STMicroelectronics, a global semiconductor, is enabling more acoustically comfortable cars with its new sensor for road noise cancellation (RNC) through active noise control (ANC) techniques. Vehicles have traditionally been defined by engine performance, exterior design and powertrains, but drivers and passengers are increasingly focused on comfort.
Although electric vehicles (EV) are inherently less noisy than internal combustion engine (ICE) cars, car manufacturers are focused on further reducing cabin noise due to wheel or vibration. These efforts aim to allow passengers to better enjoy their journey in a quieter environment.
Noise cancellation algorithms, working with a series of sensors installed throughout the vehicle, measure ambient sounds and eliminate vibration using noise cancellation waveforms that act as anti-vibration (canceling) sounds.
“In today’s digital age, canceling, not dampening, unwanted sounds is the smart way to ensure a quieter cabin for safer and more enjoyable journeys,” said Simone Ferri, MEMS Subgroup General Manager Marketing, Analogue, MEMS and Group of Sensors, STMicroelectronics . “With the transition to hybrid and electric vehicles, which can be heavily affected by road noise, our AIS25BA accelerometer offers superior value for system designers.”
ST leveraged its capabilities in microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) ICs to provide the AIS25BA with superior features to enhance the accuracy of the RNC system. The sensor has the lowest electrical noise on the market, which helps vehicle engineers achieve the calmest possible environment in the car.
On the other hand, it has the fast response/low latency required by the RNC system to calculate corrective waveforms in real time, as well as wide bandwidth to capture disturbances across the application-relevant sound frequency spectrum. Its wide temperature range and mechanical robustness allow it to be placed in the most adverse locations in today's vehicles: close to the engine or electric drive and close to the wheels and suspension.
