By Ted Chong
Senior Director, Product Development•R&D, OSM Group
AI-Enhanced ANC: Technical Overview
AI-enhanced ANC systems leverage advanced algorithms to dynamically adapt to changing noise environments, providing superior noise cancellation. The integration of FF and FB microphones plays a crucial role in achieving this.
Feed Forward (FF) Microphones
FF microphones are positioned on the exterior of the headphones or earbuds. Their primary function is to capture ambient noise before it reaches the user’s ears. The captured noise signal is then processed by the ANC system, which generates an anti-noise signal that is 180 degrees out of phase with the incoming noise. This anti-noise signal is played through the speakers, effectively cancelling out the unwanted noise.
The effectiveness of FF ANC is particularly notable in the low to mid-frequency range. The AI algorithms analyse the noise environment in real-time and adjust the anti-noise signal to ensure optimal cancellation. The latency of the FF path, which includes the time taken for the microphone to capture the noise and the system to generate the anti-noise signal, is a critical factor in the performance of FF ANC.
Feed Back (FB) Microphones
FB microphones, on the other hand, are located inside the ear cups or earbuds, close to the user’s ears. These microphones monitor the sound that has already reached the user’s ears, including any residual noise that was not cancelled by the FF ANC. The FB microphones capture this residual noise and send the signal back to the ANC system, which then generates a secondary anti-noise signal to further reduce the noise.
FB ANC is particularly effective in the low-frequency range. The AI algorithms continuously adjust the secondary anti-noise signal based on the feedback from the FB microphones, ensuring that the noise cancellation remains effective even as the noise environment changes.
Hybrid ANC Systems
Many modern ANC systems use a hybrid approach, combining both FF and FB microphones. This allows the system to leverage the strengths of both types of microphones, providing comprehensive noise cancellation across a wide range of frequencies.
The AI algorithms in hybrid systems are designed to balance the contributions of the FF and FB microphones, ensuring optimal performance in various noise environments.
Insights and Future Directions
The future of AI-enhanced ANC looks promising, with ongoing research focused on developing more sophisticated algorithms and improving microphone technology. For instance, advancements in digital signal processing (DSP) and machine learning are enabling more precise and adaptive noise cancellation. Additionally, the integration of AI-enhanced ANC with other technologies, such as augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), together with spatial 3D sound holds the potential to create more immersive and realistic experiences.
In conclusion, the roles of FF and FB microphones are integral to the performance of AI-enhanced ANC systems. By capturing and processing ambient and residual noise, these microphones enable dynamic and effective noise cancellation, enhancing the overall listening experience.
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ABOUT OSM Group
OSM Group is a leading Swedish Original Design Manufacture company dedicated to delivering sustainable, innovative, and high-quality products across various sectors, including engineered soft goods and consumer electronics.
With a global workforce of over 1,000 employees, OSM Group operates factories in Dongguan and Huizhou, China, as well as Clark in the Philippines. Headquartered in Hong Kong, the company boasts research and development centers in Stockholm, Huizhou, and Dongguan.
OSM Group’s vision is centered on delighting customers with exceptional sustainable products, empowering them to envision, design, develop, and manufacture products while minimizing the depletion of valuable resources.
