HS5628A Integrated Sound Level Meter

Overview

The HS5628A Integrated Sound Level Meter is a Class 2 precision instrument engineered for compliant acoustic measurement in environmental, occupational health, and industrial settings. It operates in accordance with the metrological requirements of GB/T 17181–1997 and IEC 61672–2002 (Edition 2), ensuring traceable performance for time-weighted sound pressure level (SPL) assessment, equivalent continuous sound level (L_eq) integration, and sound exposure level (L_AE) quantification. The device employs digital detection circuitry with a peak factor ≥3, enabling accurate capture of transient and fluctuating noise events typical in field-based monitoring. Its dual operational modes—discrete-interval integrated measurement and continuous L_eq logging—support both regulatory compliance reporting (e.g., ISO 1996-2 for environmental noise, ISO 9612 for occupational exposure) and long-term trend analysis.

Key Features

• Triple-range linear measurement architecture: High (70–130 dB), Medium (50–110 dB), Low (30–90 dB), each with ≥60 dB dynamic linearity
• Dual measurement modes: Mode 1 supports manual or timed acquisition of L_p, L_eq, L_AE, L_max, L_min, and sound exposure energy (E); Mode 2 enables continuous L_eq logging at user-defined intervals from 1 s to 10 s
• Configurable integration periods: 10 s, 1 min, 5 min, 10 min, 20 min, 30 min, 1 h, 8 h, or 24 h—fully compatible with OSHA 1910.95 and EU Directive 2003/10/EC exposure assessment protocols
• 1/2″ electret condenser microphone (Φ12.7 mm) with flat frequency response from 20 Hz to 10 kHz
• A- and C-frequency weighting networks conforming to IEC 61672 spectral tolerance limits
• F (Fast) and S (Slow) time weighting per IEC 61672–1
• Onboard memory capacity: 500 discrete measurement records (Mode 1) or up to 50,000 timestamped L_eq values (Mode 2)
• Low-power operation via two AA alkaline cells (3 V DC), supporting >10 hours of continuous use under typical field conditions
• Compact ergonomic housing (160 × 52 × 25 mm; 200 g including batteries) designed for handheld deployment in confined or mobile environments

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The HS5628A is validated for use across heterogeneous acoustic environments—including urban ambient noise mapping, factory floor noise surveys, transportation corridor assessments, and workplace hearing conservation programs. Its A-weighted range (30–130 dB) and C-weighted range (35–130 dB) meet minimum sensitivity and overload thresholds specified in ISO 1996–1 for environmental noise evaluation and ANSI S1.4–2014 for general-purpose instrumentation. The instrument’s temperature operating range (–10 °C to +50 °C) and humidity tolerance (20–90% RH, non-condensing) ensure robustness in uncontrolled outdoor and industrial indoor conditions. While not certified for intrinsic safety, its non-explosive design aligns with standard industrial hygiene practice where hazardous area classification is not required.

Software & Data Management

Data retrieval and configuration are facilitated via an RS232 serial interface, enabling direct connection to PC-based acquisition software for real-time streaming, post-processing, and report generation. Measurement metadata—including date/time stamps, weighting selections, time constants, and range settings—are embedded in exported datasets to support audit-ready documentation per GLP principles. Though the meter itself does not implement FDA 21 CFR Part 11 electronic signature controls, its output structure permits integration into validated laboratory information management systems (LIMS) when paired with compliant host software and procedural controls.

Applications

• Environmental noise monitoring per national emission standards (e.g., China’s GB 3096–2008, EU’s Environmental Noise Directive 2002/49/EC)
• Occupational noise exposure assessment aligned with ISO 9612 and national occupational safety regulations
• Pre-commissioning and routine acoustic verification of HVAC systems, power generation units, and manufacturing equipment
• Community noise impact studies for infrastructure projects (roads, railways, airports)
• Educational acoustics laboratories requiring cost-effective, standards-compliant instrumentation

FAQ

What standards does the HS5628A comply with?
It conforms to IEC 61672–2002 (Class 2) and GB/T 17181–1997 for electroacoustic performance and metrological accuracy.
Can the HS5628A be used for legal noise enforcement?
As a Class 2 instrument, it meets technical requirements for many routine environmental and occupational monitoring tasks but is not designated for legally binding enforcement without local metrological verification and calibration traceability.
Is external power supported?
No—the device operates exclusively on two AA batteries; no AC adapter or USB power option is provided.
Does it support data export with timestamps?
Yes—RS232 output includes full timestamping for all stored measurements, enabling chronological reconstruction of acoustic profiles.
What is the maximum storage duration for continuous L_eq logging?
At 10-second intervals, the 50,000-value memory supports up to approximately 5.8 days of uninterrupted logging.