Maintenance, Health & Safety Measurement & Instrumentation

New ½in Prepolarised Low-noise ICP Microphone is Industry First

Phil Black - PII Editor 26/02/2016

94 1 minute read

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PCB Piezotronics, a world leader in vibration, acoustic, pressure, force and torque sensors has launched a new ½in (12mm) microphone and preamplifier system, model 378A04, understood to be the industry’s first prepolarised low-noise device capable of measuring 6.5dBA (5.5dBA typical), matching the specification of existing externally polarised models.

This unique ICP® sensor is designed for use with data acquisition systems (DAQs) that provide industry standard constant current power. Prior to the release of the 378A04, test engineers were compelled to use high cost 7-pin cables and expensive 200V power supplies to measure below 15dBA.

The new microphone from PCB uses standard coaxial cables with BNC connectors and can be shared with other ICP compliant products including accelerometers, force and pressure sensors. It can also be used with DAQs that provide 4mA minimum (or paired channels that combine for 4mA).

The new 378A04 microphone’s portability and interchangeability minimises test set-up time and reduces the cost-per-channel. Applications include computer hard disk drive testing (e.g. spin-up noise), cabin noise measurements, white goods tests (appliance noise reduction), sound power measurements, noise source location, environmental noise monitoring and electric vehicle sound quality.

Key features include low 6.5dBA (5.5dBA typical) noise floor, 450mV/Pa sensitivity, wide frequency range (±2dB) from 10Hz to 16kHz, prepolarised sensor design for ease of use and low cost per channel, suitable for use with existing low cost standard coaxial cables and compatible with ICP sensor arrangements.

Additional specifications include 3% harmonic distortion limit >80dB (100dB below 5kHz), maximum sound pressure of 130dB and operating temperature range from -10 to +80°C.

A2LA/ILAC – MRA accredited and CE marked, PCB’s new 378A04 microphone is the industry’s first prepolarised sensor for low-noise applications and is available from stock.