Active Noise Control and Sound Quality Design in Motor Vehicles

Interior noise in motor vehicles is essentially influenced by the engine which may contribute via both, structural and acoustic transmission paths. This engine related interior noise components may be controlled deliberately by active control measures without changing any source or transfer paths characteristics. Besides attenuating dominant noise components, the approach may equally be used to optimise interior sounds with respect to sound quality.

Based on general considerations how active noise and vibration control measures may effect subjective criteria, the paper gives examples how different, sometimes extremely contrasting noise characteristics may be realised in a given car.