What is a noise sensor?

Noise sensors, also known as sound sensors or acoustic sensors are electronic devices that can measure sound levels or noise signals, and are mainly used in the fields of environmental noise monitoring, industrial production environmental noise control, etc. Its working principle is mainly based on the piezoelectric effect or built-in sound-sensitive capacitive electret microphone. When the noise wave passes through the sensor, the piezoelectric crystal inside the sensor will be subject to vibration, generating a tiny charge or voltage; or the sound wave makes the electret film inside the microphone vibrate, resulting in a change of capacitance, which generates a tiny voltage corresponding to the change, and realises the conversion of the sound signal to an electrical signal.

The main roles of noise sensors include:

1. Monitoring environmental noise levels, which helps to protect workers and the public from the hazards of noise pollution.

2. Detecting the noise level of machines and equipment, which helps to protect workers from hearing damage caused by long-term exposure to noise.

3. Monitoring road traffic noise to provide data support for traffic management and intelligent transport systems to improve the efficiency and safety of urban traffic.

4. For environmental monitoring, e.g. detecting animal sounds and wind sounds in the natural environment to understand the health of the ecosystem.

5. In addition, noise sensors can also be used in scientific research, such as measuring sound waves generated in natural disasters such as earthquakes and tsunamis.

Noise sensor technical parameters:

Some of the key features and applications of noise sensors are as follows.

1. Detection range:Noise sensors are designed to detect sound levels over a wide range of frequencies and amplitudes, usually measured in decibels (dB). They can detect a wide range of sounds, from low levels of ambient noise to loud, potentially harmful noise.

2. Types of noise sensors.

Microphone-based sensors:These sensors use microphones or piezoelectric elements to convert sound waves into electrical signals.

MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) Sensors:These are miniaturised sensors that use micromachining technology to detect sound waves.

Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) Sensors: These sensors use sound waves travelling along the surface of a piezoelectric material to detect sound.

Optical-based sensors:These sensors use optical principles to detect sound vibrations. Fluctuations in sound cause displacement of the optical element, which is then converted into an optical signal.

Microphone Sensors: A microphone is one of the most common sound sensors that uses a vibrating diaphragm to convert sound into an electrical signal. In many applications, an ordinary microphone can also be used as a noise sensor

Sound Level Meters:These are portable devices that combine a microphone and a monitor to measure and display sound pressure levels. They are commonly used for noise assessment and compliance with noise regulations.

Noise sensor structure dimensions:

3. Noise sensor applications.

Noise sensors have a wide range of application scenarios and the following are their main application areas:

1. Environmental monitoring: Noise sensors can be used for environmental noise monitoring in cities, factories or road traffic. By monitoring the degree of noise pollution in these environments, the impact on people's lives and health can be assessed, and provide data support for urban planning and management.

2. Industrial control: In the process of industrial production, noise is a common hazardous factor. Noise sensors can be used to monitor noise levels in machines and equipment and factories to ensure the safety of workers' hearing. When the noise level exceeds the safety standard, timely measures can be taken to reduce noise exposure, thus improving the working environment and work efficiency.

3. Traffic management: Noise sensors can be used to control road traffic noise. For example, setting up noise detection points in urban areas can detect the noise level generated by road traffic in real time and, based on the results, take measures such as reasonable intersection layout, adjusting speed limits and promoting public transport for traffic, so as to reduce noise pollution in the city.

4. Health assessment and management: Noise sensors can be used to monitor the noise level of the living environment, especially in the home environment and hospital environment. In the home environment, the noise level in children's rooms can be monitored in real time to ensure the healthy growth of children; in hospital environments, the noise level in wards or operating theatres can be monitored to ensure that patients get a quiet resting environment and improve the effectiveness of treatment.

5. Smart home and smart city: noise sensors also play an important role in the construction of smart home and smart city. They can be used for automated control to provide a more comfortable living environment by automatically adjusting the volume of the home audio system or switching off the noise source when the noise level exceeds a certain threshold.

Overall, noise sensors play a vital role in monitoring and managing sound levels in a variety of environments to ensure safety, comfort and regulatory compliance.

Noise Sensor Data Sheet

NBL-W-NS Noise-Sensor-Instruction-Manual.pdf