AWA6218C Statistical Noise Analyzer
| Origin | Zhejiang, China |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Origin Category | Domestic (China) |
| Model | AWA6218C |
| Pricing | Upon Request |
| Accuracy Class | Type 2 per IEC 61672:2002 & GB/T 17181 |
| Microphone | 1/2″ Pre-polarized Condenser, Sensitivity ≈ 40 mV/Pa |
| Frequency Range | 20 Hz – 12.5 kHz |
| Measurement Range | 35 dB – 130 dB (optional extended: 27 dB – 120 dB) |
| Frequency Weighting | A-weighting only |
| Time Weighting | Fast (F), Slow (S) |
| Detector | Digital True RMS, Crest Factor ≥ 3 |
| Operating Modes | Single-shot, 24-hour Automated Logging |
| Measured Metrics | L<sub>p</sub>, L<sub>inst</sub>, L<sub>5</sub>, L<sub>10</sub>, L<sub>50</sub>, L<sub>90</sub>, L<sub>95</sub>, E (Sound Exposure), L<sub>eq</sub>, L<sub>max</sub>, L<sub>min</sub> |
| Integration Times | Manual, 10 s, 1 min, 5 min, 10 min, 20 min, 1 h, 2 h, 4 h, 8 h, 24 h |
| Real-time Clock | Battery-backed calendar clock with persistent timekeeping during power loss |
| Data Storage | Up to 120 measurement sets with statistical distribution graphs, non-volatile Flash RAM |
| Interface | RS-232 serial port for printer or PC communication |
| Optional Filters | Compatible with AWA5721 (octave-band) or AWA5722 (1/3-octave-band) external filter sets |
| Printer Support | UP40 thermal micro-printer |
| Power Supply | 4 × AA alkaline batteries (≥48 h operation, <20 mA current draw) |
| Operating Temperature | 0 °C to 40 °C (extended range: –10 °C to +50 °C, optional) |
| Dimensions | 220 × 72 × 32 mm |
| Mass | ≈ 0.3 kg |
Overview
The AWA6218C Statistical Noise Analyzer is a compact, field-deployable instrument engineered for high-reliability environmental and occupational noise assessment. It implements digital true RMS detection architecture compliant with IEC 61672:2002 and GB/T 17181 requirements for Class 2 sound level meters—ensuring metrological traceability in regulatory and industrial monitoring contexts. Unlike analog-based legacy instruments, its fully digital signal path eliminates drift-related errors and enhances long-term stability under variable ambient conditions. The device functions simultaneously as an integrating sound level meter, personal noise exposure dosimeter, and automated 24-hour environmental logging system. Its core measurement principle relies on real-time digitization of acoustic pressure signals from a pre-polarized 1/2″ condenser microphone, followed by digital filtering, weighting (A-frequency), time-weighting (Fast/Slow), and statistical computation of percentile levels (L5–L95), equivalent continuous sound pressure levels (Leq), and cumulative sound exposure (E). This architecture supports compliance-driven reporting for noise mapping, workplace health surveillance, and municipal environmental noise ordinances.
Key Features
- Digital true RMS detector with crest factor ≥3, enabling accurate peak capture in impulsive or transient noise environments (e.g., construction, transportation)
- Battery-backed real-time calendar clock ensuring uninterrupted time-stamping across multi-day deployments without manual re-synchronization
- Non-volatile Flash RAM storage for up to 120 complete measurement sessions—including full statistical distribution data (e.g., histogram plots, cumulative probability curves) and time-history records
- Multi-mode operational flexibility: single-point spot measurement, timed integrations (10 s to 24 h), and unattended 24-hour autonomous logging with automatic start/stop scheduling
- RS-232 interface supporting direct connection to UP40 thermal micro-printers for on-site hardcopy output of Leq, Ldn, Ld/Ln reports, and statistical distribution graphs
- Modular expandability via external AWA5721 (octave-band) or AWA5722 (1/3-octave-band) filter modules for frequency-domain analysis required in noise source identification and acoustic barrier evaluation
- Low-power design: ≤20 mA operating current enables >48 hours of continuous use on standard AA alkaline cells; compatible with regulated 5–6 V DC external power supplies for fixed-site installations
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The AWA6218C is validated for use with standardized 1/2″ pre-polarized condenser microphones meeting IEC 61094-4 specifications. Its A-weighted frequency response (20 Hz–12.5 kHz) conforms to the tolerance limits defined in IEC 61672-1:2013 for Class 2 instruments, making it suitable for statutory noise monitoring under national environmental protection frameworks (e.g., China’s HJ 640–2012, EU Directive 2002/49/EC). The device supports documentation workflows aligned with ISO 1996-2:2017 (acoustics — description, measurement and assessment of environmental noise) and OSHA 1910.95 / NIOSH RELs for occupational exposure assessment. While not inherently 21 CFR Part 11 compliant, its immutable Flash RAM storage and time-stamped audit trail provide foundational data integrity for GLP-aligned field studies when paired with controlled procedural documentation.
Software & Data Management
Data export is facilitated through the RS-232 interface using ASCII-based protocol, allowing seamless integration with third-party data acquisition platforms or custom laboratory information management systems (LIMS). Measurement sets—including Leq, Lmax/Lmin, percentile levels, and integrated exposure values—are structured in tab-delimited format with embedded timestamps and configuration metadata (e.g., weighting, integration time, battery status). No proprietary software is required for basic data retrieval; however, optional companion utilities (distributed separately) support visualization of 24-hour Leq trends, day-night noise indices (Ldn), and spectral overlays when used with external filter modules. All stored datasets retain their original acquisition context—no post-processing interpolation or algorithmic smoothing is applied, preserving raw statistical fidelity for regulatory review.
Applications
- Long-term ambient noise monitoring at municipal boundaries, near airports, highways, and rail corridors per ISO 1996-2 protocols
- Ongoing occupational noise exposure assessment in manufacturing, mining, and logistics facilities to verify compliance with national permissible exposure limits (PELs)
- Acoustic characterization of machinery, HVAC systems, and consumer appliances during product development and quality assurance testing
- Educational acoustics laboratories requiring portable, standards-compliant instrumentation for student experiments in noise propagation and psychoacoustics
- Field validation of noise control interventions (e.g., barrier efficacy, enclosure performance) via pre-/post-installation comparative Leq and percentile analysis
- Research-grade environmental impact assessments where statistical descriptors (L10, L90) inform community annoyance modeling
FAQ
Does the AWA6218C support C- or Z-frequency weighting?
No. The instrument implements A-weighting only, consistent with its Class 2 designation for environmental and occupational noise assessment per IEC 61672.
Can measurement data be exported directly to Excel or CSV without proprietary software?
Yes. The RS-232 ASCII output is plain-text and tab-delimited, enabling direct import into spreadsheet applications or database tools without conversion utilities.
Is the internal clock synchronized to GPS or NTP time sources?
No. The clock is quartz-based with battery backup; manual initialization is required, but time integrity is preserved during battery replacement or power interruption.
What is the maximum sampling interval resolution for 24-hour logging mode?
The device does not perform continuous waveform sampling. Instead, it computes statistical metrics (e.g., Leq, L90) over user-defined integration periods (minimum 10 seconds), with no sub-interval averaging.
Are calibration certificates included with shipment?
Factory calibration against traceable acoustic standards is performed prior to dispatch; a certificate of conformance (not NIST-traceable calibration) is provided. Field recalibration requires a Class 1 pistonphone or sound calibrator per IEC 60942.
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