EN 61260-2:2016/A1:2017

Overview

EN 61260-2:2016/A1:2017 is a European Standard developed by CLC that specifies pattern-evaluation tests for octave-band and fractional-octave-band filters used in electroacoustics. This amendment to the original EN 61260-2:2016 standard aligns with IEC 61260-2:2016/A1:2017 and enhances existing testing methodologies to ensure the precision and reliability of these filters. The standard is critical for manufacturers and testers of acoustic measurement equipment, particularly in ensuring accurate frequency band filtering for sound analysis.

Key Topics

• Octave-band and fractional-octave-band filters: The standard addresses testing methods that verify filter performance in dividing the frequency spectrum into standardized octave bands or fractional segments such as third-octave bands. These filters are essential in noise and vibration measurement, sound quality analysis, and acoustic diagnostics.

• Pattern-evaluation tests: This part of the IEC 61260 series focuses on the evaluation of filter patterns to confirm compliance with defined frequency-response characteristics. Testing ensures the filter’s accuracy in terms of bandwidth, frequency response shape, and center frequency.

• Amendment highlights:

  • Incorporation of electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) considerations referring to IEC 61000-4-20:2010.
  • Introduction of alternative test methods using Transverse Electromagnetic (TEM) waveguides for radio-frequency immunity testing.
  • Maintenance of performance requirements for filters under test, including frequency ranges and step sizes.

• Testing environments and conditions: The standard outlines procedures for conducting tests under controlled electromagnetic environments to guarantee consistent results and minimize interference affecting filter verification.

Applications

• Acoustic measurement instruments: Ensuring octave and fractional-octave-band filters comply with EN 61260-2:2016/A1:2017 is fundamental to the accuracy of sound level meters and precision analyzers used in environmental noise monitoring, industrial noise control, and product noise emission testing.

• Quality assurance in filter manufacturing: Manufacturers use the standard to validate their filter designs and manufacturing consistency, assuring end-users that products meet international filtering performance standards.

• Research and development: R&D labs rely on this standard for designing advanced filter algorithms and hardware that properly segment sound frequencies for analysis in both consumer and professional audio applications.

• Electromagnetic compatibility testing: Integration with IEC 61000-4-20 standards supports rigorous EMC testing to ensure that electroacoustic devices maintain performance under electromagnetic interference, vital in industrial and urban environments.

Related Standards

• EN 61260-1:2014 - Octave-band and fractional-octave-band filters - Part 1: Specifications; complements Part 2 by defining technical characteristics and performance requirements for these filters.

• IEC 61000-4-20:2010 - Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) - Part 4-20: Testing and measurement techniques related to immunity and emission testing using TEM waveguides; referenced within EN 61260-2:2016/A1:2017 for EMC aspects.

• IEC 61260 series - A comprehensive set of standards covering various aspects of octave and fractional-octave-band filter performance and testing in electroacoustics.

• ISO 1996 series - Standards for acoustic environment assessment, often used in conjunction with octave-band filtering standards for environmental noise measurement.

Keywords: EN 61260-2, octave-band filters, fractional-octave-band filters, electroacoustics, pattern-evaluation tests, IEC 61260-2, electromagnetic compatibility, TEM waveguide tests, acoustic filter testing, sound level meters, noise measurement standards, filter performance verification, CENELEC standards.