Lotus and Harman to collaborate on auto noise management
1 min read
Lotus Engineering, the automotive consultancy division of Lotus Cars and Harman Becker Automotive Systems have reached an agreement to jointly develop noise management solutions that will make conventional cars quieter and electric cars noisier.
Exclusive rights have been granted to Harman Becker to manufacture the latest technology solutions for the worldwide vehicle OEM market. The agreement includes all of Lotus’ active noise control technologies comprising road noise cancellation, engine order cancellation, and electronic sound synthesis.
The road noise cancellation and engine order cancellation systems will provide vehicle manufacturers with the ability to greatly improve in-cabin refinement, with additional design opportunities for optimising vehicle weight reduction and fuel economy.
Road noise cancellation and engine order cancellation reduce both overall noise levels and specific audible frequencies which may be unpleasant in the cabin space. Electronic systems determine the signal needed to provide cancellation which is then seamlessly generated through the in-car entertainment system. The result is a quiet, controlled environment free of intrusive noises.
External electronic sound synthesis provides specified electronic sound models that can be applied to an external speaker system to improve pedestrian safety. This is especially important for electric and hybrid vehicles which can be difficult to hear at lower speeds due to their drive mechanism. A synthesised sound, dependant on speed, is projected from speakers at the front and rear of the vehicle, making it instantly recognisable that the vehicle is in motion.
Internal Electronic Sound Synthesis allows sound contouring in the cabin, enhancing the driving experience by creating engine speed and throttle dependant sounds audible through the in-car entertainment system. The system delivers audible feedback to drivers even when the engine is silent or, alternatively, it can be used to reinforce an OEM ‘sound DNA’ to the end user.
Harman International, the ‘infotainment’ systems provider, will be the production system integrator and supplier, and will work with vehicle manufacturers on model specific system architecture options. Lotus Engineering, which has over 20 years of experience in active noise control technologies will assist manufacturers with system performance optimisation. Pictured: Lotus CEO Mike Kimberley
