Measurement of the performance of sound level meters using IEC 61672-3:2006

Authors

  • Peter Hanes Institute for National Measurement Standards, National Research Council Canada, 1200 Montreal Rd., Ottawa, Ont. K1A 0R6, Canada

Keywords:

Acoustic signal processing, Calibration, Mathematical models, Calibrated sound calibrators, Electrical signals, Single frequency

Abstract

IEC 61672-3:2006 provides the first internationally agreed methods for measuring the performance of individual sound level meters (SLM). Pattern approval tests are specified in IEC 61672-2, but are in practice only performed in countries where legal requirements exist for testing a model of SLM before it may be sold. A calibrated sound calibrator is applied in order to determine the overall sensitivity at a reference level at a single frequency. The indicated sound level with no input signal is noted; this corresponds to the level of self-generated noise in the SLM. The indicated peak C sound level in response to single cycle and half cycle sinusoidal electrical signals is measured and compared with the theoretical ideal response. IEC 61672-3 should be recommended for use in Canada with appropriate guidance on its use with respect to older SLMs.

Additional Files

Published

2007-09-01

How to Cite

1.
Hanes P. Measurement of the performance of sound level meters using IEC 61672-3:2006. Canadian Acoustics [Internet]. 2007 Sep. 1 [cited 2026 May 2];35(3):144-5. Available from: https://jcaa.caa-aca.ca/index.php/jcaa/article/view/1942

Issue

Vol. 35 No. 3 (2007)

Section

Proceedings of the Acoustics Week in Canada

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