As a technology, Bluetooth is effectively a part of everyday life, a fact that reflects its great utility. That flexibility is used in a wide range of consumer devices from headphones to vehicle infotainment systems.

When a device that reproduces sound and contains speakers, headphone drivers, or microphones, is approved for mass production, how you test the product may ultimately have the largest influence on optimum profitability.

Measuring and characterizing the audio quality of headphones, earbuds, and headsets present unique challenges to both the R&D lab and on the production line.

The heart of any smart device is the Intelligent Virtual Assistant (IVA), enabling the use of voice commands which are acquired via the integrated MEMS microphone or an array of such microphones (mics).

In comparison to electronic (analog or digital) audio test, evaluating the acoustic performance of loudspeakers presents several complexities, including measurement equipment and the test environment.

At the core of the smart speaker is the Intelligent Virtual Assistant (IVA), enabling the use of voice commands. This same IVA technology is being added to all sorts of appliances, such as thermostats, set top boxes, etc.

Hearing aids are truly unique from an audio test perspective. They are one of the few audio devices that have both acoustic input and acoustic output, and even the simplest ones have microphones, a power amplifier, digital signal processor, loudspeaker and controls integrated into a tiny, battery-powered package.

Audio amplifiers are essential in audio systems, designed to increase weak audio signals to drive speakers and produce sound. While each type of amplifier boosts audio, the way they handle signals, manage heat, and affect audio quality varies significantly, leading to different classes of amplifiers with unique advantages and trade-offs.