Major sensor innovations in automotive active noise cancellation

Molex has launched an accelerometer-based Road Noise Cancelling (RNC) sensor, its first device in a new family of automotive Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) sensors. These sensors will perform a critical role in combatting unwanted road, wind and HVAC car noise while decreasing low-frequency sounds that grow driver fatigue.

Advancements in the electronics industry have allowed ANC technology, more generally associated with high-end headphones, to transform how car manufacturers address road-based noises. Rather of installing expensive and heavy sound-absorbing materials to insulate car interiors from extreme road-noise, ANC sensors are intended to be installed on a car’s chassis for more accurate and efficient results. Devices installed in wheel wells and car frames, however, must be constructed to withstand the harshest conditions.

“As the transition to electrified vehicles intensifies, it will become critical to reduce road noise, which today is masked by internal combustion engines,” said Carrieanne Piccard, VP and general manager, Transportation Solutions Business Unit, Molex. “Our long history in the automotive industry uniquely positions Molex to develop powerful, durable sensor technology that captures and cancels road noises while enabling safe and enjoyable driving experiences.”

The company's family of ANC accelerometer and microphone sensors use Analog Devices’ A2B technology to deliver high-fidelity audio while noticeably decreasing cabling complexity, costs and weight. By pairing its sensors with the A2B network, the company transmits noise signals to the processing unit in less than two milliseconds. The sensors incorporate integral connectors and are daisy-chained to simplify integration while giving up to a 30% reduction in cable weight. Derived from its Mini50 Connector family, these connectors provide up to 50% space savings over traditional USCAR 0.64 connectors.

“Analog Devices is pleased to collaborate with Molex to bring to market low-latency ANC / RNC sensors based on Analog Devices’ A2B network and MEMs accelerometer technologies,” said Vlad Bulavsky, senior director, Automotive Connectivity, Analog Devices, Inc. “We are already seeing early signs that the quality of Molex’s sensors together with A2B/ADXL317’s design simplicity is resonating with our mutual customer base.”

“Working with Molex accelerates our ability to usher in a new era of safer, more enjoyable driving experiences,” said Yoel Naor, CEO of Silentium. “Seamless integration of Molex’s sensors with our software also reduces automotive design cycles and engineering costs.”