Siemens VDO Automotive Takes ACTIVE NOISE to the Streets During 2002 Convergence

Search Blogs that Mention this News Release
Click this link to view linked Bookmarking Services
Click this link to view linked Blogging Services
Siemens VDO Automotive Takes ACTIVE NOISE to the Streets During 2002 Convergence
    DETROIT, Oct. 21 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Siemens VDO Automotive is
taking Active Noise Control (ANC) from the exhibit to the streets during 2002
Convergence scheduled for Oct. 21 - 23 at Cobo Center, Detroit.
    "We will have demonstration vehicles and interactive exhibits equipped
with new product innovations and next-generation technology," said Siemens VDO
Automotive Director of Central Technology Michael Gauthier.  "We invite media
and vehicle manufacturers to experience, first hand, the numerous
possibilities and enhancements enabled by electronics, in applications
traditionally of a mechanical nature."
    Such examples of electronic solutions replacing mechanical products
include Siemens VDO Automotive's Active Noise Control (ANC).  Particularly at
low speeds, the sound level in a car is dominated by the noise created by the
engine as it draws in fresh air.  Siemens VDO Automotive is contributing to
improved acoustic comfort and performance with its Active Noise Control (ANC)
system for engines being presented at 2002 Convergence.
    Since even the best designed engines cannot completely eliminate
resonance, Siemens VDO Automotive has developed ANC technology allowing engine
sound to be actively influenced at its source by utilizing a loudspeaker
installed in the air intake system to generate opposing frequencies.
    In addition to a speaker, the patented ANC concept utilizes a microphone
mounted in the air intake system to continuously monitor and measure sound
levels at various established thresholds.  An electronic controller calculates
the corresponding tone sequence, which is delivered into the intake system by
the speaker. The entire ANC system only requires a few watts to operate, due
to its close proximity to the sound source.
    With individual frequencies being suppressed and others amplified, ANC
gives the automobile manufacturer greater freedom in engine acoustics design.
Selective sound design can be used to adapt the noise behavior of an engine to
the character and marketing strategy of a particular vehicle model.  In the
frequency range up to 600 Hertz, Siemens VDO has demonstrated a significant
improvement in the vehicle acoustic performance, a major factor in overall
driver satisfaction.
    A recent Siemens VDO Automotive study demonstrated active control of
engine sound significantly influences the driver's enjoyment and comfort
levels.
    In addition, North American ANC field tests conducted by Siemens VDO
Automotive also have indicated that most drivers only prefer silence when
engaged in vehicle operation situations requiring increased concentration,
such as at night or during inclement weather.  However, harmonious tone
sequences seem to be favored during daytime leisure driving, while harmonics
emphasizing the acceleration phases are preferred during in-town driving.
    Siemens VDO Automotive is a tier-one supplier of automotive
electronic/electrical systems and components with applications covering
gasoline and diesel powertrain systems, safety and chassis systems, body
electronics and interior and infotainment. Worldwide sales reflecting partial
fiscal year 2000/2001 totaled $5.6 billion.
    On Jan. 1, 2002, Siemens Automotive Corp. and VDO North America merged to
form Siemens VDO Automotive in the United States.  For more information, visit
http://www.usa.siemensvdo.com .
    Siemens AG (NYSE: SI), headquartered in Munich, is a leading global
electronics and engineering company.  It employs more than 450,000 people in
193 countries and reported worldwide sales in excess of $72.7 billion in
fiscal 2001 (10/1/00 - 9/30/01).
    The United States is Siemens' largest market, with 77,000 employees and
sales of more than $18.9 billion in fiscal 2001.  Siemens is a leading
provider of advanced technology solutions in the information and
communications, medical, power, automation and control, transportation and
lighting sectors, and leverages its global network of innovation and
unparalleled technological heritage to deliver business results for Siemens'
customers around the globe.  For more information about Siemens in the U.S.,
go to http://www.usa.siemens.com .
SOURCE Siemens VDO Automotive
http://www.usa.siemensvdo.com
CONTACT:
David Ladd of Siemens VDO Automotive,
+1-248-209-5822, david.ladd@siemens.com