Fraunhofer Institute for Building Physics IBP
MPT setup in the acoustic test facility at Fraunhofer IBP in Stuttgart.
Maximum Pressure Tests (MPT) - Acoustic Stress Testing
Department Acoustics
Acoustic Stress Testing: Ensuring the Functionality Under Extreme Sound Conditions
The acoustic stress test facility at the Fraunhofer Institute for Building Physics IBP is a state-of-the-art testing environment designed to expose technical components to extreme sound pressure levels of up to 160 dB SPL. Typical test objects include sensors and electronics used in aerospace, automotive, and consumer electronics applications.
The Maximum Pressure Tests (MPT) are conducted in accordance with AEC-Q103-003 using the High Sound Pressure Source, which generates sound pressure levels exceeding 160 dB at a frequency of 140 Hz.
These tests are crucial for verifying the durability and performance of components such as MEMS microphones, which are used in numerous applications under high acoustic loads. The tests simulate real-world stress from high sound pressure levels (sound energy), ensuring that the tested components meet operational and lifecycle requirements even in extreme environments. The Fraunhofer IBP has developed a mobile test rig that allows these tests to be conducted in various controlled environments (reverberation room, anechoic chamber, clean room, etc.).
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Measurement Technology of the Test Facility
The acoustic stress test enables functional testing of components under extreme sound pressure levels exceeding 160 dB SPL. The primary focus is on MEMS microphones, assessing their robustness and quality under these extreme conditions. In addition to checking the sound pressure level, the distortion, dynamic range, and long-term stability of the components are analyzed. It is also possible to carry out temperature stress tests to simulate aging effects.
Technical Specifications
- Sound pressure levels with sine tone excitation of >160 dB SPL
- Sound power white noise (f = 100 Hz -1000 Hz) of 147 dB
- High level fidelity across 50 cm x 50 cm area
- Measurement environment selectable (reverberation room, free-field room, clean room, etc.)
- Temperature stress test integration possible (test samples only)
- Long-duration sound exposure available (hours, days, etc.)
- Use/adaption of additional measurement technology possible (microphones, scanning vibrometers, accelerometers, acoustic cameras, etc.).
View and setup of the high sound pressure source.
Setup for determining the sound level distribution over the surface.
Sound level distribution over the surface.