PCB Piezotronics announces industry first with new ½in
prepolarised low-noise ICP® microphone
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.
March 2016
