APx511 B Series Audio Analyzer - Ideal for Production Test of Hearing Aids

Automated Routines for IEC60118-7 and ANSI S3.22

The B Series APx511 audio analyzer supports a .NET library of functions that automate the tests described in IEC60118- 7 and ANSI S3.22. For the production environment, these functions can be called from any .NET capable language or LabVIEW to control the APx511’s output and measurement settings.

For troubleshooting or test setup, the APx511 B Series audio analyzer can be controlled by the standard APx500 software providing a rich graphical user interface and access to automated reporting, real-time signal monitors, high resolution FFTs and controls for limits & other settings.

In addition to standard audio tests such as level, distortion, frequency response, and attack & release, the B Series APx511 audio analyzer can measure battery current using its built-in battery simulator circuit.

 

Built-in Support for Test Chamber Speaker, Telecoil & Microphone
The APx511 B Series audio analyzer generator includes an in-line 2 watt loudspeaker amplifier (8 ohms) and a telecoil amplifier, allowing >110 dB SPL and up to 400 mA/m field strength from 100 Hz to 10 kHz in a test chamber such as the Interacoustics TBS25. On the input side, APx511 supplies 24 V DC of constant current through a single BNC for a pre-polarized measurement microphone.

 

Transfer Function
The transfer function measurement provides the complex frequency response function for a device, including the magnitude and phase (or real and imaginary components), using any broadband signal. This feature, a powerful addition to APx software’s Sequence Mode, allows any APx audio analyzer to be used as a multichannel dynamic signal analyzer or as a so called dual-channel FFT analyzer. With transfer function and any broadband signal, including speech, music, or noise, APx users can now assess the complex frequency response, coherence, and impulse response of their device or system. AP’s transfer function provides gapless and overlapped analysis of multiple acquisitions. It also includes a ground-breaking signal-based triggering that eliminates the need for a pilot tone in open-loop test applications, making it ideal for test of “smart” audio devices.

 

Open-Loop Chirp
The signal provides multiple, high-resolution results in a brief period of time and now APx users can employ the chirp in test scenarios where the signal may originate, or terminate, as a file on the device under test (DUT) or on a server connected to the DUT. This new capability is especially helpful to those developing smart devices (e.g., smart speakers, smartphones).

 

Code-Free Automation and a Complete API
APx500 Measurement Software is the most advanced audio measurement interface available. Complex procedures that include user prompts, limits, and calls to external applications can be created directly in the GUI, saving time and money while ensuring painless updates over time, as no development is required.

Create custom interfaces and application-to-application automation using the comprehensive APx API. Extensive documentation and examples are provided for Visual Basic.NET, C#, MATLAB, LabVIEW, and Python. Projects and automation can be shared with other APx units anywhere in the world.

 

Common Software Platform
From a practical perspective, APx audio analyzers use a common software platform, making tests and results easier to share. All settings for a test are saved in a single project file, making it easy to replicate test setups between R&D and production facilities anywhere in the world. Project files are compatible with both B Series and Legacy APx instruments and each project is self-contained, so there’s never any worry about dependencies or broken links. Users can even embed waveform files and images within a project file.

 

For sharing measurement results with customers, contract manufacturers or management, APx automatically generates rich graphic reports, with highlighted pass/fail limits and options to export as PDF, HTML, Excel, CSV, RTF or MATLAB files.

APx511 B Series Audio Analyzer Datasheet

I/O OPTIONS

Accessories
The APx HA-1 2cc coupler (for In-the-Ear models) and HA-2 2cc coupler (for Behind-the-Ear models) meet IEC126 and are available for use with any ½-inch or 14 mm measurement microphone.

 

SOFTWARE OPTIONS

APx500 software options provide measurements and functionality beyond the core set of capabilities. A variety of options are offered, suited to different specific test applications and requirements.

For B Series APx audio analyzers, and legacy APx audio analyzers running version 5.0 software, software option licenses are electronically activated and are tied to a specific analyzer via serial number. For legacy APx audio analyzers running APx software version 4.6 or earlier, software option licenses are enabled by “iButtons” that mount on the rear of the instrument.

 

Perceptual Audio Test: POLQA (SW-POLQA-2)
Perceptual audio measurement returns a subjective assessment of speech quality using the next-generation POLQA algorithm for wide-band speech devices or devices with acoustic coupling. (Successor to PESQ with support for HD Voice, 3G, 4G/LTE and VoIP technologies)

 

Speech Intelligibility: ABC-MRT Measurement (SW-ABC-MRT)
The APx ABC-MRT plugin is a software option for APx500 audio measurement software that provides speech intelligibility measurement based upon the ABC-MRT speech processing algorithm developed by the Institute for Telecommunication Sciences (ITS) of the United States National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA).

 

Speech Intelligibility: Speech Transmission Index (SW-STI)
SW-STI is a plug-in for conducting Speech Transmission Index (STI) measurements using the STIPA method.