Acoustic Testing Apparatus for Simultaneous Microphone Evaluation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing testing apparatus for miniature microphones is limited in throughput due to the need for multiple testing apparatuses, each requiring a large and expensive high-accuracy reference microphone, which consumes space and increases costs.

Innovation Solution

An acoustic testing apparatus that allows simultaneous testing of multiple miniature microphones using a single reference microphone, with multiple sound sources and devices under test (DUTs) coupled to an acoustic test cavity, enabling efficient testing without the need for additional reference microphones.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple testing apparatuses are used to increase testing throughput, then testing speed is improved, but space consumption and cost increase due to requiring multiple reference microphones

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetesting throughputVSAvoidspace consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple testing functions into a single testing apparatus by enabling one reference microphone to simultaneously test multiple DUTs through an acoustic waveguide structure. This consolidation eliminates the need for multiple separate testing apparatuses, thereby reducing space consumption while maintaining high testing throughput.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The reference microphone is designed to serve multiple functions by simultaneously measuring sound fields for multiple DUTs. The acoustic waveguide structure enables the single reference microphone to perform what previously required multiple dedicated reference microphones, achieving multi-functionality without increasing hardware quantity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If multiple testing apparatuses are used to increase testing throughput, then testing speed is improved, but cost increases due to requiring multiple expensive reference microphones

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetesting throughputVSAvoidnumber of reference microphones

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the testing capability for multiple DUTs into a single testing apparatus, merging the functions that previously required multiple reference microphones. This reduces the quantity of expensive reference microphones needed while maintaining high testing throughput.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single reference microphone is designed to universally serve multiple DUTs simultaneously through the acoustic waveguide structure, eliminating the need to purchase and deploy multiple expensive reference microphones for parallel testing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Quantity of substance

If a single reference microphone is used to test multiple DUTs, then cost and space are reduced, but testing capability must handle increased acoustic complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of reference microphonesVSAvoidacoustic test cavity structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The acoustic test cavity is segmented into multiple independent acoustic waveguides, each leading to a separate DUT socket. This segmentation allows the single reference microphone to independently measure sound fields for multiple DUTs without excessive acoustic interference, managing complexity through structured division.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The acoustic waveguide acts as an intermediary structure that channels sound fields from the reference microphone to multiple DUTs in a controlled manner. This intermediary structure manages the acoustic complexity by providing defined sound paths, enabling simultaneous testing without requiring excessive acoustic isolation between channels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution increases testing speed and reduces costs and space requirements, improving the efficiency of manufacturing by allowing multiple DUTs to be tested with a single reference microphone, thereby reducing inoperable microphones in electronic devices and lowering manufacturing costs.

Implementation Method 1

One or more sound sources may be coupled to the acoustic test cavity to generate a test sound field

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSound wave propagation: Sound

Implementation Method 2

the two results are compared to determine the operational capability of the particular miniature microphone

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic transduction:

Data Source

PatentUS11190890B2Testing of multiple electroacoustic devices

Publication Date: 2021.11.30 CIRRUS LOGIC INC

AI summary

An acoustic testing apparatus may include connections for multiple devices under test (DUTs) to support simultaneous testing of two or more miniature electroacoustic devices. The acoustic testing apparatus may allow the testing of multiple DUTs with a ratio of less than one reference microphone per DUT. Thus, the speed of testing DUTs may be increased without adding significant cost through additional reference microphones. For example, a single reference microphone may be used to test two or four DUTs coupled together through an acoustic test cavity.