IMPEDANCE

Integrated Modules for Power Efficient Distributed Active Noise Cancelling Electronics

Description of research

Active noise cancelling is a technique where noise (sound) reduction is achieved by actively producing sound that cancels the unwanted noise. A system with a microphone as sensor, signal processing and amplifiers to drive piezoelectric panels can reduce sound levels considerably and there is quite some research in this area. Still, the number of actual applications is very limited, because research in this field has largely neglected the usability issues of such systems. Presently we are stuck with systems that require large computers and power hungry amplifiers that defy the purpose of applying active noise cancelling in the first place.

Amplifying the noise cancelling signals for piezoelectric panels is complicated, and their electrical properties render existing amplifiers solutions too large and power hungry. High efficiency amplifier techniques, like class D switching amplifiers exist, but we have to move beyond that in order to satisfy the demands for higher efficiency, compactness and low distortion. The aim of this project is to find suitable amplifier architectures that can reach the stringent requirement for active noise cancelling systems.

Advisor(s)

Dr.ir. R.A.R. van der Zee and Prof.dr.ir. Bram Nauta UT-ICD

Duration

01-09-2010/01-09-2014

Project

Impedance

Funding institution

STW

Strategic Research Orientation

Wireless and Sensor Systems

Links to relevant web pages:

http://icd.ewi.utwente.nl/persons/?id=295

Pictures