Microphone Handbook

Test and Measurement Microphones

Introduction

Pressure variations, whether in air, water or other mediums, which the human ear can detect,
are considered sounds. Acoustics is the science or the study of sound. Sound can be generally
pleasing to the ear, as in music, or undesirable, referred to as noise. The typical audible range
of a healthy human ear is 20 to 20,000 Hz. A Sound Pressure Level (SPL) beyond the
detectable frequencies of the human ear can also be very important to design engineers. Noise,
Vibration and Harshness (NVH) is concerned with the study of vibration and audible sounds.
Vibrations represent a rapid linear motion of a particle or of an elastic solid about an equilibrium
position, or fluctuation of pressure level. Harshness refers to the treatments of transient
frequencies or shock. Usually treatments are employed to eliminate noise, but in some cases
products are designed to magnify the sound and vibration at particular frequencies. The sound
produced or received by a typical object, which may be above and below the frequencies that
are detectable by the human ear, or amplitudes concerning its resonant frequencies, are
important to designers, in order to characterize the items performance and longevity.

Technology Fundamentals and Microphone Types

When an object vibrates in the presence of air, the air molecules at the surface will begin to
vibrate, which in turn vibrates the adjacent molecules next to them. This vibration will travel
through the air as oscillating pressure at frequencies and amplitudes determined by the original
sound source. The human eardrum transfers these pressure oscillations, or sound, into
electrical signals that are interpreted by our brains as music, speech, noise, etc. Microphones
are designed, like the human ear, to transform pressure oscillations into electrical signals, which
can be recorded and analyzed to tell us information about the original source of vibration or the
nature of the path the sound took from the source to the microphone. This is exhibited in testing
of noise reducing materials. Pressure from sound must be analyzed in the design stages to not
only protect the materials around it, but also to protect the most precious and delicate
mechanism designed to perceive it, the human ear. Like the human ear, microphones are
designed to measure a very large range of amplitudes, typically measured in decibels (dB) and
frequencies in hertz (Hz.)

In order to convert acoustical energy into electrical energy, microphones are used. There are a
few different designs for microphones. The more common designs are Carbon Microphones,
Externally Polarized Condenser Microphones, Prepolarized Electret Condenser Microphones,
Magnetic Microphones, and Piezoelectric Microphones.

The carbon microphone design is a value-oriented design. This design is a very low quality
acoustic transducer type. An enclosure is built. This enclosure houses lightly packed carbon
granules. At opposite ends of the enclosure, electrical contacts are placed, which have a
measured resistance. When the pressure from an acoustical signal is exerted on the
microphone, it forces the granules closer together. This force presses the granules together,
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which decreases the resistance. This change in resistance is measured and output. A typical
use of this item can be seen in early basic designs of a telephone handset.

A condenser microphone operates on a capacitive design. The cartridge from the condenser
microphone utilizes basic transduction principles and will transform the sound pressure to
capacitance variations, which are then converted to an electrical voltage. This is accomplished
by taking a small thin diaphragm and stretching it a small distance away from a stationary metal
plate, called a “back plate.” A voltage is applied to the back plate to form a capacitor. In the
presence of oscillating pressure, the diaphragm will move which changes the gap between the
diaphragm and the back plate. This produces an oscillating voltage from the capacitor,
proportional to the original pressure oscillation.
Figure 1. Microphone Component

The back plate voltage can be generated by two different methods. The first is an externally
polarized microphone design where an external power supply is used. The power source on this
traditional design is 200 volts. The second or newer design is called a prepolarized microphone
design. This modern design utilizes an “electret” layer placed on the backplane, which contains
charged particles that supply the polarization. This design, when coupled with an Integrated
Circuit Piezoelectric (ICP®) circuit can provide great advantages. An inexpensive constant
current supply can power the unit, instead of the more expensive externally polarized power
supplies. Standard coaxial cables with BNC or 10-32 connectors can be used, instead of LEMO
7-pin connectors and cables. The coaxial cables can be driven long distances without
degradation of the signal. The modern prepolarized designs are becoming increasingly popular
for laboratory test and measurement, and field applications, due to their low cost and ease of
use.

A magnetic microphone is a dynamic microphone. The moving coil design is based on the
principal of magnetic induction. This design can be simply achieved by attaching a coil of wire to
a light diaphragm. Upon seeing the acoustical pressure, the coil will move. When the wire is
subjected to the magnetic field, the movement of the coil in the magnetic field creates a voltage,
which is proportional to the pressure exerted on it.

A Piezoelectric microphone uses a quartz or man-made ceramic crystal structure, which is

similar to electrets in that they exhibit a permanent polarization and can be coupled with an
ICP® design. Although these sensor type microphones have very low sensitivity levels, they are
very durable and are able to measure very high amplitude (decibels) pressure ranges.

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Conversely, the floor noise level on this type of microphone is generally very high. This design is
suitable for shock and blast pressure measurement applications.

The most popular test and measurement microphones are the capacitor condenser designs.
The focus of the following will be based on this design.

Selecting and Specifying Microphones

Microphones measure broadband sound pressure levels from a variety of sources. When the
microphone signal is post processed, the frequencies can be correlated with the sound source,
and if necessary, related back to the wavelength of the sound. Acoustical measurement of this
sound, through the use of high-precision condenser microphones, provides a better
understanding of the nature of the sound. There are a number of microphones that will work and
measure pressure variances. Common diameters for condenser microphones are .125”, 250”,
500” and 1.0”. The trick is to determine which microphone will offer the best solution for a
required application.

When choosing the optimum microphone, the parameters to look at include the type of
response field, dynamic response, frequency response, polarization type, sensitivity required,
and temperature range. There are also a variety of specialty type microphones for specific
applications. In order to select and specify a microphone, the first criteria that needs to be
looked at is the application and what the sound and environment represent.

Microphones Field Types

There are three common application fields for precision condenser microphones. The first and
most common is the free-field type. The free-field microphone is most accurate when measuring
sound pressure levels that radiate from a single direction and source, which is pointed directly
(0o incidence angle) at the microphone diaphragm, and operated in an area that minimizes
sound reflections. A freefield microphone is designed to measure the sound pressure at the
diaphragm, as it would appear if the microphone were not present. When a microphone is
placed in a sound field, diffraction effects will alter the sound pressure when the frequency is
high enough so that the wavelengths are similar in size to the dimension of the microphone. The
effect is accounted for in the design of the microphone and the resulting correction factors are
applied to the actuator response during calibration. These microphones work best in open
areas, where there is no hard or reflective surfaces. Anechoic chambers, or larger open areas
are ideal for these Free Field microphones.
Figure 2 Free Field

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The second type is called a Pressure Field. A Pressure Field microphone is designed to
measure the sound pressure that exists in front of the diaphragm. It is described to have the
same magnitude and phase at any position in the field. It is usually found in an enclosure, or
cavity, which is small when compared to wavelength. The microphone will include the
measurement changes in the sound field caused by the presence of the microphone. The sound
being measured is typically coming from a single source. Testing of pressure exerted on walls,
exerted on airplane wings, or inside structures such as tubes, housings or cavities are examples
of Pressure Type microphone applications.
Figure 3 Pressure Field

The third type is called a Random Incident Microphone. This is also referred to as a “Diffuse
Field Type.” The Random Incident type of microphone is designed to be omni-directional and
measure sound pressure coming from multiple directions, multiple sources and multiple
reflections. The Random Incident type microphone will have typical correction curves for
different angles of incidence. The random incidence microphone will compensate for its own
presence in the field. An average of the net effect of all the calibrated incidence angles will be
taken into account, in order to come up with a net zero correction factor. When taking sound
measurements in a church or in an area with hard, reflective walls, you would utilize this type of
microphone.
Figure 4 Random Incident Field

Dynamic Response

The main criteria to describe sound, is based upon the amplitude of the sound pressure
fluctuations. The lowest amplitude that a healthy human ear can detect is 20 millionths of a
Pascal (20mPa). Since the pressure numbers represented by Pascal’s are generally very low
and not easily managed, another scale was developed and is more commonly used, called the
Decibel (dB). The decibel scale is logarithmic and more closely matches the response reactions
of the human ear to the pressure fluctuations. Here are some examples of typical sound
pressure levels to use as a reference:

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Level References

0 dB = 0.00002 Pa Threshold of Hearing

60 dB = 0.02 Pa Business Office
80 dB = .2 Pa Shop Noise
94 dB = 1 Pa Large Truck
100 dB = 2 Pa Jackhammer
120 dB = 20 Pa Airplane Take-Off
140 dB = 200 Pa Threshold of Pain
Manufacturers specify the maximum decibel level based on the design and physical
characteristics of the microphone. The specified maximum dB level will refer to the point where
the diaphragm will approach the back plate, or where Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) reaches
a specified amount, typically 3% THD. The maximum decibel level that a microphone will output
in a certain application is dependent upon the voltage supplied, and the particular microphones
sensitivity. In order to calculate the maximum output for a microphone, using a specific
preamplifier and its corresponding peak voltage, you first need to calculate the pressure in
Pascals that the microphone can accept. The amount of pressure can be calculated by using
the following formula:

Where P = Pascal’s (Pa) & Voltage is the preamps output peak voltage.

Once the maximum pressure level that the microphone can sense at its peak voltage is
determined, this can then be converted to decibels (dB), using the following logarithmic scale:

Where: P = Pressure in Pascal’s

Po = Reference Pascal’s (Constant = 0.00002 Pa)

The above formula will provide the maximum rating that a microphone (when combined with a
specific preamplifier) can be capable of measuring. For the low-end noise level, or minimum
amount of pressure required, you need to review the Cartridge Thermal Noise (CTN) rating of
the microphone. The cartridge thermal noise specification provides the lowest measurable
sound pressure level that can be detected above the electrical noise, inherent within the
microphone.

The inherent noise level of a microphone and preamplifier combination will be greatest at both
the lower and upper capabilities of the microphone. Each microphone will have its own noise
characteristics, and the diameter of the microphone will have a major impact on the frequencies

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and noise levels of the microphone. Below is a typical representation of the noise effect at
different frequencies for a microphone when used in conjunction with a preamplifier.
Figure 5 Typical Noise Floor Data, 1/3 Octave Band Analysis

Proper selection requires that the pressure levels, that are to be tested, fall between the
microphones low-end noise level, called cartridge thermal noise, and the maximum rated
decibel level of the microphone. In general, the smaller the microphone diameter, the greater
the high-end decibel level will be. The larger diameter microphones are recommended for low
range decibel measurements, since the inherent noise or cartridge thermal noise specifications
are typically lower.

Frequency Response

Once the type of microphone field response and dynamic range has been taken into
consideration, the frequency range (Hz) of interest, for the test requirement should be reviewed.
Upon inspecting the microphones specification sheet you will find the usable frequency range of
the specific microphone. Smaller diameter microphones will usually have a higher upper
frequency level capability. Conversely, larger diameter microphones will be able to detect lower
frequencies, generally better.

Manufacturers will place a typical tolerance of +/- 2 dB on the frequency specifications. When
comparing microphones, make sure the frequency range and the tolerance associated are
checked. If an application is not critical, you can improve the usable frequency range for that
microphone, if you are willing to increase your allowable decibel tolerance. You can check with
the manufacturer or look at the individual calibration sheet for a particular microphone in order
to determine the actual usable frequency range for specific different decibel tolerances.

Polarization Type

As explained previously, test and measurement microphones can be broken down into two
categories, traditional Externally Polarized microphones and modern Prepolarized microphones.
For most applications either type will work well. The prepolarized tend to be more consistent in
humid applications. They are recommended when changes of temperature may cause
condensation on the internal components. This may short-out externally polarized microphones.
Conversely, at high temperatures, between 120 – 150o C, externally polarized microphones are
a better choice, since the sensitivity level is more consistent in this temperature range.

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An Externally Polarized microphone set-up requires the use of a separate 200V power source.
7-conductor cabling with LEMO connectors is required in this set-up. Externally polarized
microphones are the traditional design. There are more models available and they are still
utilized for special applications or for compatibility reasons.

The modern prepolarized microphone designs are powered by a cost effective and easy-to-
operate, 2-20 mA constant current supply. This can be done with a PCB signal conditioner (or
directly by readout that has a 2-20 mA constant current power built-in.) This design enables the
owner to use standard coaxial cables with BNC or 10-32 connectors (in lieu of the 7 Pin
conductor cabling with LEMO connectors), for both current supply and signal to the readout
device. The prepolarized design also saves set-up time, since it is interchangeable with
vibration accelerometers that have built-in electronics. This newer design has become very
popular in recent years due to its time and cost savings and ease of use characteristics.

Temperature Range

Temperature will have an effect on the microphones performance. Sensitivity levels can be
directly affected by extreme environmental conditions. As the temperature approaches the
maximum specifications of the microphone, its sensitivity specification will decrease. The owner
will need to be aware of not only the operating temperature, but also the storage temperature of
the microphones. If operated and/or stored in extreme conditions, the microphone can be
adversely affected and also will also require to be calibrated more often.

Specialty Microphones

When temperature becomes a concern, a probe microphone offers an alternative solution. The
probe microphone was designed for sound pressure measurements in harsh environments. It
combines a microphone with a probe extension tube. This enables the user to get very close to
sound sources. The probe tip will send the acoustic signal to the microphone inside the probe
housing. By placing some of the critical components in the separate housing, this microphone
type can be used in extremely high temperature applications, or where access to the sound
source is too small for a typical condenser microphone.

Applications that require a microphone to be fully submersible provide their own challenges.
Hydrophones were designed to detect underwater sound pressure signals. Industrial and
scientific underwater testing, monitoring and measurements are accomplished with this
corrosion resistant design. Different models are available for different sensitivities, frequencies
decibel levels and operating depths.

Sound Level Meters are designed by manufacturers to provide a fast and convenient way to
obtain a sound pressure level reading. This design contains all the components necessary to
take a sound pressure reading. This small handheld unit includes the microphone, preamplifier,
power source, software and display. This is an excellent choice for taking a dB measurement in
an industrial setting, for community noise assessment, noise exposure measurements, artillery
fire measurements, and many other applications. The Sound Level Meter can be provided with
a number of options, including A-Weighting, real time analyzers, and software options.
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When measurements involving the magnitude and direction of the sound need to be captured,
an intensity probe is an excellent choice. By taking two phase matched microphones and
placing a spacer between them, a user can not only tell the pressure level, but also the speed
and direction of the propagating sound waves. Different sized spacers are available for
measuring the particle velocity at different frequencies. The higher frequencies typically require
a smaller spacer. Larger spacers are suitable for lower frequencies and for situations where
reverberation is present.

For Near Field Acoustic Holography (NAH) applications where three dimensional field values
are to be studied, an Array microphone set-up is recommended. By taking a number of array
microphones and spacing them out in a predetermined pattern, and combining them with the
appropriate software, spatial transformation of a complex sound pressure field is projected to
effectively map the acoustic energy flow. Array microphones are an excellent choice for large
channel count acoustic testing. Transducer Electronic Data Sheet (TEDS) are a recommended
option for arrays, since they enable the user to quickly and easily identify a particular
microphone. These TEDS chips and software enable the user to store information on the
microphones model, serial number, calibration date, along with the specifications of the
microphones sensitivity, capacitance, impedance, etc…. that can be downloaded and help
ensure accurate test results.

Outdoor microphones have been developed to be able to withstand the rigorous environmental
exposure that these microphones will be subjected to. Airport noise, or highway traffic noise has
become increasing popular spots for test and measurements, to provide safety for humans. The
Environmental microphones and Outdoor microphones provide different levels of protection for
the internal components, while maintaining their high-accuracy specifications.

Applicable Standards

Prior to selecting an acoustical instrument, the consumer should determine whether there are
certain standards that the product must comply with, for the application in which the product will
be used. Whether for legal purposes, or for quality assurance programs, these standards will
help determine the quality, accuracy and consistency of the products. Standards have been set
for sound level meters, calibrators, microphones, or other related measurement components.
There are numerous standards that correspond to the performance requirements, dimensions
and characteristics of acoustical components. The most popular organizations for establishing
these standards are the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the International
Electrotechnical Commission (IEC.)

ANSI S1.4 is the American National Standards Institute’s standard for Sound Level Meters. It
deals with the specifications for this product, and was originally written in 1983 and later
amended to S1.4A in 1995, and is currently used today. ANSI S1.43 established in 1997 deals
with setting a standard for compliance for Integrating-Average Sound Level Meters.

IEC 60942 was created with the specifications on sound calibrators in mind. There are three
classes concerned with the standards of sound calibrators. The most stringent is the Laboratory

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Standard (LS). The LS class has the tightest tolerances and is designated for calibrators that
will be used only in the laboratory. Class 1 instruments are considered for field usage
applications, as is the class 2 standard. The difference of the class one verses the class 2
calibrator depends upon which class the associated sound level meter, that will be used in
conjunction with the calibrated is classified as. A class one calibrator is intended to be used with
a class one sound level meter. A class 2 calibrator is designed to be used with a class 2 sound
level meter.

IEC 61094 deals with the condenser microphone. It establishes specifications on the
mechanical dimensions and certain electroacoustic characteristics for working standard
microphones, which are to be used as laboratory reference microphones. These condenser
microphones require the highest accuracy, due to the fact that these units will determine the
accuracy of other microphones in primary calibrations by the reciprocity method.

IEC 61672 was instituted to replace 60651 and 60804. 61672 provide electroacoustical
performance standards for Sound Level Meters. There are standards that range from the
simplest integrated sound level meter that measures sound exposure levels, to sound level
meters that measure time-average sound levels, to conventional sound level meters that
measure exponential time-weighted sound levels. A sound level meter can have one, all or a
combination of the previously mentioned measurements. There are two classes for the sound
level meters. The standards are based around the same design characteristics, but differ in the
tolerance limits and operational temperature specifications. To conform to class one or class
two, a specified frequency response for sound incident on the microphone from either, one
sound source and direction in an acoustic field, or from random directions. Class two tolerances
are more liberal, compared to the class one standards.

There are certain classifications that are commonly referenced. Types ranging from Type 0
through Type 2 dictate the tolerance and accuracy of the microphone system. These standards
were created for Sound Level Meters, and get commonly referred to when mentioning
components of the system, such as the microphone cartridge and the preamplifier. Type 0
refers to Laboratory reference. It is not required to satisfy the environmental requirements for
field instruments, but must be is an extremely accurate type, since this is what other
microphones will be judged against or tested to. Type 1 is for both laboratory use and for use in
the field. The Type 1 standard is extremely accurate and durable. It is designed to take the
challenges of the environment and still compile highly accurate and reliable acoustic
measurements. This is a very popular type for research and design engineers. Type 2
microphones have standards that are more relaxed and easily achieved. The Type 2 is a
general purpose type. These microphones do not have the high-frequency response, low
cartridge thermal noise levels, or accuracy as the first two types, but offer a less expensive
alternative for when the measurement accuracy is not critical.

Some manufacturers will designate their microphone, preamp or filter as a certain type or to
meet a particular standard. In order to conform, the complete system must be reviewed. The
whole system is what must meet the standard, not just one component. PCB® designs each
individual component to exceed the specifications, so that when installed it meets the Type 1
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specifications, even after the accumulation of tolerances of each component is taken into
consideration. For more information on the above standards, please contact the above
organizations. They can answer your questions and send you documentation on the specific
standards that you may have an interest in.

Inter facing and Design Information

After the proper selection of the microphone has been determined, the corresponding
preamplifier, and ancillary equipment must be specified and installed. The necessary cabling,
power supplies, signal conditioning and data acquisitions selections are to be made. Not all of
these components are required for all test set-ups. Figure number 6 will show the typical set-up
for an externally polarized system.
Figure 6 Externally Polarized set-up

The diagram for the prepolarized system is shown in figure number 7 below.
Figure 7 Prepolarized set-up

Components of the prepolarized design may be used with the externally polarized set-up. The
prepolarized microphone can be used with a Power Supply that is designed for externally
powered microphones, and its associated preamp, provided that you set the supply voltage to
zero.

Applications

Acoustical testing is performed for a variety of reasons, ranging from the design of new
products, to monitoring products, to predictive maintenance functions, to personal protection.
Some typical applications, for acoustical studies that require microphones may include:

Research and Product Design – Excessive sound pressure can cause damage to products or
human hearing. Microphones are used to measure the pressure level exerted on a surface.
Sound pressure can shake plaster off walls or cause damage to an airplane wing. Sound
measurement is used in a variety of applications including: the study of door slams, clutch
engagements, starter impact and sunroof noise. Analysis of engine noise in a cabin or car
interior, or sound exhibited from consumer appliances are tested to extend the lifespan of the
product and keep the external noise minimal, for the comfort of the user.
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Preventive Maintenance – Increased sound levels or changes in frequency can indicate that a
product is not working to its capacity. Motors, gears, bearings, blades, or other industrial
components can all experience changes in decibel level or frequency shift when not working
properly. High precision microphones can be utilized to confirm that a product is experiencing a
problem, or can be used to predict failure of a component.

Audiometric Calibration – Universities, governments and independent companies have audio

testing equipment to perform hearing tests and research projects. Microphones are used to test
and calibrate the systems to ensure the accuracy of the test equipment.

Compliance – Microphone tests can be performed and recorded for verification of pressure
levels on products, and can be utilized in legal situations. Companies will use high precision
microphone tests for proof of sound pressure levels during design. Microphones are used on
sound level meters to ensure compliance with national standards for shop noise.

Environmental Noise Analysis – There are certain sound pressure levels that the human ear
can be subjected to for specific amounts of time before ear damage can occur (dose). A few of
these are industrial shop noise, airports, and automotive highway noise. Acoustic testing is
performed so that a better understanding of the sound levels that are experienced in these
surroundings is achieved, and the necessary adjustments can be made in order to provide
greater personal protection. The automotive market will utilize high precision microphones for
“Squeak and Rattle” tests in order to provide a quieter ride.

Multiple Channel Testing – Acoustic holography and pressure mapping are areas where
microphone use has been increasing. Grids of microphones can be set-up to tell the difference
in the sound pressure at different points around an engine or a car tire well. Calculations can be
made per zone or spectrum. Some applications include Seismic activity monitoring, satellite
tracking, and automotive and Industrial noise source identification. Microphones can be utilized
to transform 2-dimensional complex sound pressure information, into 3-dimensional acoustic
fields, using basic wave equations, to indicate surface intensity and radiation patterns.

Array microphones, are Free Field Type microphones, which are designed to offer a cost
effective solution for multiple channel sound measurement. This makes Nearfield Acoustic
Holography (NAH) measurements practical. Grids can be constructed to take 2D mapping
measurements. The 130D20 and 130D21 have an integrated Microphone and Preamplifier. The
130 series utilizes the Prepolarized microphone design, and incorporate ICP® type circuitry,
powered by a constant current signal conditioner. The 130 series provide an inexpensive
alternative to the 377 series. The 130 series are accurate for frequency responses and great for
trending, but are more sensitive to changes in temperature, and less accurate than the 377
series of high precision condenser microphones, when measuring dB.

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Figurer 8 Multiple Channel Array

Maintenance for Microphones and Preamplifiers

Microphones are very stable over long periods of time, provided that they are handled properly.
Components of the microphone are fragile and can get damaged by misuse. The diaphragm is
made up of a very thin proprietary material that should be kept clean of dust, dirt, moisture and
any type of imperfection (scratch, dent, etc.) The grid cap is designed to let through the true
sound pressure level. The only function for the grid cap is to prevent items from coming in
contact with the diaphragm. We do not recommend that you ever remove the grid cap, if
possible. We do not recommend cleaning the microphone and if you take the precautionary
measures to keep it clean and dry, it should not be necessary. In the event that you absolutely
must take off the grid cap and clean the microphone diaphragm, we recommend using a soft
cotton swab with a little alcohol. Make sure that the alcohol fully dries before supplying power to,
and using the microphone. Do not touch the microphones diaphragm with your fingers or let it
come in contact with any sharp or pointed object.

Accessories, like windscreens and desiccants, will help keep moisture off the microphone, and
help maintain the specified sensitivity level. Nose Cones will help keep turbulence off the
microphone diaphragm and still let the sound pressure level come in unobstructed.

Dust and dirt may not only in adversely affect the microphones performance, but also the
preamplifier. If you should get dirt or dust on the backside of the microphone, or inside the
connection area of the preamplifier, use a rubber bulb to blow clean, dry air into the unit in order
to remove the dust. Keep the microphone and preamplifier assembled while preparing for
testing. Keep the maintenance caps on them and store them in their protective cases, when not
in use. With proper maintenance, your microphone and preamplifier should provide stable and
accurate results for years to come.

Latest and Future Developments

Due to the ease of use and the cost savings mentioned earlier, consumers have been dictating
where research and design time be spent. Manufacturers have been coming up with a more
diverse prepolarized microphone designs, so that end users have a larger selection to match
that of the traditional microphones for different applications.

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3425 Walden Avenue, Depew, NY 14043-2495 USA
Phone: 800-828-8840 Fax: 716-684-0987 Email: [email protected] www.pcb.com
ISO 9001 CERTIFIED A2LA Accredited to ISO 17025 AS9100 CERTIFIED 12
The rise in applications concerning Nearfield Acoustic Holography (NAH) has driven
manufacturers to not only coming up with array microphone designs for large channel counts,
but also the ancillary equipment to be enhanced. Array grids, both stationary and linear guided
systems are becoming increasingly popular. This in turn has also promoted new designs in
software systems designed for sound pressure mapping, large channel signal conditioning units,
and newer readout and data acquisition designs that can handle the increased inputs and
necessary data output.

Advanced designs of Sound Level Meters are very popular in both the industrial sector, and for
health related measurements. End users want items that are both mobile and easy to use.
These products come complete in one battery operated hand-held unit that does not require any
assembly for daily usage. Sales of this product group continue to be strong, due to its
convenient design. Future developments will be in the expanded software systems and designs
made for specific target applications.

Transducer Electronic Data Sheets are becoming increasingly popular with the rise of large
channel count tests, and for obtaining accurate results on a consistent basis. This system
makes it easy to manage a number of microphones, by enabling the user to locate a specific
microphone within a group of microphones. Data storage, calibration historical information, and
physical characteristics of each individual microphone and preamplifier are easily retrieved, with
the TEDS set-up. Software companies and data acquisition companies are placing a higher
emphasis to manufacture designs to take advantage this technology, so that the end consumer
can reap the rewards.

In general, consumers are looking for smaller packages that will accurately measure sound
pressure levels and make their jobs easier and quicker in both the set-up process and data
recording areas. They also want the costs to be minimized. The manufacturers will continue to
look at designs that will offer the customer the best value for the application.

PCB PIEZOTRONICS, INC.

3425 Walden Avenue, Depew, NY 14043-2495 USA
Phone: 800-828-8840 Fax: 716-684-0987 Email: [email protected] www.pcb.com
ISO 9001 CERTIFIED A2LA Accredited to ISO 17025 AS9100 CERTIFIED 13