Technical Column

Precision Sound Power Measurements with ISO 3744 × HBK PULSE — Reliable Inverse Square Validation with SPAC and Certified Instruments —

2025年8月6日

Acoustic Power Measurement

Introduction: Measurement Accuracy Depends on Both Room and Instrument

Sound power level (Lw) measurements under ISO 3744 require more than just high-end sensors or analyzers.
To meet the standard’s strict criteria—especially for validating the inverse square law (-6 dB attenuation)—you need:

  • A properly designed test environment
  • Precisely positioned microphones
  • Analysis software that can evaluate the decay pattern

That’s why Moritani provides integrated systems combining HBK’s trusted PULSE platform and Sonora’s SPAC (Sound Power Anechoic Chamber).

Key Requirements for ISO 3744-Compliant Testing

  • 1. Free-field or semi-anechoic environment (SPAC or VSAC)
  • 2. Accurate microphone placement and distance control
  • 3. Frequency-dependent attenuation analysis

HBK’s solutions, combined with Sonora’s room design, meet all these requirements—ensuring reliable, repeatable results.

System Configuration: SPAC × HBK Microphones × PULSE

ComponentDescription
RoomSPAC: ISO-compliant free-field chamber for airborne noise testing
SensorsHBK Free-Field microphones (calibrated, ±1 dB sensitivity)
AnalyzerPULSE software: Multi-point averaging, A-weighting, decay visualization
Optional ToolsTurntables, scanning rigs, elevated source tables for custom setups

This combination ensures not only accurate Lw values, but also full traceability of inverse square behavior.

What Is the Inverse Square Law in Acoustics?

When the distance from a sound source doubles, the sound pressure level ideally drops by 6 dB.
This principle is used to verify the acoustic performance of the test room under ISO 3744 and ISO 26101.

With HBK PULSE, you can:

  • Automatically calculate SPL drop between microphones
  • Visualize decay curves across the frequency range
  • Confirm standard-compliant free-field behavior in your test space

It’s not just data—it’s proof of environmental performance.

Real-World Applications

  • Lw testing of motors, fans, pumps, and small machinery
  • In-house compliance validation prior to product certification
  • R&D use: comparative sound power measurements during prototyping
  • ISO-compliant evaluation with third-party witness testing

SPAC and VSAC rooms are already adopted by leading manufacturers and are fully optimized for HBK instrumentation and workflows.

Consultation & Services

  • Custom SPAC or VSAC design based on DUT size and test type
  • Selection of compliant HBK microphones and accessories
  • On-site support for room validation and inverse square law confirmation
  • Calibration and integration services for full ISO traceability

[Contact Moritani for System Integration Support]

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    Moritani Shokai
    (Machinery Department No. 2, Tokyo Head Office)

    +81-3-3278-6127

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    Introduction of the Manufacturer

    • ホッティンガーブリュエルケアー Hottinger Bruel & Kjaer

      HHBK is a merger of two companies: Brüel & Kjær of Denmark and HBM of Germany.
      Brüel & Kjær is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of acoustic and vibration measurement instruments, known as a total measurement chain supplier.

      Learn more about HBK

    • ソノーラテクノロジー Sonora Technology Co., Ltd.

      Sonora Technology is a leading Japanese manufacturer of industrial anechoic chambers and anechoic boxes.
      From design and manufacturing to installation and acoustic performance assurance, Sonora provides fully integrated solutions to build complete acoustic measurement environments from the ground up.

      Learn more about Sonora

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