION WITH
FIR FILTER IMPLEMENTATION IN MATLAB
Facultad de Informática y Electrónica, Escuela Superior Politécnica de Chimborazo, Riobamba, Ecuador.
James Neira
Luis Merino
james.neira@espoch.edu.ec
luisf.merino@espoch.edu.ec
erick.ordoniez@espoch.edu.ec
Carlos Millingalli
Erick Ordoñez
carlos.millingalli@espoch.edu.ec
REVISTA PERSPECTIVAS
VOLUMEN 7, N˚1 / ENERO - JULIO 2025 / e - ISSN: 2661
RESUMEN
The Tesla coil was invented by Nikola Tesla
in the late nineteenth century and produces
electrical discharges in the form of high-voltage
arcs, unlike the musical Tesla coil, which focuses
on the generation of musical sounds through
controlled electrical discharges. To create an
audio reproduction device by using a physical
phenomenon, it is necessary to create a device
capable of emitting audio through the modulation
of an electrical discharge launched into the air,
which mainly consists of two coils. This element
is commonly known as Plasma Speaker or
Musical Tesla Coil. It was also considered adding
an audio amplifier so that the sound has greater
intensity, and a virtual bandpass filter designed
in Matlab software to record the behavior of the
musical Tesla coil to the different frequencies of
the musical tones.
Palabras Clave: Music, Plasma, Signal Analysis.
Reproducción de música mediante generación de plasma con
implementación de filtro FIR en matlab
ABSTRACT
La bobina de Tesla fue inventada por Nikola
Tesla a finales del siglo XIX y produce descargas
eléctricas en forma de arcos de alto voltaje, a
diferencia de la bobina de Tesla musical, que
se centra en la generación de sonidos musicales
a través de descargas eléctricas controladas.
Para crear un dispositivo de reproducción de
Fecha de Recepción: 14/08/2023. Fecha de Aceptación: 14/05/2024. Fecha de Publicación: 20/01/2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.47187/perspectivas.7.1.209
audio mediante el uso de un fenómeno físico, se
constituye la creación de un dispositivo capaz
de emitir audio a través de la modulación de una
descarga eléctrica lanzada al aire, que consta
principalmente de dos bobinas. Este elemento es
conocido comúnmente como Parlante de Plasma o
Bobina de Tesla Musical, también consideramos
agregar un amplificador de audio para que el
sonido tenga una mayor intensidad, y un filtro
pasa banda virtual diseñado en el software Matlab
para observar el comportamiento de la bobina de
Tesla musical a las diferentes frecuencias de los
tonos musicales.
Keywords: Música, Plasma, Análisis de Señal.
I. Introducción
Nikola Tesla (1853-1943), Serbian-American
engineer who owes his fame to his contribution to
the design of the alternating current distribution
system. In 1891 he created a resonant transformer
circuit, known today as a Tesla coil. He used the
coils to conduct experiments in X-ray generation,
electric lighting, electrotherapy and wireless
power transmission, among others [1]. Tesla
himself already came up with many variations of
this design and later new ones were made, but they
all have in common that they must consist of two
coupled circuits forming a transformer [2].
25REVISTA PERSPECTIVASVOLUMEN 7, N˚1 / ENERO - JULIO 2025 / e - ISSN: 2661
The Tesla Coil is a high-voltage, high-frequency
generating device that uses electromagnetism to
produce effects such as corona, efflux and electric
arcs. Tesla envisioned the possibility of using the
Tesla Coil to transmit electrical energy wirelessly,
without the need for conductors, although so far
this application has been limited by technical
difficulties in achieving efficient transmission [3].
The design of a Tesla coil is made considering a
primary transformer (with steel core) and from this
the parameters of the other elements that compose
a Tesla coil are selected [4]. The operation can be
seen as two resonant circuits weakly coupled by
air. The coupling coefficient between coils L1 and
L2 is usually between 0.1 and 0.2 [5].
Experiments that can be performed using the
coil are, demonstration of the corona effect, an
application of the Faraday cage, the protection
of lightning rods, the” presence” of the
electromagnetic field in space, the effect of high
voltages on gases under low voltages [6].
For the analysis of sound waves, the concatenation
of segments is used where each segment is
characterized by parameters, these can be different
when manipulating the signal and the frequency
can be modified by the damping values. To solve
the problem of linear transaction time estimates,
the poles must be known [7].
By means of MATLAB software where they used
the Simulink tool and the guide for the design
of the band-pass filters where they analyzed
the behavior of the musical Tesla coil for low,
medium and high tones considering the respective
frequencies for the different tonalities.
The frequencies that can be perceived by the
human ear range from 15 Hz to 20,000 Hz,
although in music the highest sounds usually
reach 5,000 Hz. Sounds below 15 Hz are called
infra sound, and above 20,000 Hz ultrasound [8].
Considering the different tonalities we consider
the bass tones which is in the frequency range
of 25 Hz to 125 Hz, medium tones having a
frequency range of 400 Hz to 2 KHz and the high
Music reproduction via plasma is an innovative
technology that has emerged in the field
of acoustics. It is based on using a plasma
discharge as a sound source instead of traditional
loudspeakers. Plasma speakers work by ionizing
air into small electrical discharges, which create
shock waves that propagate through the air and
produce sound. One of the strengths of plasma
speakers is their ability to reproduce extremely
high and low frequencies, which makes them an
interesting option for high-quality music playback.
In addition, the sound of the plasma speaker is
immune to electromagnetic interference, making
it ideal for interference-sensitive environments.
When a Tesla coil is connected to an audio system,
audio signals can be sent to the coil to modulate
the frequency and amplitude of the electrical
discharges. This can generate tones and noises that
are synchronized with the music being played, the
audio modulation produces audible sounds due to
the electrical discharges. These sounds resemble
clicks, sparks and buzzes, and can be used
creatively in experimental musical compositions.
The Tesla coil consists of a resonant transformer
that includes a frequency-tuned primary circuit
together with a secondary coil. For its operation,
a high voltage transformer is used to supply the
Fig. 1: Tesla coil elements electronic circuit.
tones which is in a frequency range of 8 KHz to
12 KHz [9].
II. Theoretical Foundation
The Tesla Coil is a high-voltage, high-frequency
generating device that uses electromagnetism to
produce effects such as corona, efflux and electric
arcs. Tesla envisioned the possibility of using the
Tesla Coil to transmit electrical energy wirelessly,
without the need for conductors, although so far
this application has been limited by technical
difficulties in achieving efficient transmission [3].
The design of a Tesla coil is made considering a
primary transformer (with steel core) and from this
the parameters of the other elements that compose
a Tesla coil are selected [4]. The operation can be
seen as two resonant circuits weakly coupled by
air. The coupling coefficient between coils L1 and
L2 is usually between 0.1 and 0.2 [5].
Experiments that can be performed using the
coil are, demonstration of the corona effect, an
application of the Faraday cage, the protection
of lightning rods, the” presence” of the
electromagnetic field in space, the effect of high
voltages on gases under low voltages [6].
For the analysis of sound waves, the concatenation
of segments is used where each segment is
characterized by parameters, these can be different
when manipulating the signal and the frequency
can be modified by the damping values. To solve
the problem of linear transaction time estimates,
the poles must be known [7].
By means of MATLAB software where they used
the Simulink tool and the guide for the design
of the band-pass filters where they analyzed
the behavior of the musical Tesla coil for low,
medium and high tones considering the respective
frequencies for the different tonalities.
The frequencies that can be perceived by the
human ear range from 15 Hz to 20,000 Hz,
although in music the highest sounds usually
reach 5,000 Hz. Sounds below 15 Hz are called
infra sound, and above 20,000 Hz ultrasound [8].
Considering the different tonalities we consider
the bass tones which is in the frequency range
of 25 Hz to 125 Hz, medium tones having a
frequency range of 400 Hz to 2 KHz and the high
Music reproduction via plasma is an innovative
technology that has emerged in the field
of acoustics. It is based on using a plasma
discharge as a sound source instead of traditional
loudspeakers. Plasma speakers work by ionizing
air into small electrical discharges, which create
shock waves that propagate through the air and
produce sound. One of the strengths of plasma
speakers is their ability to reproduce extremely
high and low frequencies, which makes them an
interesting option for high-quality music playback.
In addition, the sound of the plasma speaker is
immune to electromagnetic interference, making
it ideal for interference-sensitive environments.
When a Tesla coil is connected to an audio system,
audio signals can be sent to the coil to modulate
the frequency and amplitude of the electrical
discharges. This can generate tones and noises that
are synchronized with the music being played, the
audio modulation produces audible sounds due to
the electrical discharges. These sounds resemble
clicks, sparks and buzzes, and can be used
creatively in experimental musical compositions.
The Tesla coil consists of a resonant transformer
that includes a frequency-tuned primary circuit
together with a secondary coil. For its operation,
a high voltage transformer is used to supply the
Fig. 1: Tesla coil elements electronic circuit.
tones which is in a frequency range of 8 KHz to
12 KHz [9].
II. Theoretical Foundation
26REVISTA PERSPECTIVASVOLUMEN 7, N˚1 / ENERO - JULIO 2025 / e - ISSN: 2661
Extensive research was carried out on the working
principles of the Tesla coil, as well as projects
related to its use in musical applications. Reliable
sources such as scientific articles, books, and
online resources are reviewed to gain an in-depth
understanding of the theoretical foundations and
practical applications of the Tesla coil in the
musical context.
Once the concepts necessary to develop a musical
Tesla coil have been understood, a block diagram
has been made for its implementation, there was
helping to understand the construction of the
musical Tesla coil as we can notice in Figure 2.
III. Methodology
required electric current. Using this mechanism,
the capacitor in the primary circuit is charged.
When the voltage reaches a sufficiently high
level, the transformer and capacitor overcome
the electrical resistance of the air in the exposer,
generating an electric arc that allows the discharge
of the capacitor in the primary coil. The primary
coil is in resonance with the secondary coil [10].
When current flows through the primary coil, an
electromagnetic field is generated which allows
the transfer of energy to the secondary coil to
increase the voltage. When discharged to ground,
a strong electromagnetic field is produced in
the toroid, resulting in an electric arc into the
surrounding air due to the high voltage, which
can be on the order of hundreds of thousands of
volts. For optimum operation, it is crucial that the
primary and secondary coils are in resonance,
which is achieved by adjusting the inductors
and capacitors in the respective primary and
secondary circuits [10].
In the Figure 1, the Tesla coil electronic schematic
is shown, which integrates the following elements:
• Power supply: This frequency control circuit
feeds the primary circuit with a square wave
signal modulated at the resonant frequency
of the circuit to obtain the maximum possible
voltage [11].
• Capacitor: a passive device used in electricity
and electronics; this device allows storing
electric energy by supporting a certain
electric field [12].
• Primary Circuit: This is an L-C circuit
fed by a switched-mode power supply that
generates a square excitation signal at the
resonant frequency of the circuit [11].
• Coil L1: The primary circuit coil must have
few turns and a larger wire section than the
secondary circuit coil to be able to raise the
voltage in a similar way to a conventional
transformer, the primary coil usually has
between 5 and 12 turns, it is calculated
using Wheeler’s formula expressed in Eq.
(1), where: N1 is the number of turns of
the primary coil, R1 is the radius of the
circumference of the base (cm), and H1 is the
height of the primary coil (cm). The primary
coil is used to establish the resonance between
the primary circuit and the secondary circuit
[11].
• Secondary circuit: The secondary circuit
is composed of another L-C circuit
magnetically coupled to the primary circuit
[11].
• Coil L2: The secondary coil must have a
higher inductance than the primary coil. The
number of turns constituting the secondary
coil is much higher than in the case of
the primary circuit coil, in the order of a
thousand turns [11]. The inductive value of
L2 is calculated using Eq. (2), where: N 2 is
the number of turns of the second coil, R 2 is
the radius of the circumference of the base
(cm), and H 2 is the height of the second coil
(cm).
(1)
(2)
L = (9R + 10H ) [mH]
25401
1 1
2 2
N R
1 1
.
.
L = (9R + 10H ) [mH]
25402
2 2
2 2
N R
2 2
.
.
Extensive research was carried out on the working
principles of the Tesla coil, as well as projects
related to its use in musical applications. Reliable
sources such as scientific articles, books, and
online resources are reviewed to gain an in-depth
understanding of the theoretical foundations and
practical applications of the Tesla coil in the
musical context.
Once the concepts necessary to develop a musical
Tesla coil have been understood, a block diagram
has been made for its implementation, there was
helping to understand the construction of the
musical Tesla coil as we can notice in Figure 2.
III. Methodology
required electric current. Using this mechanism,
the capacitor in the primary circuit is charged.
When the voltage reaches a sufficiently high
level, the transformer and capacitor overcome
the electrical resistance of the air in the exposer,
generating an electric arc that allows the discharge
of the capacitor in the primary coil. The primary
coil is in resonance with the secondary coil [10].
When current flows through the primary coil, an
electromagnetic field is generated which allows
the transfer of energy to the secondary coil to
increase the voltage. When discharged to ground,
a strong electromagnetic field is produced in
the toroid, resulting in an electric arc into the
surrounding air due to the high voltage, which
can be on the order of hundreds of thousands of
volts. For optimum operation, it is crucial that the
primary and secondary coils are in resonance,
which is achieved by adjusting the inductors
and capacitors in the respective primary and
secondary circuits [10].
In the Figure 1, the Tesla coil electronic schematic
is shown, which integrates the following elements:
• Power supply: This frequency control circuit
feeds the primary circuit with a square wave
signal modulated at the resonant frequency
of the circuit to obtain the maximum possible
voltage [11].
• Capacitor: a passive device used in electricity
and electronics; this device allows storing
electric energy by supporting a certain
electric field [12].
• Primary Circuit: This is an L-C circuit
fed by a switched-mode power supply that
generates a square excitation signal at the
resonant frequency of the circuit [11].
• Coil L1: The primary circuit coil must have
few turns and a larger wire section than the
secondary circuit coil to be able to raise the
voltage in a similar way to a conventional
transformer, the primary coil usually has
between 5 and 12 turns, it is calculated
using Wheeler’s formula expressed in Eq.
(1), where: N1 is the number of turns of
the primary coil, R1 is the radius of the
circumference of the base (cm), and H1 is the
height of the primary coil (cm). The primary
coil is used to establish the resonance between
the primary circuit and the secondary circuit
[11].
• Secondary circuit: The secondary circuit
is composed of another L-C circuit
magnetically coupled to the primary circuit
[11].
• Coil L2: The secondary coil must have a
higher inductance than the primary coil. The
number of turns constituting the secondary
coil is much higher than in the case of
the primary circuit coil, in the order of a
thousand turns [11]. The inductive value of
L2 is calculated using Eq. (2), where: N 2 is
the number of turns of the second coil, R 2 is
the radius of the circumference of the base
(cm), and H 2 is the height of the second coil
(cm).
(1)
(2)
L = (9R + 10H ) [mH]
25401
1 1
2 2
N R
1 1
.
.
L = (9R + 10H ) [mH]
25402
2 2
2 2
N R
2 2
.
.
27REVISTA PERSPECTIVASVOLUMEN 7, N˚1 / ENERO - JULIO 2025 / e - ISSN: 2661
Fig. 2: Block diagram of Tesla coil elements interaction.
Fig. 3: Musical Tesla coil electronic circuit.
A. Passive elements and frequency of work
The size of the Tesla coil to be used, that is,
the physical dimensions of the coil, must be
determined. The resonance frequency of the
circuit (f0) depends on the inductance of the
secondary coil (L2) and the capacitances that
make up the secondary of the circuit, that is, the
one that is generated between the turns of the
secondary coil (CL2) and the discharge capacitor
(Cd) [1].
B. Trip circuit
To carry out the firing circuit, power circuits are
used whose core is formed by a MOSFET or power
transistors. They are all basic configurations that
can be found in any power electronics manual [1].
C. Circuit power
The power of the circuit depends on two variables,
the first and main one is the amount of energy
required by the firing circuit, the other is the
desired mobility of the Tesla coil [1]. Although
Tesla coils are powered by direct voltage, they
can be connected to the electrical network if
preferred. For our Tesla coil we are using a laptop
charger that gives us 20V, 7.5A and 150W at the
output of the charger, which is more than enough
to power our circuit.
D. Design and construction
Based on the knowledge acquired in the
preliminary investigation, we proceeded to
design a Tesla coil circuit adapted to the specific
objectives of the project. We carefully select the
necessary components, the primary coil and
the secondary coil, considering factors such
as power, resonant frequency and modulation
capacity. Electrical safety was considered at every
stage of the design. Subsequently, the physical
construction of the Tesla coil was proceeded
following the appropriate assembly guidelines.
E. Tesla coil
The Tesla coil consists of two main components:
the primary coil and the secondary coil. The
primary coil is connected to a power source,
and the secondary coil is magnetically coupled
to the primary coil. Both coils are made up of
a series of turns of insulated copper wire. When
high frequency power is applied to the primary
coil, an electromagnetic field is created which
propagates through the secondary coil, this
induces an electric current in the secondary coil
and generates high voltages at its upper end.
In Figure 3, in the light blue box is the Tesla coil
circuit consisting of a power supply, a MOSFET
transistor TIP41C, but for the realization of the
circuit has been used the MOSFET TIP35C for its
characteristics mentioned above in the datasheet,
also has a resistance of 1 KΩ to 1 W and a primary
winding and a secondary winding.
1) Primary winding: For the primary winding,
1.5 mm diameter copper wire was used, which
is of a larger diameter than the secondary
winding, so it was wound in the secondary
winding, which consists of 6 turns.
2) Secondary winding: For the secondary winding
they used enameled copper wire AWG 31 of
0.2 mm in diameter, they also used a PVC tube
of 2.5 cm in diameter and 30 cm long in which
they proceeded to wind the enameled copper
by means of the calculations made previously,
this coil consists of 1200 turns. Where the
coefficient ”44.2 [1/cm]” is a value obtained
from the data sheet and h is the height that the
winding is intended to have.
Fig. 2: Block diagram of Tesla coil elements interaction.
Fig. 3: Musical Tesla coil electronic circuit.
A. Passive elements and frequency of work
The size of the Tesla coil to be used, that is,
the physical dimensions of the coil, must be
determined. The resonance frequency of the
circuit (f0) depends on the inductance of the
secondary coil (L2) and the capacitances that
make up the secondary of the circuit, that is, the
one that is generated between the turns of the
secondary coil (CL2) and the discharge capacitor
(Cd) [1].
B. Trip circuit
To carry out the firing circuit, power circuits are
used whose core is formed by a MOSFET or power
transistors. They are all basic configurations that
can be found in any power electronics manual [1].
C. Circuit power
The power of the circuit depends on two variables,
the first and main one is the amount of energy
required by the firing circuit, the other is the
desired mobility of the Tesla coil [1]. Although
Tesla coils are powered by direct voltage, they
can be connected to the electrical network if
preferred. For our Tesla coil we are using a laptop
charger that gives us 20V, 7.5A and 150W at the
output of the charger, which is more than enough
to power our circuit.
D. Design and construction
Based on the knowledge acquired in the
preliminary investigation, we proceeded to
design a Tesla coil circuit adapted to the specific
objectives of the project. We carefully select the
necessary components, the primary coil and
the secondary coil, considering factors such
as power, resonant frequency and modulation
capacity. Electrical safety was considered at every
stage of the design. Subsequently, the physical
construction of the Tesla coil was proceeded
following the appropriate assembly guidelines.
E. Tesla coil
The Tesla coil consists of two main components:
the primary coil and the secondary coil. The
primary coil is connected to a power source,
and the secondary coil is magnetically coupled
to the primary coil. Both coils are made up of
a series of turns of insulated copper wire. When
high frequency power is applied to the primary
coil, an electromagnetic field is created which
propagates through the secondary coil, this
induces an electric current in the secondary coil
and generates high voltages at its upper end.
In Figure 3, in the light blue box is the Tesla coil
circuit consisting of a power supply, a MOSFET
transistor TIP41C, but for the realization of the
circuit has been used the MOSFET TIP35C for its
characteristics mentioned above in the datasheet,
also has a resistance of 1 KΩ to 1 W and a primary
winding and a secondary winding.
1) Primary winding: For the primary winding,
1.5 mm diameter copper wire was used, which
is of a larger diameter than the secondary
winding, so it was wound in the secondary
winding, which consists of 6 turns.
2) Secondary winding: For the secondary winding
they used enameled copper wire AWG 31 of
0.2 mm in diameter, they also used a PVC tube
of 2.5 cm in diameter and 30 cm long in which
they proceeded to wind the enameled copper
by means of the calculations made previously,
this coil consists of 1200 turns. Where the
coefficient ”44.2 [1/cm]” is a value obtained
from the data sheet and h is the height that the
winding is intended to have.
28REVISTA PERSPECTIVASVOLUMEN 7, N˚1 / ENERO - JULIO 2025 / e - ISSN: 2661
Fig. 5: FIR Filter design in Simulink/Matlab.
Fig. 6: Control interface designed in Guide/Matlab.
Fig. 4: Block diagram of final outline of Tesla coil circuit.
F. Audio implementation
Audio integration into the musical Tesla coil
involves synchronizing the played audio with
the electrical discharges generated by the Tesla
coil. This allows sound effects to be modulated
and matched to the music being played. The
audio driver circuitry allows audio playback to
be modulated and synchronized with electrical
discharges from the Tesla coil.
In the Figure 3 the red box shows the driver
circuit consisting of a 10 KΩ potentiometer, a 1
uF capacitor at 100V, a 3.5 mm female mini-jack
adapter for the audio input and an IRFP250N
transistor commonly used to amplify or switch
electronic signals.
In the Figure 4, a block diagram shows the
components interaction of the musical Tesla coil,
which is explained below:
• Computer music: The computer is responsible
for providing my audio signal which requires
a process that first the sound is generated
or reproduced in digital form where the
sound card is responsible for processing and
converting these digital audio signals into
analog signals, then the sound waves are
amplified to increase their energy level and
finally sent by a 3.5 mm audio jack.
• Band pass filters: The band pass filter allows
a specific range of frequencies to pass. The
pass band is generally centered around a
central frequency and has a certain bandwidth
that defines the range of frequencies that are
allowed to pass. This filter was developed in
Matlab with the objective of analyzing the
behavior of bass, mid and treble sounds.
• Amplifier: The amplifier is used to increase
the power signal, making it strong enough
to drive the Tesla coil and have a greater
perception of the sound.
• Primary coil: The primary coil applies an
alternating current, when the current flows
through the primary coil, it generates a
magnetic field that changes direction at a
high frequency.
• Secondary coil: The secondary coil is located
close to the primary coil and is magnetically
coupled to it. When the magnetic field of the
primary coil changes rapidly due to the AC
current, it induces a current in the secondary
coil. This induced current in the secondary
coil is amplified and results in the generation
of high voltages in the secondary coil.
• Plasma speaker: It is a speaker that creates
sound by rapidly modulating an electrical
discharge. The rapid oscillation of the electric
arc produces a fluctuating column of ionized
air, which is plasma. To generate sound the
audio signal modulates the intensity of the
electric arc, which causes the plasma to
rapidly expand and contract in synchrony
with the audio signal.
Fig. 5: FIR Filter design in Simulink/Matlab.
Fig. 6: Control interface designed in Guide/Matlab.
Fig. 4: Block diagram of final outline of Tesla coil circuit.
F. Audio implementation
Audio integration into the musical Tesla coil
involves synchronizing the played audio with
the electrical discharges generated by the Tesla
coil. This allows sound effects to be modulated
and matched to the music being played. The
audio driver circuitry allows audio playback to
be modulated and synchronized with electrical
discharges from the Tesla coil.
In the Figure 3 the red box shows the driver
circuit consisting of a 10 KΩ potentiometer, a 1
uF capacitor at 100V, a 3.5 mm female mini-jack
adapter for the audio input and an IRFP250N
transistor commonly used to amplify or switch
electronic signals.
In the Figure 4, a block diagram shows the
components interaction of the musical Tesla coil,
which is explained below:
• Computer music: The computer is responsible
for providing my audio signal which requires
a process that first the sound is generated
or reproduced in digital form where the
sound card is responsible for processing and
converting these digital audio signals into
analog signals, then the sound waves are
amplified to increase their energy level and
finally sent by a 3.5 mm audio jack.
• Band pass filters: The band pass filter allows
a specific range of frequencies to pass. The
pass band is generally centered around a
central frequency and has a certain bandwidth
that defines the range of frequencies that are
allowed to pass. This filter was developed in
Matlab with the objective of analyzing the
behavior of bass, mid and treble sounds.
• Amplifier: The amplifier is used to increase
the power signal, making it strong enough
to drive the Tesla coil and have a greater
perception of the sound.
• Primary coil: The primary coil applies an
alternating current, when the current flows
through the primary coil, it generates a
magnetic field that changes direction at a
high frequency.
• Secondary coil: The secondary coil is located
close to the primary coil and is magnetically
coupled to it. When the magnetic field of the
primary coil changes rapidly due to the AC
current, it induces a current in the secondary
coil. This induced current in the secondary
coil is amplified and results in the generation
of high voltages in the secondary coil.
• Plasma speaker: It is a speaker that creates
sound by rapidly modulating an electrical
discharge. The rapid oscillation of the electric
arc produces a fluctuating column of ionized
air, which is plasma. To generate sound the
audio signal modulates the intensity of the
electric arc, which causes the plasma to
rapidly expand and contract in synchrony
with the audio signal.
29REVISTA PERSPECTIVASVOLUMEN 7, N˚1 / ENERO - JULIO 2025 / e - ISSN: 2661
The results obtained in the tests showed that
the musical Tesla coil was able to generate high
frequency and voltage controlled electrical
discharges and modular audio in a synchronized
manner. Sound and visual effects were achieved.
Figure 5 shows the design of the FIR bandpass
filters, which are of Chebyshev type of order 50
with their respective gain, where the low, medium
and high tones are controlled.
Figure 6 shows the design of the sliders that allow
to control the frequency range of the different
tones and work together with the filters designed
in Simulink.
As it can be seen in Figure 7, the implemented
musical Tesla coil with the electronic circuit
is shown. The computer oversees sending the
audio to the coil, where it oversees modulating
the frequencies and synchronizing them with the
music.
The distance of the arc or electric spark produced
by the device was measured, reaching 0.5 [cm]
in length, which was more than enough for the
visual part.
However, they noticed some inconveniences in
the musical part, the volume when playing music
is not very high, but it is heard perfectly, the
TIP35C transistor works correctly, but it heats up
quickly having an operating time of 42 seconds.
A solution to this problem is that the transistors
have their respective heat sink and thermal paste
to increase the time of use.
The integration of audio into the musical Tesla
Coil allows the modulation and synchronization
of the audio playback with electrical discharges.
This creates an immersive sensory experience,
where the sound effects are coordinated with
the visual effects, thus enhancing the viewer’s
experience.
The Tesla coil is a device that uses the principle
of resonance, in this case electrical, to raise
the frequency of a voltage signal by means of a
special transformer, which generates the emission
of surrounding air plasma.
The filter designed in the Matlab software worked
as expected, since FIR filters are ideal for discrete
signals, thus being able to make the designed
circuit play any song, being able to analyze the
behavior of the electric arc to the low, medium
and high tones.
[1] B. Aguirre, “Universidad Tecnológica
Nacional Proyecto Final Reproducción de
música mediante la generación de Plasma
Autores: Facultad Regional Paraná.”
[2] “Bobina de Tesla 57.” [Online]. Available:
http://www.ucm.es/centros/webs/oscar/
[3] L. Y. Generación Control De Alto
Voltaje, E. Mantenimiento Eléctrico
AUTORES, and B. Arias Francisco
Ismael Rivera Chiriboga Diego Roberto,
“UNIVERSIDAD TÉCNICA DEL NORTE
FACULTAD DE EDUCACIÓN, CIENCIA
Y TECNOLOG´IA.”
[4] “Héctor Cadavid Ramirez, Oscar Román
Tudela, Gillermo Aponte Mayor, Francisco
Javier Garcia”, ”Diseño y construcción de
una bobina de tesla”, ”2001”.
[5] E. Pérez, O. Francés, and V.
Senosiáin Miquélez, “ESCUELA
TÉCNICA SUPERIOR DE
INGENIEROS INDUSTRIALE Y DE
TELECOMUNICACIÓN DISEÑO Y
CONSTRUCIÓN DE UNA BOBINA
TESLA.”
IV. Results V. Conclusions
VI. References
Fig. 7: Implementation of the musical Tesla coil.
The results obtained in the tests showed that
the musical Tesla coil was able to generate high
frequency and voltage controlled electrical
discharges and modular audio in a synchronized
manner. Sound and visual effects were achieved.
Figure 5 shows the design of the FIR bandpass
filters, which are of Chebyshev type of order 50
with their respective gain, where the low, medium
and high tones are controlled.
Figure 6 shows the design of the sliders that allow
to control the frequency range of the different
tones and work together with the filters designed
in Simulink.
As it can be seen in Figure 7, the implemented
musical Tesla coil with the electronic circuit
is shown. The computer oversees sending the
audio to the coil, where it oversees modulating
the frequencies and synchronizing them with the
music.
The distance of the arc or electric spark produced
by the device was measured, reaching 0.5 [cm]
in length, which was more than enough for the
visual part.
However, they noticed some inconveniences in
the musical part, the volume when playing music
is not very high, but it is heard perfectly, the
TIP35C transistor works correctly, but it heats up
quickly having an operating time of 42 seconds.
A solution to this problem is that the transistors
have their respective heat sink and thermal paste
to increase the time of use.
The integration of audio into the musical Tesla
Coil allows the modulation and synchronization
of the audio playback with electrical discharges.
This creates an immersive sensory experience,
where the sound effects are coordinated with
the visual effects, thus enhancing the viewer’s
experience.
The Tesla coil is a device that uses the principle
of resonance, in this case electrical, to raise
the frequency of a voltage signal by means of a
special transformer, which generates the emission
of surrounding air plasma.
The filter designed in the Matlab software worked
as expected, since FIR filters are ideal for discrete
signals, thus being able to make the designed
circuit play any song, being able to analyze the
behavior of the electric arc to the low, medium
and high tones.
[1] B. Aguirre, “Universidad Tecnológica
Nacional Proyecto Final Reproducción de
música mediante la generación de Plasma
Autores: Facultad Regional Paraná.”
[2] “Bobina de Tesla 57.” [Online]. Available:
http://www.ucm.es/centros/webs/oscar/
[3] L. Y. Generación Control De Alto
Voltaje, E. Mantenimiento Eléctrico
AUTORES, and B. Arias Francisco
Ismael Rivera Chiriboga Diego Roberto,
“UNIVERSIDAD TÉCNICA DEL NORTE
FACULTAD DE EDUCACIÓN, CIENCIA
Y TECNOLOG´IA.”
[4] “Héctor Cadavid Ramirez, Oscar Román
Tudela, Gillermo Aponte Mayor, Francisco
Javier Garcia”, ”Diseño y construcción de
una bobina de tesla”, ”2001”.
[5] E. Pérez, O. Francés, and V.
Senosiáin Miquélez, “ESCUELA
TÉCNICA SUPERIOR DE
INGENIEROS INDUSTRIALE Y DE
TELECOMUNICACIÓN DISEÑO Y
CONSTRUCIÓN DE UNA BOBINA
TESLA.”
IV. Results V. Conclusions
VI. References
Fig. 7: Implementation of the musical Tesla coil.
30REVISTA PERSPECTIVASVOLUMEN 7, N˚1 / ENERO - JULIO 2025 / e - ISSN: 2661
[6] C. E. Laburu, S. De, and M. Arruda,
“LABORATORIO A CONSTRUCIAO˜
DE UMA BOBINA DE TESLA PARA
CASEIRO USO EM DEMONSTRAC¸ O˜
ES NA SALA DE AULA,” 1991.
[7] “Nelson Aimacaña, Marayma Cují, Alex
Llamuca, Isabel Vaca, Tony Flores”,
”Modelado de Seáal por Segmentos
Exponenciales y Aplicación en el Análisis
de Voz”, ”PERSPECTIVAS”, ”2015”
[8] “Pastor Martíın, Ángel”, ”Matemáticas en
la música”, ”Redined”, ”2008”.
[9] Juan E. San Martíın, ”Facultad de Bellas
Artes UNLP”, ”Clase 15: Técnicas de
Ecualización aplicadas a la mezcla”
[10] F. Pinilla and V. Pinilla, “DISEN˜ O DE UN
PROTOTIPO DE BOBINA TESLA CON
TENSIO´ N DE OPERACIO´ N PICO DE
280kV.”
[11] A.: Saray and M. Ruiz, “Trabajo Fin de
Grado Diseño paramétrico de bobinas de
Tesla Parametric design of Tesla coils,”
2017.
[12] L. Y. Generación Control De Alto
Voltaje, E. Mantenimiento Eléctrico
AUTORES, and B. Arias Francisco
Ismael Rivera Chiriboga Diego Roberto,
“UNIVERSIDAD TÉCNICA DEL
NORTE FACULTAD DE EDUCACIÓN,
CIENCIA Y TECNOLOGÍA.”
[6] C. E. Laburu, S. De, and M. Arruda,
“LABORATORIO A CONSTRUCIAO˜
DE UMA BOBINA DE TESLA PARA
CASEIRO USO EM DEMONSTRAC¸ O˜
ES NA SALA DE AULA,” 1991.
[7] “Nelson Aimacaña, Marayma Cují, Alex
Llamuca, Isabel Vaca, Tony Flores”,
”Modelado de Seáal por Segmentos
Exponenciales y Aplicación en el Análisis
de Voz”, ”PERSPECTIVAS”, ”2015”
[8] “Pastor Martíın, Ángel”, ”Matemáticas en
la música”, ”Redined”, ”2008”.
[9] Juan E. San Martíın, ”Facultad de Bellas
Artes UNLP”, ”Clase 15: Técnicas de
Ecualización aplicadas a la mezcla”
[10] F. Pinilla and V. Pinilla, “DISEN˜ O DE UN
PROTOTIPO DE BOBINA TESLA CON
TENSIO´ N DE OPERACIO´ N PICO DE
280kV.”
[11] A.: Saray and M. Ruiz, “Trabajo Fin de
Grado Diseño paramétrico de bobinas de
Tesla Parametric design of Tesla coils,”
2017.
[12] L. Y. Generación Control De Alto
Voltaje, E. Mantenimiento Eléctrico
AUTORES, and B. Arias Francisco
Ismael Rivera Chiriboga Diego Roberto,
“UNIVERSIDAD TÉCNICA DEL
NORTE FACULTAD DE EDUCACIÓN,
CIENCIA Y TECNOLOGÍA.”