Title: Micro acoustic spectrum analyzer

Abstract

A micro acoustic spectrum analyzer for determining the frequency components of a fluctuating sound signal comprises a microphone to pick up the fluctuating sound signal and produce an alternating current electrical signal; at least one microfabricated resonator, each resonator having a different resonant frequency, that vibrate in response to the alternating current electrical signal; and at least one detector to detect the vibration of the microfabricated resonators. The micro acoustic spectrum analyzer can further comprise a mixer to mix a reference signal with the alternating current electrical signal from the microphone to shift the frequency spectrum to a frequency range that is a better matched to the resonant frequencies of the microfabricated resonators. The micro acoustic spectrum analyzer can be designed specifically for portability, size, cost, accuracy, speed, power requirements, and use in a harsh environment. The micro acoustic spectrum analyzer is particularly suited for applications where size, accessibility, and power requirements are limited, such as the monitoring of industrial equipment and processes, detection of security intrusions, or evaluation of military threats.

Inventors:

Schubert, W. Kent; Butler, Michael A.; Adkins, Douglas R.; Anderson, Larry F.

Issue Date:

2004-11-23

Research Org.:

Sandia National Lab. (SNL-CA), Livermore, CA (United States)

Sponsoring Org.:

USDOE

OSTI Identifier:

1175151

Patent Number(s):

6822929

Application Number:

10/606,526

Assignee:

Sandia Corporation

Patent Classifications (CPCs):

H - ELECTRICITY H04 - ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE H04R - LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS

G - PHYSICS G01 - MEASURING G01N - INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

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H - ELECTRICITY H04 - ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE H04R - LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS

H04R29/00 - Monitoring arrangements
H04R1/44 - Special adaptations for subaqueous use, e.g. for hydrophone

G - PHYSICS G01 - MEASURING G01N - INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

G01N29/46 - by spectral analysis, e.g. Fourier analysis {or wavelet analysis

B - PERFORMING OPERATIONS B06 - GENERATING OR TRANSMITTING MECHANICAL VIBRATIONS IN GENERAL B06B - METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR GENERATING OR TRANSMITTING MECHANICAL VIBRATIONS OF INFRASONIC, SONIC, OR ULTRASONIC FREQUENCY, {e.g.} FOR PERFORMING MECHANICAL WORK IN GENERAL

B06B1/0292 - {Electrostatic transducers, e.g. electret-type}

G - PHYSICS G01 - MEASURING G01N - INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

G01N29/42 - by frequency filtering {or by tuning to resonant frequency}

G - PHYSICS G01 - MEASURING G01H - MEASUREMENT OF MECHANICAL VIBRATIONS OR ULTRASONIC, SONIC OR INFRASONIC WAVES

G01H3/00 - Measuring {characteristics of} vibrations by using a detector in a fluid

G - PHYSICS G01 - MEASURING G01N - INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

G01N29/14 - using acoustic emission techniques {

G - PHYSICS G01 - MEASURING G01H - MEASUREMENT OF MECHANICAL VIBRATIONS OR ULTRASONIC, SONIC OR INFRASONIC WAVES

G01H3/12 - by electric means
G01H3/08 - Analysing frequencies present in complex vibrations, e.g. comparing harmonics present {

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DOE Contract Number:  

AC04-94AL85000

Resource Type:

Patent

Country of Publication:

United States

Language:

English

Subject:

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION