High-channel-count systems architecture for noise and vibration measurements

Modular instrumentation is widely used in noise and vibration measurement systems that demand higher channel counts and the wider dynamic range that 24-bit delta-sigma analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) make available at lower costs. This paper presents an overview of how to use flexible modular instrumentation employing the latest software technology to make high-precision noise and vibration measurements where higher sampling rates, higher channel counts, increased dynamic range, and distributed architectures are needed in smaller packages. For example, modular instrumentation is being used in acoustic beam forming in aircraft pass-by noise tests to measure and distinguish engine and airframe noise sources.