Water hammer is the audible noise resulting from the hydraulic shock that occurs when a valve shuts off the flow of water or any other liquid too quickly. The high-pressure spike or pressure transient produced in this situation can cause permanent damage to pipes and other equipment. A rather straightforward equation makes calculating the water […]
Microphones
What are the six microphone polar patterns used for?
Microphone polar patterns, sometimes called pickup patterns, define microphone sensitivity in different directions. The different polar patterns are used for controlling sound pickup and isolating the sound source, or sources, of primary interest from surrounding sources. There are six common microphone polar patterns: cardioid, supercardioid, hypercardioid, omnidirectional, lobar, and bidirectional. Polar patterns are represented by […]
How is sensing used in audio acquisition and broadcasting? Part 4
Whenever a bridge collapses, sensor engineers propose the use of the latest and various technologies to prevent future catastrophes and the loss of human life. For example, microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology was proposed for bridge monitoring after the 2007 collapse of the I-35W bridge over the Mississippi River in Minneapolis. With more than 617,000 bridges […]
How is sensing used in audio acquisition and broadcasting? Part 3
Active noise cancellation (ANC) has been part of automakers’ quest for the ultimate high-end vehicle experience for over 40 years. Eliminating or reducing engine and combustion-process related noises including exhaust noise was part of the initial implementation and road-tire, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, vibration, and wind related noises have always been targets […]
How is sensing used in audio acquisition and broadcasting? Part 2
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates, 22 million workers are exposed to potentially damaging noise at work each year. In addition to an industrial environment with heavy assembly/processing machinery or a construction site, the workplace can include a sports venue, a tarmac, or a wide-open space when the job includes machinery that […]
How is sensing used in audio acquisition and broadcasting: Part 1
According to the proverb, “seeing is believing,” but hearing something before you can see it can be very important, too. The earliest humans heard and recognized the sounds of predators long before they could see them. If they could see them — it was probably too late to take evasive action. While sound has always […]
T5838 MEMS microphones preferred choice for edge AI applications
TDK Corporation announces that its low-power InvenSense T5838 and T5837 digital PDM microphones, part of the SmartSound™ family, have established themselves as the microphone of choice for low-power edge AI application processors that perform keyword detection due to its innovative Acoustic Activity Detect (AAD) feature that enables system power savings, thus prolonging battery life, and […]
How does an acoustic camera work and what’s it good for?
Acoustic cameras consist of microphone arrays used to locate and characterize sounds. There are a variety of microphone array structures to support specific analysis needs. Some acoustic cameras also have an embedded visual camera to supply an image over which the acoustic localization information can be presented. Acoustic camera application examples range from analyzing noise […]
New ultra-low power digital microphone; half the consumption, identical performance
For the third consecutive year, Infineon Technologies AG has successfully defended its market-leading position as MEMS microphone supplier. Moreover, Infineon’s market share rose to a staggering 45 percent as bare die microphone manufacturer in 2021 [1], according to recent research published by technology expert Omdia. This positive development is due to Infineon’s long-term experience in MEMS […]
What is dosimetry? Part 2
Electronic personal dosimeters (EPDs) provide one of the newest forms of dosimetry. In real time, EPDs provide users feedback on their exposure to radiation. For example, the MBD-2 Tactical/Occupational Personal Dosimeter from Mirion Technologies is a real-time, self-indicating device that operates without user intervention. Intended for field use in military and homeland security applications, the […]
