It is not just the premium leather upholstery of car seats. Instead, many factors work together to achieve in-cabin comfort. Road noise cancellation is among those factors. In the early days, noise cancellation in cars was achieved by thickening window glass and windshields or by structural damping. Contrary to physical treatments, technological advancements in the automotive industry have now introduced systems for active road noise cancellation in cars.
Let’s take a closer look into what is active noise cancellation, its function and its benefits.
What is Active Noise Cancellation?
Active road noise cancellation in cars refers to the modern technology used to reduce unwanted noise from roads, engines, and tyres. The technology uses sensors and microphones to simultaneously pick up unwanted noise and create a cancelling effect.
It takes only about 0.009 seconds for engine or road noise to reach the car occupants. The noise cancelling system is highly developed, it reduces noise in even lesser time.
The noise cancelling system can reduce the overall noise by 3 – 4 dB. The significant noise reduction helps in lowering the driver fatigue, experienced on long drives. A driver with little to no fatigue is better capable of tackling traffic fatalities.
How Does Active Noise Cancelling Work?
The active noise cancelling technology uses a combination of microphones and sensors. The sensors monitor the vibrations from rough road surfaces. In contrast, a sound wave of the opposite phase is generated to cancel the unwanted noise.
The cancellation sound is played by the vehicle’s sound system. The advanced sound system improves the performance of active road noise cancellation in cars by monitoring cabin occupancy. The active noise cancelling technology also balances car weight and overall driving dynamics to provide a premium driving experience.
Benefits of Active Road Noise Cancellation in Cars
Active road noise cancellation in cars is not only limited to luxury cars, rather it is now a common feature with added benefits. Some of these benefits are detailed below.
- In-cabin silence, due to noise cancellation, accounts for a peaceful drive.
- Active road noise cancelling system reduces noise intrusions from outside when you are on a hands-free call or are listening to your favourite podcast.
- Fewer distractions for drivers due to effective cancellation of noise on highways, rough roads, or traffic.
- Reduced driver fatigue, resulting in better tackling of road fatalities.
- Replacement of less effective car soundproofing treatments, like damping and absorbing surfaces, with modern active road noise cancellation in cars.
Examples of Active Road Noise Cancellation in Cars
Automakers have been striving to introduce their unique noise cancellation systems. Here are a few examples of such systems worth mentioning.
1. Jaguar Land Rover’s Noise Cancellation Technology
Jaguar Land Rover introduced new noise cancellation technology to reduce unwanted noise in the car cabin and provide a peaceful driving experience. The system can reduce overall noise levels by 3 – 4 dB. It is a significant drop in exposure to noises up to 300 Hz, reducing drivers’ fatigue on long journeys.
The sensors on each wheel monitor the road vibrations and calculate a sound wave of the opposite phase to cancel the noise. The cancellation wave is played through the Meridian sound system installed in the vehicle.
2. Hyundai Road Active Noise Control (RANC)
The Hyundai Road Active Noise Control system – RANC, uses microphones, amplifiers, velocity sensors, and a Digital Signal Processor (DSP) to reduce car noise actively. This technology uses sound waves inverted to incoming noise from tyres and road surfaces.
The velocity sensor calculates the vibrations from the road to the car. The microphone monitors the road noise cancellation status and directs information to the DSP. The RANC effectively combats road noise separately for the driver’s seat, the passenger seat, and the back seats. Hyundai RANC can reduce in-cabin noise by 3 dB.
3. Cadillac Active Noise Cancelling System
Cadillac uses the Active Noise Cancelling system to preserve in-cabin peace and silence. The noise cancellation system in Cadillac models receives data from the car’s powertrain, generator, and three ceiling-mounted microphones. The system calculates an accurate noise-cancelling signal to counter the road noise, which transfers through the audio system’s speakers and subwoofers.
That’s where we conclude our two cents on what is active noise cancellation in cars. The ever-evolving auto industry is utilising the latest car technology to integrate innovative features in modern cars. The aim is to uplift the driving experience and turn it hassle-free.
Nevertheless, if you have had your share of your existing car and are searching for a modern car, try exploring this plethora of affordable, used cars for sale in the UAE.
Stay tuned to the UAE’s leading auto blog for the latest car features.
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