MCD AudioAnalyzer

TESTING ANALOGUE AND DIGITAL AUDIO SIGNALS

Professional audio analysis from development to production

The MCD AudioAnalyzer makes audio quality measurable. It captures and generates analogue and digital audio signals, combining powerful measurement hardware with versatile analysis software. From loudspeakers and microphones to amplifiers and infotainment systems, it supports precise testing in development and production. The right format is available for each measurement environment: a desktop or rack unit for an external PC, a standalone solution with an integrated PC, or a module for SmartModuleS.
Challenges and concept

Whether assessing the sound quality of an audio system or an unusual noise from a drive, reliable evaluation requires more than listening alone. The MCD AudioAnalyzer captures signals and measures levels, frequencies and distortion for traceable results from the laboratory to production testing.

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TESTING ANALOGUE AND DIGITAL AUDIO SIGNALS

The right hardware for your audio measurement task

Desktop and rack variants operate with an external PC. The version with an integrated PC combines measurement hardware and evaluation in one unit. As a SmartModuleS plug-in module, audio analysis can be combined with additional test functions.

The associated Toolmonitor AudioAnalyzer controls measurements, visualises signals and evaluates measurement data. FFT analysis, frequency and phase response, and defined test signals support evaluation. Remote control interfaces enable integration into automated test procedures.

Signals
Analogue and digital electrical and optical
Formats
External PC, integrated PC & SmartModuleS
Operation
Manual & automated
Scope of testing and functions

Measurement hardware & analysis

The MCD AudioAnalyzer combines audio signal acquisition and generation with versatile evaluation. Different formats allow use at measurement stations and within test systems. The associated toolmonitor provides operation and analysis.

Example Architecture
Component Integration
AudioAnalyzer Architecture
Software Preview
AudioAnalyzer
Software on the Monitor
6-Way Flash Station
AudioAnalyzer
Integrated Components
SmartModuleS
AudioAnalyzer
Various Solutions

Oscilloscope views and frequency spectra make signal behaviour visible. Frequency and phase response show how the test system or device under test transmits audio signals.

  • Oscilloscope and live display
  • FFT spectrum analysis
  • Frequency and phase response
  • Measurement curve analysis and filters

Level, distortion and noise measurements provide metrics for evaluating audio signals. This helps identify deviations from the required characteristics.

  • Level and frequency measurement
  • THD and SINAD
  • RMS measurements
  • AC/DC measurements

Generators produce defined signals to stimulate the device under test. Different waveforms and modulation types enable reproducible measurements and comparison with reference values.

  • Defined test signals
  • Amplitude and frequency modulation
  • Phase modulation
  • Time and frequency domain analysis
  • Comparison with reference values

The toolmonitor makes functions and measurements available to higher-level applications. Available interfaces depend on the device variant and software configuration.

  • .NET SDK
  • Socket
  • WebAPI
  • Telnet
  • Command Line
  • SCPI depending on configuration
  • Integration into functional
  • end-of-line, inline and automated testing
Compact measuring technology for automated test systems

From individual measurement stations to automated test benches, the different formats simplify integration into your measurement environment. Variants with and without an integrated PC combine compact audio measurement hardware with suitable system connectivity.

Test procedures and concepts used

The MCD AudioAnalyzer captures and generates audio signals for measurements in the time and frequency domains. The analysis software makes signal waveforms and metrics visible. Reference comparisons and data export support evaluation and documentation, manually at a measurement station or within an automated test system.

Signal and frequency analysis
FFT spectrum analysis
Frequency response measurement
Phase response measurement
Time and frequency domain analysis
Level and quality measurements
Level and frequency measurement
RMS measurement
THD analysis for evaluating distortion
SINAD measurement for evaluating signal quality
Signal generation and comparative measurements
AC/DC measurements
Defined waveforms and modulation types
Comparison with specified reference values
Data and system integration
Remote control and measurement retrieval through software interfaces
Import and export of measurement and waveform data
Documentation and further fault analysis
Integration into functional test benches and automated end-of-line tests

Hardware Options for Flexible Measurement Environments

The MCD AudioAnalyzer is available in several hardware configurations, allowing it to be flexibly adapted to different application scenarios.

Compact USB Edition

A compact measuring instrument with USB connectivity to an external PC. The analysis software runs on the connected computer for use at laboratory workstations and in existing test environments.

Rack Edition

A version for 19-inch mounting in measurement and test systems. An external PC handles control and evaluation for permanently integrated measurement tasks within the test bench.

Standalone Pro Edition

Measurement hardware and evaluation in one unit: the toolmonitor runs on the integrated PC. No additional computer is required, whether at a standalone measurement station or in an automated test system.

SmartModuleS Edition

As a plug-in module, the AudioAnalyzer adds analogue and digital audio measurements to SmartModuleS. It uses the system’s computing and operating platform and can be combined with additional test modules. MCD helps select suitable formats, interfaces and configurations, and supports commissioning.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

FAQS

The MCD AudioAnalyzer is a hardware measurement system for capturing and generating analogue and digital audio signals. The associated software handles control, visualisation and evaluation. Depending on the version, it runs on an external or integrated PC. The system is therefore suitable for manual measurements and automated test procedures.
Functions include FFT spectrum analysis, frequency and phase response measurements, and level, RMS, THD and SINAD measurements. Oscilloscope displays and filters support evaluation. Generators provide defined waveforms and modulation types.
Typical tasks include testing amplifiers and infotainment systems, and loudspeaker and microphone testing with a suitable measurement setup. Further applications include digital audio testing via S/PDIF and mechanical noise analysis in development and quality assurance.
Options include desktop and rack variants for an external PC, a version with an integrated PC and an AudioAnalyzer plug-in module for SmartModuleS. The right variant depends on the measurement station, system integration and preferred PC configuration.
Yes. With suitable sensors, switching, friction or gear noises can be captured and analysed, for example. Frequency spectra and signal waveforms help investigate anomalies and compare measurements with reference values.

Downloads

Detailed Information

Technical Report: Audio Analyzer
Application Note: Audio Analyzer
Audio Analyzer Rack User Manual
Audio Analyzer CompactUSB User Manual
User Manual for Audio Analyzer StandalonePRO