Calibration of Active Noise Cancellation Headsets in the Standards and Calibration Laboratory

Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) technology in headsets has revolutionized our audio experience in noisy environments. This paper presents a comprehensive study on the calibration of ANC headsets in the Standards and Calibration Laboratory. The calibration process involves precise measurements of passive and active insertion losses, both critical to the noise-cancelling effectiveness of the headsets. Additionally, the frequency response and total harmonic distortion characteristics are evaluated to ensure high-fidelity sound reproduction. The calibration frequency ranges from 100 Hz to 20 kHz. The calibration processes utilized a Head and Torso Simulator equipped with embedded Type 3.3 artificial ears within a free-field anechoic chamber, allowing for precise measurements and reliable results. This method allows for a comprehensive evaluation of ANC technology by examining both passive and active insertion losses, thereby assessing its effectiveness in attenuating external noise. Furthermore, the analysis of frequency response and total harmonic distortion ensures that the audio output remains true to the original signal across various frequency ranges. This paper describes (i) methods for measuring the acoustic parameters, (ii) the measurement model and uncertainty evaluation, and (iii) the measurement results and details of the calibration system.