The challenge
Measuring noise at a single point is a solved problem. Measuring it at many points at the same instant, with instruments that share a precise time reference and produce comparable data, is not: it needs hardware, firmware and software designed together, and a certification process for the resulting instrument.
The approach
The work ran in two phases. The first phase covered the design of a network of custom sound level meters: dedicated acoustic algorithms, hardware and software specifications, prototyping and management of the final production.
In the second phase the project became a research and development programme for a distributed, synchronised network of noise monitoring stations. The technical director led the project and the R&D team, set the hardware and software specifications, oversaw prototyping and software development, and managed the certification process.
The project draws on skills TT also applies in Italy: the design of sensors, firmware and measuring systems (see Innovation).
The result
The client first received a network of sound level meters designed and produced to its needs, then a network of synchronised stations, developed through to the certification process.
The technical director's role
The technical director, RafDouglas C. Tommasi, P.E., PhD, was project manager for both phases.