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V. Vencovsky, A. Novak, O. Klimes, P. Honzik & A. Vetesnik (2023), "Distortion-product otoacoustic emissions measured using synchronized swept-sines", The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America. Vol. 153(5), pp. 2586--2586.
International conferences, workshops
2024
A. Novak, L. Simon & P. Lotton (2024), "The Impact of Fade-In and Fade-Out on Synchronized Swept-Sine Method", Audio Engineering Society Convention 156, Madrid, Spain
Abstract
BibTeX
This paper studies the impact of applying a fade-in and fade-out to smooth the start and end of swept-sine signals used for characterizing nonlinear systems. The absence of fade-in and fade-out can lead to significant overestimation of higher harmonics, affecting the accuracy of nonlinear analysis. Through empirical validation, we demonstrate that applying fade-in and fade-out to the swept-sine signal effectively reduces the overestimation of higher harmonics, thus improving measurement accuracy. This improvement is crucial for applications such as amplifier testing and high-fidelity loudspeaker analysis, where precise measurement of harmonic distortion is essential.
@inproceedings{novak2024fade, author={Novak, Antonin and Simon, Laurent and Lotton, Pierrick}, title={The Impact of Fade-In and Fade-Out on Synchronized Swept-Sine Method}, booktitle={Audio Engineering Society Convention 156}, address={Madrid, Spain}, year={2024}, organization={Audio Engineering Society} }
2023
A. Novak & P. Honzik (2023), "Measurement of Microphone Harmonic Distortion using Predistortion Technique", Proc. Forum Acusticum, Turin, Italy
Measurement of microphone nonlinear behavior has always been a challenging task due to a lack of linear acoustic sources. A recently developed technique that corrects a distorted output signal of an excitation device using predistortion of its input signal is used in this work. Thanks to this technique, a spectrally clean sinusoidal acoustic pressure is generated inside a closed box in which the microphone under test is placed together with a low-distortion reference microphone. The goal of this paper is twofold. First, show that the direct measurement of distortion is possible even for high-pressure levels; second, compare the harmonic distortion of several types of microphones such as studio electrostatic and electrodynamic microphones, MEMS microphones and laboratory microphones.
@inproceedings{novak2023coil, author={Novak, Antonin and Honzik, Petr}, title={Measurement of Microphone Harmonic Distortion using Predistortion Technique}, booktitle={Proc. Forum Acusticum}, address={Turin, Italy}, year={2023}, organization={EAA} }
A. Novak & P. Lotton (2023), "Loudspeaker voice coil in various magnetic environments - a practical approach for students", Proc. Forum Acusticum, Turin, Italy
After teaching transducer measurements to master's students for several years, we noticed that the voice coil inductance and the associated physical phenomena inside the loudspeaker motor are frequently considered the most challenging concepts for students to grasp. Consequently, we developed a 3-hour practical lab session to address this topic, where students are guided to measure the voice coil in various configurations. The voice coil impedance is measured in various conditions, including air, in the disassembled speaker motor (without magnet), inside conductive but non-magnetic materials, with another coil shorted in its proximity, and inside the assembled motor. The objective of the lab is to gain a clear understanding of the influence of each phenomenon related to permeability, currents, and other related factors. The purpose of this document is twofold: first, to serve as a support material for students; and second, to share our university laboratory experience with other institutions.
@inproceedings{novak2023coil, author={Novak, Antonin and Lotton, Pierrick}, title={Loudspeaker voice coil in various magnetic environments - a practical approach for students}, booktitle={Proc. Forum Acusticum}, address={Turin, Italy}, year={2023}, organization={EAA} }
2022
O. Munroe, S. Letourneur & A. Novak (2022), "Design of an electronic circuit for loudspeaker real-time digital signal processing", 16eme Congrès Français d'Acoustique, Marseille, France
In modern audio systems, real-time digital signal processing algorithms are widely used for a variety of applications. The possibility of using a simple electronic circuit for variety of research projects has shown remarkable potential and is gradually attracting more and more attention from researchers and engineers. This contribution describes a design of such a board used in the framework of a PhD thesis whose subject is centred on the real-time correction of loudspeaker nonlinearities. The solution chosen in this work is based on a Teensy 3.6 microcontroller which is easy to program using the Arduino IDE and the libraries provided by Teensy. Two solutions are provided: one with an Audio board available on the market and another with a homemade board. Both solutions contain two inputs and at least one output (all 16 bits). This contribution does not detail the compensation algorithm related to the loudspeaker nonlinearities but focuses on the boards design, comparison of proposed solutions, and provides the basic codes to perform the real-time digital signal processing.
@inproceedings{novakCFA2022, author={Munroe, O. and Letourneur, S. and Novak, A.}, title={Design of an electronic circuit for loudspeaker real-time digital signal processing}, booktitle={16eme Congrès Français d'Acoustique}, address={Marseille, France}, year={2022}, organization={SFA} }
2020
A. Novak (2020), "Compression and expansion nonlinear effects in an electrodynamic loudspeaker: experiments vs. model failure ", Proc. Forum Acusticum, Lyon, France
An electrodynamic loudspeaker is known to be a nonlinear device due to many physical phenomena resulting in position and current dependent loudspeaker parameters. The most common position-dependent nonlinear sources are the force factor Bl(x) and stiffness K_ms(x). These nonlinear effects have many consequences, the most commonly used in measurements being harmonic distortion and intermodulation distortion. Another consequence is the compression effect of the dynamics. Due to a lower Bl(x) and a higher K_ms(x) for larger displacements, one would expect a compression behavior, i. e. a decreasing ratio of X/U or X/I with increasing excitation level (X, I, and U are the displacement, current, and voltage, respectively). Nevertheless, measurements in the low frequencies of many loudspeakers show an expansion behavior, i.e., an increase in the X/U and X/I ratio with increasing excitation level. This non-intuitive behavior, which runs counter to the fundamental theory of simple models of Bl(x) and K_ms(x), is studied and discussed in this paper.
@inproceedings{novak2020compression, author={Novak, Antonin}, title={Compression and expansion nonlinear effects in an electrodynamic loudspeaker: experiments vs. model failure }, booktitle={Proc. Forum Acusticum}, address={Lyon, France}, year={2020}, organization={EAA} }
S. Belloncle, T. Julienne & A. Novak (2020), "Loudspeaker characterization by indirect measurement of diaphragm velocity", Audio Engineering Society Convention 149, AES Show 2020
A complete characterization of an electrodynamic transducers consists, among others, of measurement of the membrane velocity. Modern measurement devices, such as laser vibrometers and accelerometers, are coming with their set of disadvantages. The laser devices can be costly, the accelerometers, being attached to the device under test, are influencing the measurement and are unusable for small-sized loudspeakers. This paper explores the indirect measurement of the membrane velocity, using a single microphone, and the limits for measurement of loudspeaker parameters, including the frequency-dependent ones due to creep effects and eddy currents.
@inproceedings{belloncle2020loudspeaker, author={Belloncle, Simon and Julienne, Thibaut and Novak, Antonin}, title={Loudspeaker characterization by indirect measurement of diaphragm velocity}, booktitle={Audio Engineering Society Convention 149}, address={AES Show 2020}, year={2020}, organization={} }
A. Ramirez, V. Tokala, A. Novak, F. Ablitzer & M. Melon (2020), "Bistable Digital Audio Effect", Proc. of the 23th Int. Conference on Digital Audio Effects (eDAFx-20/21), Vienna, Austria
A mechanical system is said to be bistable when its moving parts can rest at two equilibrium positions. The aim of this work is to model the vibration behaviour of a bistable system and use it to create a sound effect, taking advantage of the nonlinearities that characterize such systems. The velocity signal of the bistable system excited by an audio signal is the output of the digital effect. The latter is coded in C++ language and compiled into VST3 format that can be run as an audio plugin within most of the commercial digital audio workstation software in the market and as a standalone application. A Web Audio API demonstration is also available online as a support material.
@inproceedings{ramirez10bistable, author={Ramirez, Alexander and Tokala, Vikas and Novak, Antonin and Ablitzer, Frederic and Melon, Manuel}, title={Bistable Digital Audio Effect}, booktitle={Proc. of the 23th Int. Conference on Digital Audio Effects (eDAFx-20/21)}, address={Vienna, Austria}, year={2020}, organization={} }
2019
A. Novak, P. Cisar, M. Bruneau, P. Lotton & L. Simon (2019), "Finding a sound-producing fish in a water-filled tank with a few hydrophones", XXVII International Bioacoustics Congress (IBAC), Brighton, England
In this contribution, we present a recently developed algorithm for localization of sound-producing fish in a small rectangular tank. The algorithm is based on a theoretical acoustic model of the fish tank and can be used for behavioral bioacoustical studies to determine which fish in a group is sound-producing. We use four hydrophones placed in the tank together with a group of fish under study (6 sparkling gouramis). To show the accuracy of the localization, we compare the results with a localization based on image processing technique and with video recordings acquired synchronously with the acoustic recordings.
@inproceedings{novak2019ibac, author={Novak, Antonin and Cisar, Petr and Bruneau, Michel and Lotton, Pierrick and Simon, Laurent}, title={Finding a sound-producing fish in a water-filled tank with a few hydrophones}, booktitle={XXVII International Bioacoustics Congress (IBAC)}, address={Brighton, England}, year={2019}, organization={} }
A. Novak (2019), "Measurement of loudspeaker parameters, A pedagogical approach", 23rd International Congress on Acoustics, Aachen, Germany
@inproceedings{ica19, author={Novak, Antonin}, title={Measurement of loudspeaker parameters, A pedagogical approach}, booktitle={23rd International Congress on Acoustics}, address={Aachen, Germany}, year={2019}, organization={} }
A. Novak, L. Simon, P. Lotton & M. Melon (2019), "Predistortion Technique for Generating Spectrally Clean Excitation Signals for Audio and Electro-Acoustic Nonlinear Measurements", Audio Engineering Society Convention 146, Dublin, Ireland
In many audio and electro-acoustic nonlinear measurements we need to excite the nonlinear system under test with an excitation device that is not linear. A typical example is the study of the nonlinear behavior of a loudspeaker mechanical part, where the mechanical part (the nonlinear system under test) is excited externally, either with a shaker or pneumatically using another loudspeaker. We often consider that the excitation device is linear, which is unfortunately not correct. In this paper we present a simple method that corrects the distorted output signal of the excitation device by pre-distorting the input signal. The process is based on harmonic injection and can be applied to any periodic signal that is used for the measurement, e.g., a sine wave to measure the total harmonic distortion (THD), a two-tone signal to measure an intermodulation distortion (IMD), or a multi-tone signal. The experimental results provided on an electrodynamic loudspeaker show that the undesired spectral components of the acoustic pressure inside the sealed box can be suppressed to the level of the background noise.
@inproceedings{novak2019predistortion, author={Novak, Antonin and Simon, Laurent and Lotton, Pierrick and Melon, Manuel}, title={Predistortion Technique for Generating Spectrally Clean Excitation Signals for Audio and Electro-Acoustic Nonlinear Measurements}, booktitle={Audio Engineering Society Convention 146}, address={Dublin, Ireland}, year={2019}, organization={Audio Engineering Society} }
J. Cadavid & A. Novak (2019), "Practical Problems in Building Parametric Loudspeakers with Ultrasonic Piezoelectric Emitters", Audio Engineering Society Convention 146, Dublin, Ireland
In this paper we deal with some practical issues that one can encounter when building a parametric loudspeaker with ultrasonic piezoelectric emitters. We measured several of those transducers (with resonance frequency 40 kHz) available on the market, observing a strong nonlinear behavior of many of them. We also tested a hundred of piezoelectric emitters of the same series and studied the influence of the standard deviation of the resonance frequency and the sensitivity on the performance of the parametric loudspeaker. We conclude that, when constructing a parametric loudspeaker with low-cost piezoelectric emitters, the individual behavior of each of them should be considered. This allows to minimize the effect of their differences and, thus, improve the quality of the sound generated.
@inproceedings{cadavid2019practical, author={Cadavid, Jose and Novak, Antonin}, title={Practical Problems in Building Parametric Loudspeakers with Ultrasonic Piezoelectric Emitters}, booktitle={Audio Engineering Society Convention 146}, address={Dublin, Ireland}, year={2019}, organization={Audio Engineering Society} }
2018
B. Kakonyi, R. Abdul Jaleel & A. Novak (2018), "Balloon explosion, wood-plank, revolver shot, or traditional
loudspeaker large-band excitation: which is better for
microphone measurement?", Audio Engineering Society Convention 144, Milan, Italy
The work presented in this paper investigates different sound sources used for microphone measurement in an anechoic room. The microphone under test is measured using three different physical impulse-like sources: balloon explosions, sounds created using wood-planks, and revolver shots; and the results are compared with a measurement in which the sound is generated by a loudspeaker excited with a large band swept-sine signal. The frequency response functions of three different commercial microphones are measured and compared with the data provided by the manufacturer.
@inproceedings{kakonyi2018balloon, author={Kakonyi, Balazs and Abdul Jaleel, Riyas and Novak, Antonin}, title={Balloon explosion, wood-plank, revolver shot, or traditional
loudspeaker large-band excitation: which is better for
microphone measurement?}, booktitle={Audio Engineering Society Convention 144}, address={Milan, Italy}, year={2018}, organization={Audio Engineering Society} }
A. Novak, B. Lihoreau, P. Lotton, E. Brasseur & L. Simon (2018), "Experimental Study Of Guitar Pickup Nonlinearity", Proc. of the 18th Int. Conference on Digital Audio Effects (DAFx-18), Aveiro, Portugal
In this paper, we focus on studying the nonlinear behavior of the pickup of an electric guitar and on its modeling. The approach is purely experimental, based on physical assumptions and attempts to find a nonlinear model that, with few parameters, would be able to predict the nonlinear behavior of the pickup. In our experimental setup, a piece of string is attached to a shaker and vibrates perpendicularly to the pickup in the frequency range between 60 Hz and 400 Hz. The oscillations are controlled by a linearization feedback to create a purely sinusoidal steady state movement of the string. In the first step, harmonic distortions of three different magnetic pickups (a single-coil, a humbucker, and a rail-pickup) are compared to check if they provide different distortions. In the second step, a static nonlinearity of Paiva's model is estimated from experimental signals. In the last step, the pickup nonlinearities are compared and an empirical model that fits well all three pickups is proposed.
@inproceedings{novak_dafx18, author={Novak, Antonin and Lihoreau, Bertrand and Lotton, Pierrick and Brasseur, Emmanuel and Simon, Laurent}, title={Experimental Study Of Guitar Pickup Nonlinearity}, booktitle={Proc. of the 18th Int. Conference on Digital Audio Effects (DAFx-18)}, address={Aveiro, Portugal}, year={2018}, organization={} }
A. Novak, P. Honzik, M. Bruneau & F. Fohr (2016), "Étude de filtre pour protecteur auditif passif", 13e Congrès Français d'Acoustique, Le Mans, France
@inproceedings{novakCFA16_03, author={Novak, A. and Honzik, P. and Bruneau, M. and Fohr, F.}, title={Étude de filtre pour protecteur auditif passif}, booktitle={13e Congrès Français d'Acoustique}, address={Le Mans, France}, year={2016}, organization={} }
The Generalized Hammerstein model has been successfully used during last few years in many physical applications to describe the behavior of a nonlinear system under test. The main advantage of such a nonlinear model is its capability to model efficiently nonlinear systems while keeping the computational cost low. On the other hand, this model can not predict complicated nonlinear behaviors such as hysteretic one. In this paper, we propose an extension of the Generalized Hammerstein model to a model with non polynomial nonlinear inputs that allows modeling more complicated nonlinear systems. A simulation provided in this paper shows a good agreement between the model and the hysteretic nonlinear system under test.
@inproceedings{novak2016extension, author={Novak, Antonin and Simon, Laurent and Lotton, Pierrick}, title={Extension of Generalized Hammerstein Model to Non-Polynomial Inputs}, booktitle={EUSIPCO 2016}, address={Budapest, Hungary}, year={2016}, organization={} }
A. Novak et al. (2016), "Non-linear Identification Of An Electric Guitar Pickup", Proc. of the 16th Int. Conference on Digital Audio Effects (DAFx-16), Brno, Czech Republic
Physical models of electric guitars are still not very widespread in the scientific literature. Especially, the description of the non linear behavior of pickups still requires some refinements. This paper deals with the identification of pickup non linearities based on a Hammerstein representation, by means of a specific experimental set-up to drive the pickup in a controlled way. A comparison with experimental results shows that the model succeeds in describing the pickup when used in realistic conditions.
@inproceedings{novak_dafx16, author={Novak, A. and Guadagnin, L. and Lihoreau, B. and Lotton, P. and Brasseur, E. and Simon, L.}, title={Non-linear Identification Of An Electric Guitar Pickup}, booktitle={Proc. of the 16th Int. Conference on Digital Audio Effects (DAFx-16)}, address={Brno, Czech Republic}, year={2016}, organization={} }
An electrodynamic loudspeaker is usually characterized using a linear lumped parameter model, whose physical parameters are assumed to be constant. Such a linear approximation is sufficient for small excitation levels, but becomes insufficient for larger ones. The model is therefore usually extended allowing a variation of the parameters with the displacement of the diaphragm, the current intensity in the coil, the frequency and many other physical quantities. One of the important nonlinear parameters is the force factor Bl that characterizes the magneto-electrical performance of the loudspeaker and that can be highly dependent on the voice-coil displacement. In this paper, we propose a simple and precise method to estimate the force factor Bl of the loudspeaker as a function of the displacement of the voice-coil. The voice-coil is displaced from its rest position electrically using a direct current and a swept-sine signal of small level is fed to the loudspeaker. The signals of the electric tension, the current and the velocity of the diaphragm are recorded and used to estimated the force factor Bl. This process is repeated with different values of direct current to obtain the force factor as a static function of the voice-coil displacement. The experimental results of arbitrary chosen loudspeakers are shown.
@inproceedings{novak2014force, author={Novak, Antonin and Lotton, Pierrick and Simon, Laurent}, title={Nonlinear Force Factor Measurement of an Electrodynamic Loudspeaker}, booktitle={Proc. Forum Acusticum}, address={Krakow, Poland}, year={2014}, organization={EAA} }
A. Novak, P. Lotton & L. Simon (2014), "Dynamic measurement of loudspeaker suspension parameters using an active harmonic control technique", Audio Engineering Society Convention 136, Berlin, Germany
A new nondestructive technique to measure the nonlinear suspension parameters (stiffness Kms and mechanical resistance Rms) of a loudspeaker using an active harmonic control technique is presented. The goal of the active harmonic control is to eliminate the higher harmonics from the displacement signal so that a purely harmonic motion of the diaphragm is ensured. The nonlinear stiffness Kms is then measured as a function of instantaneous and peak displacement; the mechanical resistance Rms is measured as a function of velocity. A frequency dependence of these parameters is also discussed.
@inproceedings{novak2014dynamic, author={Novak, Antonin and Lotton, Pierrick and Simon, Laurent}, title={Dynamic measurement of loudspeaker suspension parameters using an active harmonic control technique}, booktitle={Audio Engineering Society Convention 136}, address={Berlin, Germany}, year={2014}, organization={Audio Engineering Society} }
B. Maillou, P. Lotton, A. Novak & L. Simon (2014), "Mechanical Nonlinearities of Electrodynamic Loudspeakers: An Experimental Study", Audio Engineering Society Convention 136, Berlin, Germany
Spider and surround suspensions are at the origin of viscoelastic and nonlinear behaviors of loudspeakers because of their assembly geometry and their intrinsic materials. We propose here a new dynamic experimental method to characterize these properties. We drive the loudspeaker moving part with a shaker and measure the driving force, the acceleration, the velocity, and the displacement. Results are presented and discussed for a given loudspeaker, which surround suspensions exhibit viscoelastic behavior.
@inproceedings{maillou2014mechanical, author={Maillou, Balbine and Lotton, Pierrick and Novak, Antonin and Simon, Laurent}, title={Mechanical Nonlinearities of Electrodynamic Loudspeakers: An Experimental Study}, booktitle={Audio Engineering Society Convention 136}, address={Berlin, Germany}, year={2014}, organization={Audio Engineering Society} }
2012
A. Novak & B. Merit (2012), "Static and Dynamic Measurement of a Magnet-only Loudspeaker", EURONOISE 2012, Prague, Czech Republic
A new loudspeaker technology using Magnet-only motors has been presented recently. Unlike the classical electrodynamic loudspeaker, no iron is used in the motor part. The presence of iron in traditional loudspeaker motor is a source of nonlinearities and, as a consequence, deteriorates the reproduced sound quality. According to the theory of Magnet-only motors, the loudspeaker parameters should vary less than in the case of a classical electrodynamic loudspeaker. In this paper, the parameters of a Magnet-only loudspeaker are measured statically and dynamically. The results presented in this paper clarify why a magnet-only loudspeaker improves the quality of the reproduced sound.
@inproceedings{novak2012euronoise, author={Novak, Antonin and Merit, Benoit}, title={Static and Dynamic Measurement of a Magnet-only Loudspeaker}, booktitle={EURONOISE 2012}, address={Prague, Czech Republic}, year={2012}, organization={EURONOISE} }
A. Novak & B. Merit (2012), "Magnet-only loudspeaker motors: linear behavior theory vs. Nonlinear measurements", Acoustics 2012 Nantes, Nantes, France
A few years ago, a new concept of magnet-only loudspeaker has been proposed to improve the quality of the reproduced sound. Such a loudspeaker is called magnet-only because its magnetic circuit is totally made of rare-earth permanent magnets. Unlike the classical electrodynamic loudspeaker, no iron is used. According to the theory, the exclusive use of permanent magnets and the absence of iron can lead to a uniform motor parameters (force factor Bl, resistance Re and inductance Le) over the voice-coil displacement and thus to a decrease of the nonlinear distortion and to an improvement of the sound quality. To our knowledge, such motor parameters have not been consistently quantified, neither their variations. In this paper, the variation of the parameters of a magnet-only loudspeaker are measured. The goal is to verify the theory and to show that using a simple measurement procedure one can understand better why a magnet-only loudspeaker improves the quality of the reproduced sound.
@inproceedings{novak2012magnet, author={Novak, Antonin and Merit, Benoit}, title={Magnet-only loudspeaker motors: linear behavior theory vs. Nonlinear measurements}, booktitle={Acoustics 2012 Nantes}, address={Nantes, France}, year={2012}, organization={} }
B. Maillou et al. (2012), "Electrodynamic loudspeakers suspensions nonlinearities, study and measurements", Acoustics 2012 Nantes, Nantes, France
Nonlinearities characterization and identification of acoustical systems is an active research field, notably in the area of electroacoustics. An innovative characterization and identification method, based on the nonlinear convolution and the use of a synchronized swept-sine excitation signal, has recently been developped. In this paper, this method is applied to the study of the nonlinearities exhibited by the mechanical suspensions of an electrodynamic loudspeaker. Nonlinear behaviours are specially studied as function of the amplitude of the displacement of the membrane of the loudspeaker. In this context, we develop an experimental setup from the signal generator to the mobile part of the tested component, specially designed in order to obtain a great harmonic distortion measurement dynamic range and, thus, to allow the measurement of weak nonlinearities. Nonlinearities are estimated for both the external and internal suspensions independently, and for several kinds of loudspeakers. Results are compared with those obtained by other methods available in the literature.
@inproceedings{maillou2012electrodynamic, author={Maillou, Balbine and Novak, Antonin and Blondeau, James and Brouard, Bruno and Génevaux, Jean-Michel and Lotton, Pierrick and Simon, Laurent}, title={Electrodynamic loudspeakers suspensions nonlinearities, study and measurements}, booktitle={Acoustics 2012 Nantes}, address={Nantes, France}, year={2012}, organization={} }
2011
P. Michaud, P. Herzog, S. Meunier & A. Novak (2011), "Perceptual evaluation of loudspeaker nonlinearities", Proc. Forum Acusticum, Aalborg, Denmark
This study deals with the evaluation of the perception of distortion in the restitution of musical excerpts played by loudspeakers. The main focus is to evaluate the perceived distortion induced by low frequency nonlinearities of the loudspeaker. A large panel is created in which only the distortion varies among the loudspeakers. The "virtual" loudspeakers are created from one single actual loudspeaker by associating its anechoic filtered tweeter recording and its woofer signal model in which the distortion can be modified. To model the woofer restitution, its identification is done using a swept sine technique which separates the linear and higher order impulse responses. These impulse responses are used as linear and nonlinear frequency filters characterizing the sound pressure of the system under test. The woofer synthesis consists in expanding the musical excerpts on the basis of Chebyshev polynomials combined with the identified frequency filters (Novak et al., DAFx 2010). Different "virtual" loudspeakers are obtained by amplifying or reducing the influence of specific nonlinearities. In order to evaluate the perceived distortion, in realistic listening conditions, the auralization technique was used to convolve the "virtual" loudspeakers with the impulse response of a suitable room. Upcoming listening tests are conducted with headphones to evaluate the perceived differences over the created panel of loudspeakers with a method allowing the evaluation of large sets of stimuli. The dissimilarity judgments can then be analyzed with a Multidimensional scaling (MDS) technique to reveal the underlying dimensions of the distortion space.
@inproceedings{michaud2011perceptual, author={Michaud, Pierre-Yohan and Herzog, Philippe and Meunier, Sabine and Novak, Antonin}, title={Perceptual evaluation of loudspeaker nonlinearities}, booktitle={Proc. Forum Acusticum}, address={Aalborg, Denmark}, year={2011}, organization={} }
2010
A. Novak, M. Bentahar, V. Tournat, R. El Guerjouma & L. Simon (2010), "Can nonlinear convolution improve damage characterization using acoustic methods ?", 5eme Colloque Interdisciplinaire en Instrumentation, Le Mans, France
This work presents an original damage characterisation method of homogeneous and heterogeneous solids using a signal processing-based experimental approach. Convolution nonlinear method is used in order to improve experimental observations allowing to measure simultaneously the well known vibration spectrum, classically found using analysers, and harmonic spectrums which are out of reach when using the same analysers. The experimental approach has been validated to characterise a progressive damage corresponding to materials of different shape and nature (glass beads, polymer-based composite plates).
@inproceedings{C2I, author={Novak, A. and Bentahar, M. and Tournat, V. and El Guerjouma, R. and Simon, L.}, title={Can nonlinear convolution improve damage characterization using acoustic methods ?}, booktitle={5eme Colloque Interdisciplinaire en Instrumentation}, address={Le Mans, France}, year={2010}, organization={} }
A. Novak, L. Simon, P. Lotton & J. Gilbert (2010), "Nonlinear Analysis and Modeling of Electrodynamic Loudspeakers Based on Exponential Swept Sine Input Signal", 10th French Congress of Acoustics, Lyon, France
Many real-world systems exhibit nonlinear behavior that must be taken into account when modeling such systems. In practise, especially in the field of electro-acoustics, nonlinearities appear with increasing input level. These nonlinearities are usually modeled by adding nonlinear parameters to the linear model, but the determination of nonlinear physical parameters is rather difficult problem. The authors present a simple method for analysis and identification of nonlinear systems, based on swept-sine signal excitation. The method is based on nonlinear convolution, firstly proposed by Angelo Farina [1], which serves for analysis of nonlinear amplitude characteristics. The result of the nonlinear convolution method is the set of harmonic distortion products (higher order nonlinear impulse responses) that can be expressed either in the form of the separated impulse responses or in the form of frequency dependent components. The original method [1] was improved in order to analyze also the phase charceristics of all the nonlinear parts. Therefore, the excitation sweep signal from the improved method [2] has to be setup very properly. The precisely measured nonlinear amplitude and phase characteristics can be used for analysis of the nonlinear system under test, or for identification of a nonlinear model (i.e. generalized Hammerstein model). The method is presented here when studying an electrodynamic loudspeaker from the nonlinear point of view. More precisely the electrodynamic loudspeaker under test is characterized by its electrical impedance leading to Thiele/Small parameters in a nonlinear framework.
[1] A. Farina, ''Simultaneous measurement of impulse response and distortion with a swept-sine technique'', in Proc. 108th AES Convention, Paris, February, 2000.
[2] A. Novak et al., ''Nonlinear System Identification Using Exponential Swept Sine Signal'', accepted for publication in IEEE Instrumentation and Measurement, 2009
@inproceedings{CFA10_01, author={Novak, A. and Simon, L. and Lotton, P. and Gilbert, J.}, title={Nonlinear Analysis and Modeling of Electrodynamic Loudspeakers Based on Exponential Swept Sine Input Signal}, booktitle={10th French Congress of Acoustics}, address={Lyon, France}, year={2010}, organization={} }
A. Novak, M. Bentahar, V. Tournat, R. El Guerjouma & L. Simon (2010), "Strutural Health Monitoring Based on Nonlinear System Identification", 10th French Congress of Acoustics, Lyon, France
Abstract
BibTeX
In classical nonlinear resonance experiments, we generally use of a gain/phase analyzer to excite and display the materials Frequency Response Function FRF. However, the latter response is obtained using a tracking filter around the fundamental excitation frequency. In that case, the obtained information is generally a combination of the desired response and a contribution of a power series of harmonics responses. Moreover, the filtering procedure prevents from having higher harmonics responses whose knowledge is important in nonlinear damage characterization. In this contribution we propose a nonlinear system identification method based on an exponential swept-sine drive signal. The recorded response of the material under test is convolved with an inverse filter to obtain the nonlinear responses corresponding to the harmonics usually eliminated by the gain/phase analyzer filtering system. Therefore, a single swept-sine experiment allows to estimate higher harmonics responses (amplitude and phase) depending on the nonlinear behaviour of the material. The first measurements performed on a damaged polymer-based composite reveal that higher harmonics, generally neglected in nonlinear damage characterization because of the tracking filter, are very sensitive to damage and hence deserve more attention than usual. As the sensors stand by the structure this method could be used advantageously in Structural Health Monitoring.
@inproceedings{CFA10_02, author={Novak, A. and Bentahar, M. and Tournat, V. and El Guerjouma, R. and Simon, L.}, title={Strutural Health Monitoring Based on Nonlinear System Identification}, booktitle={10th French Congress of Acoustics}, address={Lyon, France}, year={2010}, organization={} }
F. Kadlec, K. Ulovec & A. Novak (2010), "Application of SWT and MISO Methods for Measurement and Analysis of Electro-Acoustic and Audio Systems", 17th Internation congress on Sound and Vibration, Cairo, Egypt
This contribution deals with performance evaluation of electro-acoustic and audio systems with non-linearities by a combination of two existing methods: Sweep Sine Wave Signal Technique (SWT) and Multiple Input Single Output (MISO) nonlinear modeling. The signal, driving a system under test, is a logarithmically swept sine wave. Transfer functions of the system under test may be obtained from the response of the system and the swept sine wave "inverse filter" response. These transfer functions are further processed. Then the system under test can be considered as a MISO nonlinear model, consisting of a parallel combination of nonlinear branches, containing filters and memory-less power-law distortion functions. Such a model facilitates determination of a nonlinear response to the input signal. This method has been successfully used for analysis of various components of electro-acoustic and audio systems. In the first application described in our contribution, this method was used for a detailed analysis of transfer functions of a complete electro-acoustic system including an artificial head. This system is used for the analysis of spatial perception as well as determination of a signal compression impact on its perception. In the other application, this test method was used for measurement and evaluation of the whole transmission chain, from studio all the way to the listener. The signal source was a studio recorded CD that was transmitted by FM radio to the listener's receiver, where it was demodulated, monitored and analyzed. A good correlation with traditional methods of measurement was found.
@inproceedings{icsv17, author={Kadlec, F. and Ulovec, K. and Novak, A.}, title={Application of SWT and MISO Methods for Measurement and Analysis of Electro-Acoustic and Audio Systems}, booktitle={17th Internation congress on Sound and Vibration}, address={Cairo, Egypt}, year={2010}, organization={} }
A. Novak, L. Simon, P. and Lotton & J. Gilbert (2010), "Chebyshev Model and Synchronized Swept Sine Method in Nonlinear Audio Effect Modeling", Proc. of the 13th Int. Conference on Digital Audio Effects (DAFx-10), Graz, Austria
A new method for the identification of nonlinear systems, based on an input exponential swept sine signal has been proposed by Farina ten years ago. This method has been recently modified in purpose of nonlinear model estimation using a synchronized swept sine signal. It allows a robust and fast one-path analysis and identification of the unknown nonlinear system under test. In this paper this modified method is applied with Chebyshev polynomial decomposition. The combination of the Synchronized Swept Sine Method and Chebyshev polynomials leads to a nonlinear model consisting of several parallel branches, each branch containing a nonlinear Chebyshev polynomial following by a linear filter. The method is tested on an overdrive effect pedal to simulate an analog nonlinear effect in digital domain.
@inproceedings{novak_dafx10, author={Novak, A. and Simon, L. and and Lotton, P and Gilbert, J.}, title={Chebyshev Model and Synchronized Swept Sine Method in Nonlinear Audio Effect Modeling}, booktitle={Proc. of the 13th Int. Conference on Digital Audio Effects (DAFx-10)}, address={Graz, Austria}, year={2010}, organization={} }
2009
Novak A., Bentahar B., Tournat V., Simon L. & (2009), "Sensitive Damage Characterization Based on Nonlinear System Identification", ICNEW XIV, Lisbon, Portugal
Abstract
BibTeX
@inproceedings{ICNEW, author={Novak A., and Bentahar B., and Tournat V., and Simon L., and El Guerjouma R.}, title={Sensitive Damage Characterization Based on Nonlinear System Identification}, booktitle={ICNEW XIV}, address={Lisbon, Portugal}, year={2009}, organization={} }
A. Novak, L. Simon, F. Kadlec & P. Lotton (2009), "Modeling of Nonlinear Audio Systems using Swept-Sine signals: Application to audio effects", Proc. of the 12th Int. Conference on Digital Audio Effects (DAFx-09), Como, Italy
In this paper a new method for analysis and modeling of nonlinear audio
systems is presented. The method is based on swept-sine excitation signal and nonlinear
convolution firstly presented in [1, 2]. It can be used in nonlinear processing for audio
applications, to simulate analog nonlinear effects (distortion effects, limiters) in digital
domain.
@inproceedings{novak2009modeling, author={Novak, A. and Simon, L. and Kadlec, F. and Lotton, P}, title={Modeling of Nonlinear Audio Systems using Swept-Sine signals: Application to audio effects}, booktitle={Proc. of the 12th Int. Conference on Digital Audio Effects (DAFx-09)}, address={Como, Italy}, year={2009}, organization={} }
2008
A. Novak, F. Kadlec, L. Simon & P. Lotton (2008), "Direct Path MISO method: Identification of Nonlinear Electro-acoustic Systems", Proceedings of Workshop 2008, Prague, Czech Republic
@inproceedings{worshop08, author={Novak, A. and Kadlec, F. and Simon, L. and Lotton, P.}, title={Direct Path MISO method: Identification of Nonlinear Electro-acoustic Systems}, booktitle={Proceedings of Workshop 2008}, address={Prague, Czech Republic}, year={2008}, organization={Czech Technical University in Prague} }
A. Novak, L. Simon, F. Kadlec & P. Lotton (2008), "A New Method for Identification of Nonlinear Systems Using MISO Model with Swept-Sine Technique: Application to Loudspeaker Analysis", 124th AES Convention, Amsterdam, Netherlands
This work presents a Multiple Input Single Output (MISO) nonlinear model in combination with sine-sweep signals as a method for nonlinear system identification. The method is used for identification of loudspeaker nonlinearities and can be applied to nonlinearities of any audio components. It extends the method based on nonlinear convolution presented by Farina, providing a nonlinear model that allows to simulate the identified nonlinear system. The MISO model consists of a parallel combination of nonlinear branches containing linear filters and memory-less power-law distortion functions. Once the harmonic distortion components are identified by the method of Farina, the linear filters of the MISO model can be derived. The practical application of the method is demonstrated on a loudspeaker.
@inproceedings{aes08, author={Novak, A. and Simon, L. and Kadlec, F. and Lotton, P.}, title={A New Method for Identification of Nonlinear Systems Using MISO Model with Swept-Sine Technique: Application to Loudspeaker Analysis}, booktitle={124th AES Convention}, address={Amsterdam, Netherlands}, year={2008}, organization={} }
A. Novak, L. Simon, J. Gilbert, P. Lotton & F. Kadlec (2008), "Comparison of non Linear System Identification Methods : the Example of non Linear Propagation of Acoustic Waves in Ducts", Proceedings of Acoustics'08 Paris, Paris, France
The weakly non linear propagation of travelling acoustic waves in ducts is a well known problem leading to approximated analytical solutions. From an experimental point of view, the classical way for estimating the non linear parameters of propagation is to generate sine waves and to analyse the higher order harmonics as a function of the amplitude and the frequency of the excitation. In this work, new methods for estimating the non linear parameters of propagation are developed and compared to the sine excitation based method. The excitation signals associated to these new methods can be stationary noise or logarithmic chirps. For these excitation signals, the data processing is based on Multiple Input Single Output (MISO) direct path method. The comparison is made in terms of signal to noise ratio robustness and computation time. Experimental and theoretical results are also compared. We particularly show that a measurement using only one logarithmic chirp allows estimating accurate results for a broad band of amplitudes and frequencies. Associated computational time is then drastically reduced.
@inproceedings{Acoustics08, author={Novak, A. and Simon, L. and Gilbert, J. and Lotton, P. and Kadlec, F.}, title={Comparison of non Linear System Identification Methods : the Example of non Linear Propagation of Acoustic Waves in Ducts}, booktitle={Proceedings of Acoustics'08 Paris}, address={Paris, France}, year={2008}, organization={} }
F. Kadlec & A. Novak (2008), "Measurement and Analysis of Non-linear Distortion of Electro-acoustic and Audio Systems", 15th Internation congress on Sound and Vibration, Daejeon, Korea
A novel technique for analysis of nonlinear distortion of electro-acoustic and audio systems is presented. The method is based on the combination of a Sweep sine Wave signal Technique (SWT) and a Multiple Input Single Output (MISO) nonlinear modeling. The signal driving a system under test is a logarithmic sine wave sweep. The response of the system under test is acquired and used in a convolution with swept sine wave "inverse filter" response to obtain a set of transfer functions. This set of transfer functions provides information about harmonic distortion. These transfer functions are further processed. Then the system under test can be modeled as a MISO nonlinear model, consisting of a parallel combination of nonlinear branches containing filters and memory-less power-law distortion functions. Such a model facilitates determination of a nonlinear response to the input signal. This method was used to analyze transfer functions of various components of electro-acoustic systems. It was applied to testing of recording and reproduction equipment for audio signals, including equipment for their further digital signal processing. During testing of multichannel systems, the method enables evaluation of not only individual channels, but also their mutual interaction. A good correlation with traditional methods of distortion measurement has been shown.
@inproceedings{ICSV15, author={Kadlec, F. and Novak, A.}, title={Measurement and Analysis of Non-linear Distortion of Electro-acoustic and Audio Systems}, booktitle={15th Internation congress on Sound and Vibration}, address={Daejeon, Korea}, year={2008}, organization={} }
2007
A. Novak (2007), "Identification of Nonlinear Systems: Volterra Series", Poster 2007, Prague, Czech Republic
Traditional measurement of multimedia systems such as linear impulse response, transfer function, are sufficient but not faultless. For these methods the pure linear system is considered. Nonlinearities, which are usually included in the most of real systems are disregarded. One of the simple methods that can describe the nonlinear system used in practice is coefficient of distortion or intermodulation distortion, but these methods cannot be used to determine nonlinearities themselves. This paper describe one of the methods to identify nonlinear systems called Volterra Series. A simplification for this method is proposed and an experiment with audio amplifier is shown to test this method.
Abstract. In this paper, the fundamentals of analysis of nonlinear systems using the direct path MISO method (Multiple Input / Single Output ) with the input signal as a record from stationary gaussian (ergodic) random process with zero mean value will be introduced. The MISO technique for linear system is well known in many fields of science and technical applications and the first publications using MISO technique for nonlinear systems was presented by J.S.Bendat. This technique has been used in some acoustical applications (for example in vibration analysis). This paper will discuss the application of MISO method for general nonlinear system using a polynomial series. An easy experiment will be conducted to show the functionality of this method.
A. Novak (2007), "Identification of Nonlinearity of Electro-acoustic Systems using a Direct Path MISO Method", 19th International Congress on Acoustics, Madrid, Spain
The work deals with the Direct Path Multiple-Input Single-Output (MISO) method adapted for the identification of Nonlinearity of Electro-acoustic Systems. The method is based on a blind identification which uses decorrelated power series expansion, without having any knowledge of the shape of the nonlinear function. The nonlinear Direct Path model is represented by an equivalent Multiple-Input Single-Output linear model, where the inputs are nonlinear contributions of the original input signal. Each branch of a complex nonlinear model, with its nonlinear input, represents a "separable nonlinearity" or a static nonlinearity that is followed by a linear system so that the memory effect is represented by a linear filter. The input signal for identification is a record from stationary Gaussian random process. The method has been numerically tested on static nonlinear systems, such as limiter and death-zone systems. Also, an experiment on real electro-acoustic system has been performed.
@inproceedings{ica01, author={Novak, A.}, title={Identification of Nonlinearity of Electro-acoustic Systems using a Direct Path MISO Method}, booktitle={19th International Congress on Acoustics}, address={Madrid, Spain}, year={2007}, organization={} }
F. Kadlec & A. Novak (2007), "Comparision of Measurements Method for Analysis Electro-acoustic Systems with Non-linearities", 19th International Congress on Acoustics, Madrid, Spain
The great level of excitation of electro-acoustic systems may cause a nonlinear distortion of signal, which has an effect on its perception. For analysing and monitoring functionality of such a system there are two methods, Multiple-Input Single-Output method for nonlinear systems and a method utilizing sweep sine wave signals, which are compared in this contribution. The first method uses a stationary Gaussian random process as the input signal. Then a nonlinear system is represented by a multiple inputs linear system and additional nonlinear inputs are determined according to decorrelated power series expansion of the main input signal. The second method uses a logarithmic sweep signal as the input signal. The impulse response of the system is obtained by a convolution of the system response to the input sweep signal and the "inverse filter". The impulse response consists of several distorted partial components. These two methods have been compared from the accuracy of the algorithmic point of view and also by measuring by an electro-acoustic system.
@inproceedings{ica02, author={Kadlec, F. and Novak, A.}, title={Comparision of Measurements Method for Analysis Electro-acoustic Systems with Non-linearities}, booktitle={19th International Congress on Acoustics}, address={Madrid, Spain}, year={2007}, organization={} }
A. Novak & F. Rund (2007), "Systematicke chyby pri analyze nelinearnich systemu", Technical Computing Prague 2007, Prague, Czech Republic
This paper deals with the properties of loudspeaker with direct digital to analog conversion, the basic goal being to replace D/A converter , amplifier , and classic speakers. The advantages of this system should be lower operating costs and greater applicability. The main part of this paper is aimed at analyzing the signals acquired from the theoretical model of the digital loudspeaker arrays (DLA) with regards to the arangement of elements on the transducer field and the point of observation.
F. Rund & A. Novak (2006), "Problem spatne synchronizace vzorkovacich kmitoctu u MLS signalu: Model v prostredi MATLAB", Technical Computing Prague 2006, Prague, Czech Republic
@inproceedings{humsoft06, author={Rund, F. and Novak, A.}, title={Problem spatne synchronizace vzorkovacich kmitoctu u MLS signalu: Model v prostredi MATLAB}, booktitle={Technical Computing Prague 2006}, address={Prague, Czech Republic}, year={2006}, organization={} }
Book Chapters
2015
M. Bentahar et al. (2015), "Nonlinear acoustics and acoustic emission methods to monitor damage in mesoscopic elastic materials", Emerging Technologies in Non-Destructive Testing VI, CRC Press
Microcracked composites and metals usually exhibit a high level of nonlinearity in their elastic response already at low amplitudes of excitation. In order to quantify these behaviors, different nonlinear indicators can be used depending on the required parameters and the experimental configuration of interest. In this contribution several acoustic nonlinear techniques are presented in order to detect and monitor the presence and evolution of micro-cracks in different kind of materials. In particular, the development of a particular "vibrational/acoustical" arrangement made the use of the robust nonlinear resonance method together with the harmonic generation method possible. Besides, the definition of a proper nonlinear indicator and its dependence on the excitation amplitude, allowed obtaining a power law behavior of cracked materials. Finally, the correlation between acoustic emission and nonlinear relaxation results shows that all mechanisms relax as the logarithm of their corresponding energy but with different dynamics.
@incollection{bentahar2015nonlinear, author={Bentahar, M and El Guerjouma, R and Mechri, C and Baccouche, Y and Idjimarene, S and Novak, A and Toumi, S and Tournat, V and Thomas, JH and Scalerandi, M}, title={Nonlinear acoustics and acoustic emission methods to monitor damage in mesoscopic elastic materials}, year={2015}, }
Ph.D. Thesis
A. Novak (2009), "Identification of Nonlinear Systems in Acoustics", Universite du Maine, Le Mans, France AND Czech Technical University, Prague, Czech Republic. Ph.D. thesis.
The theory of linear time-invariant (LTI) systems has been extensively studied over decades and the estimation of any unknown LTI system, knowing both the input and output of the system, is a solved problem. Nevertheless, almost all real-world devices exhibit more or less nonlinear behavior. In the case of very weak nonlinearities, a linear approximation can be used. If the nonlinearities are stronger, the linear approximation fails and systems have to be described using a nonlinear model.
The goal of this thesis is to design and develop simple methods for nonlinear systems identification that would be accurate and robust enough to be applicable for analysis and identification of nonlinear systems in several domains, even if the main focus here is on the domain of audio and acoustics. The goal is to identify
a nonlinear system and find its generic nonlinear model in such way that the response of the model to any input signal would be the same as the one of the
real-world nonlinear system under test.
Two methods are developed in the thesis. Both methods are based on Multiple Input – Single Output (MISO) model. The model consists of several parallel branches, each branch consisting of two separated blocks: a nonlinear static function and a linear dynamic filter. The first method uses a white Gaussian noise
as the excitation signal for the identification. This method is successfully tested on several simulation examples, but fails when identifying real world nonlinear
systems. The second method is based on the nonlinear convolution and uses swept sine excitation signal. This method is successfully tested on several simulation
examples. Moreover, it is theoretically shown that it could be used for the identification of systems exhibiting specific dynamical hysteresis (called hysteresis
with viscosity-type effect).
Two well known real world nonlinear systems (an audio limiter and an acoustic waveguide) are used to validate the second method. The validation is based
on the comparison between the output of these real world systems and the output of their estimated models, when excited with the same input signal. The
comparison is performed both subjectively, using a simple visual comparison in time or frequency domains, and objectively, using a relative mean square error criterion. Once validated, the method is used in the general frame of the study of electrodynamic loudspeaker quality. Preliminary results show that this
method could be used for the nonlinearities loudspeakers identification, and that an inverse filtering minimizing these nonlinearities could possibly be performed with the help of this method.
@phdthesis{, author={Novak, A.}, title={Identification of Nonlinear Systems in Acoustics}, school={Universite du Maine, Le Mans, France AND Czech Technical University, Prague, Czech Republic} year={2009}, }