An externally polarized condenser measurement microphone cannot work on its own. It needs to be connected to hardware that can act as an interface between the raw signal output and the data acquisition unit or measurement device. The Power Module is the interface that improves the performance and reliability of the measurement chain, introduces electrical isolation, and provides polarization voltage for the transducer, ensuring that the microphone gets the charging voltage it needs.
Power modules supply voltage for the microphone preamplifier, which in turn acts as a unity gain impedance converter. It provides a certain amount of line drive capability by providing a low output impedance and output current, making it possible to transmit the signal from the transducer to the Power Module without significant degradation. A power module can provide amplification or attenuation to the signal, thus making it possible to fine tune the measurement chain to the signals being measured and the hardware being used.
GRAS' range of power modules cover solutions for electroacoustic applications (LEMO), intensity probes (LEMO), low noise microphones (LEMO) and power modules with traditional power supply (LEMO) as well as power modules with constant current power (CCP) that have the ability to take advantage of GRAS SysCheck2-enabled microphones.
The new GRAS 12BE (2-channel) is a CCP power module and is an addition to the existing 12BA (1-channel) and 12BB (4-channel) CCP power modules. These all support the recently introduced GRAS 246AE and GRAS 246AO microphone sets with SysCheck2 functionality. The new GRAS 12BC (1-channel), 12BF (2-channel) and 12BD (4-channel) are three new LEMO power modules in the same family, featuring LEMO / 200V input.
The 12Bx power module series provides integrated TEDS support and is competitively priced for production test applications, saving time during setup and configuration. This portfolio now comprises 1, 2 and 4-channel CCP and LEMO power modules. All GRAS power modules can be used with any audio analyzer with TEDS data accessed in two ways. When paired with Audio Precision’s APx audio analyzers, TEDS can be read directly via the APx500 release v7 Measurement Software. For use with other analyzers, TEDS data is available through the Mic Power Module App, a command-line interface for TEDS data output.
GRAS develops and manufactures state-of-the-art measurement microphones and related equipment for industries where acoustic measuring accuracy and repeatability are of the utmost importance. This includes applications and solutions for aerospace, automotive, audiology, consumer electronics and other highly demanding industries.
GRAS Sound & Vibration is represented through subsidiaries and distributors in more than 40 countries and is now part of Axiometrix Solutions.
www.grasacoustics.com
