Audio Precision APx555B Audio Analyzer
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Description
Developed for R&D engineers and production technicians who need the highest possible performance, a broad range of digital I/O options and fast, intuitive software, the APx555 is the standard for audio analyzers. With a typical residual THD+N of -120 dB and over 1 MHz bandwidth, the APx555 surpasses the analog performance of all other audio analyzers, including a 5 dB improvement compared to our legacy 2700 Series analyzer. Add to this FFTs of 1.2 million points and full 24-bit resolution, and you have performance unmatched by any other instrument.
APx555 has two balanced and two unbalanced analog inputs and outputs plus 216k digital inputs and outputs via AES/EBU, TOSLINK and SPDIF. I/O may be expanded with optional Digital Serial, HDMI with ARC, PDM and Bluetooth modules. The Advanced Master Clock (AMC) module, which comes standard with the APx555, handles input and output clock signals to synchronize the APx555 with external equipment (or vice versa), and the AMC also enables jitter generation and analysis.
Features
Transfer Function
The transfer function measurement provides the complex frequency response function for a device, including the magnitude and phase (or real and imaginary components), using any broadband signal.
This feature, a powerful addition to APx software’s Sequence Mode, allows any APx analyzer to be used as a multichannel dynamic signal analyzer or as a so called dual-channel FFT analyzer. With transfer function and any broadband signal, including speech, music or noise, APx users can now assess the complex frequency response, coherence, and impulse response of their device or system.
AP’s transfer function provides gapless and overlapped analysis of multiple acquisitions. It also includes a ground-breaking signal-based triggering that eliminates the need for a pilot tone in open-loop test applications, making it ideal for test of “smart” audio devices.
Code-Free Automation and a Complete API
APx500 Measurement Software is the most advanced audio measurement interface available. Complex procedures that include user prompts, limits and calls to external applications can be created directly in the GUI, saving time and money while ensuring painless updates over time with no development required.
Create custom interfaces and application-to-application automation using the comprehensive APx API. Extensive documentation and examples are provided for Visual Basic.NET, C#, MATLAB, LabVIEW, and Python. Projects and automation can be shared with other APx units anywhere in the world.
Common Software Platform
APx audio analyzers use a common software platform, making tests and results easier to share. All settings for a test are saved in a single project file, making it easy to replicate test setups between R&D and production facilities anywhere in the world. Project files are compatible with both B Series and legacy APx instruments and each project is self-contained, so there’s never any worry about dependencies or broken links. Users can even embed waveform files and images within a project file.
For sharing measurement results with customers, contract manufacturers or management, APx automatically generates rich graphic reports, with highlighted pass / fail limits and options to export as PDF, HTML, Excel, CSV, RTF or MATLAB files.
Open-Loop Chirp
This signal provides multiple, high-resolution results in a brief period of time and allows APx users to employ the chirp in test scenarios where the signal may originate, or terminate, as a file on the device under test (DUT) or on a server connected to the DUT. This new capability is especially helpful to those developing smart devices (e.g., smart speakers, smartphones).
Made to Measure for Power Amp Designers
Measure continuous maximum output and peak maximum output automatically with Dynamic Intermodulation distortion (DIM) measurements. View power spectrum graphs with a regulated frequency sweep and take other measurements as specified by the CEA-2006 and CEA-490A standards. In addition to conventional balanced common mode rejection measurements, APx555 also enables CMRR measurements in accordance with IEC60268 section 14.15.1.
Watch a Multi-Input Demonstration ›
Jitter Analysis
Jitter in digital audio systems may cause audible distortion in the form of jitter sidebands in the output signal. Jitter tolerance testing can reveal jitter induced distortion but is often neglected in the design of circuits and components because it is difficult and time consuming. APx analyzers provide jitter generation and jitter analysis features to simplify jitter testing.
Digital Protocol Analysis
Modern consumer devices such as televisions, Blu-ray players and receivers typically use a digital interface such as S/PDIF, Toslink, HDMI to transmit audio signals. In addition to the digital audio data, these interfaces also carry auxiliary information about the audio signal, metadata. The APx Metadata monitors decode and display metadata values as they are received from the device under test.
APx500 Audio Measurement Software
Scalable, Flexible Audio Software
The APx500 Measurement Software is the most advanced audio measurement interface available. Complex procedures that include user prompts, limits, and calls to external applications can be created directly in the GUI, saving time and money while ensuring painless updates over time and no development is required. AP offers a wide range of options tailored to specific applications, including: electro-acoustic testing, perceptual audio test, and speech intelligibility.
Benefits
- Built-in measurements
- Intuitive user interface
- Powerful automation features
- API integrations
- Subscription & perpetual license
Documents
Options
Hardware Options
Advanced Master Clock (standard)
The AMC module handles input and output clock signals to synchronize the APx52x B Series with external equipment (or vice versa). This module also enables jitter generation and analysis in APx500 Series analyzers with Advanced Digital (ADIO), Programmable Serial (PSIO) or PDM modules installed.
ASIO (standard)
PC audio interfaces with installed ASIO drivers appear within the APx500 software as one of APx’s I/O options, with support for up to 16 bidirectional channels. All measurements and test sequences in APx may be used via the ASIO interface, allowing for complete characterization of the connected audio device.
Bluetooth 5 (option)
The Bluetooth 5 module provides an interface to audio devices using the latest version of the Bluetooth specification, including LE Audio devices utilizing Unicast and Auracast. This allows designers and manufacturers of earbuds, headphones, headsets, hearing aids, speakers, automotive infotainment systems or car kits, and other audio devices that interface via Bluetooth to measure the audio characteristics of their device.
Bluetooth Duo (option)
The Bluetooth Duo delivers a wider selection of A2DP codecs, faster pair and connection times, an increased feature set within APx500 measurement software, and improved RF shielding for use in production test environments. APx Duo supports Bluetooth core specification v4.2, HFP v1.7, HSP v1.2, AVRCP v1.4 and A2DP v1.3. Note: APx Bluetooth Duo requires v4.5 APx500 software (or later) and can only be installed on “Type E” APx chassis (manufactured after August 2012).
PDM 16 (option)
PDM 16 is an optional input module providing sample-accurate inter-channel phase information for up to 16 channels of pulse density modulated signals. With its acoustically-silent remote pod and extension cable preserving PDM signal integrity for up to 10 meters, PDM 16 readily supports MEMS microphone measurements in anechoic chambers. As an added feature, the module can provide up to 50 mA Vdd power supply to the device, or devices, under test.
PDM (option)
The Pulse Density Modulation (PDM) option provides direct connectivity for audio devices that have a PDM output such as a MEMS microphone, or an input such as the decimator on a smartphone chip. In addition to standard audio measurements, APx provides variable DC voltage, variable sample rate, and PSR (power supply rejection) measurements for testing devices’ full operating parameters. Jitter capable.
Programmable Serial I/O (option)
The Programmable Serial I/O (PSIO) module is for testing digital audio interfaces and provides low logic voltages, improved signal integrity, and a re-engineered serial interface for high-speed, low-power digital audio devices. This option provides a direct multichannel connection to chip-level interfaces such as I2S, TDM, and other popular serial interface formats including left-justified, right-justified, and DSP. Jitter capable.
HDMI2 + eARC (option)
The APx HDMI option allows engineers to measure HDMI audio quality and audio format compatibility on devices such as surround sound receivers, set-top boxes, smartphones, tablets, TVs, and DVD or Blu-ray Disc™ players. APx can stream both lossless and compressed formats from pre-encoded audio test files, making it easy to troubleshoot component compatibility and issues related to downsampling, downmixing, or transcoding.
Advanced Digital I/O (option)
Provides AES3, AES/EBU balanced digital I/O on XLR; unbalanced SPDIF digital I/O on BNC; and TOSLINK optical digital I/O. The APx ADIO module enables the generation of advanced impairments for sophisticated test of devices via AES/SPDIF/TOSLINK.
Software Options
APx500 software options provide measurements and functionality beyond the core set of capabilities standard for the APx555. A variety of options are offered, suited to different specific test applications and requirements. For APx B Series analyzers and legacy APx analyzers running version 5.0 software, software option licenses are electronically activated and are tied to a specific analyzer via serial number. For legacy APx analyzers running APx software version 4.6 or earlier, software option licenses are enabled by “iButtons” that mount on the rear of the instrument.
ADC Test Mode (SW-555ADCTEST)
For design engineers validating and testing complex, multichannel analog-to-digital converters (ADCs), the APx555 B Series now offers an ADC Test Mode option capable of generating balanced analog audio signals mixed with a calibrated common mode DC offset voltage. This optional feature is especially useful in testing devices that operate on a single supply voltage and require inputs with a DC bias voltage, such as audio codecs and ADC chips in mobile products. The ADC Test Mode also includes programmable voltage limits to prevent overvoltage damage to the device being tested.
Electroacoustic Production Test (SW-SPK-PT)
The SW-SPK-PT option enables high-speed production test of electroacoustic devices, providing key loudspeaker measurements in a single one-second sweep. Results include Rub & Buzz detection, essential Thiele-Small parameters, and impedance magnitude and phase. A proprietary modulated noise measurement is also provided to aid in detecting enclosure air leaks.
Electroacoustic R&D (SW-SPK-RD)
The SW-SPK-RD option delivers a complete suite of measurements and results tailored to the needs of designers and engineers developing electro-acoustic audio products. It includes key measurements and results such as complete Thiele-Small characterization; time-gated, quasi-anechoic Acoustic Response; Impedance analysis; plus the Loudspeaker Production Test measurements.
Perceptual Audio Test: POLQA (SW-POLQA-2)
Perceptual audio measurement returns a subjective assessment of speech quality using the next-generation POLQA algorithm for wide-band speech devices or devices with acoustic coupling. (Successor to PESQ with support for HD Voice, 3G, 4G/LTE and VoIP technologies)
Speech Intelligibility: ABC-MRT Measurement (SW-ABC-MRT)
The APx ABC-MRT plugin is a software option for APx500 audio measurement software that provides speech intelligibility measurement based upon the ABC-MRT speech processing algorithm developed by the Institute for Telecommunication Sciences (ITS) of the United States National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA).
Speech Intelligibility: Speech Transmission Index (SW-STI)
SW-STI is a plug-in for conducting Speech Transmission Index (STI) measurements using the STIPA method.
Video
Developed for R&D engineers and production technicians who need the highest possible performance, a broad range of digital I/O options and fast, intuitive software, the APx555 is the standard for audio analyzers. With a typical residual THD+N of -120 dB and over 1 MHz bandwidth, the APx555 surpasses the analog performance of all other audio analyzers, including a 5 dB improvement compared to our legacy 2700 Series analyzer. Add to this FFTs of 1.2 million points and full 24-bit resolution, and you have performance unmatched by any other instrument.
APx555 has two balanced and two unbalanced analog inputs and outputs plus 216k digital inputs and outputs via AES/EBU, TOSLINK and SPDIF. I/O may be expanded with optional Digital Serial, HDMI with ARC, PDM and Bluetooth modules. The Advanced Master Clock (AMC) module, which comes standard with the APx555, handles input and output clock signals to synchronize the APx555 with external equipment (or vice versa), and the AMC also enables jitter generation and analysis.
Features
Transfer Function
The transfer function measurement provides the complex frequency response function for a device, including the magnitude and phase (or real and imaginary components), using any broadband signal.
This feature, a powerful addition to APx software’s Sequence Mode, allows any APx analyzer to be used as a multichannel dynamic signal analyzer or as a so called dual-channel FFT analyzer. With transfer function and any broadband signal, including speech, music or noise, APx users can now assess the complex frequency response, coherence, and impulse response of their device or system.
AP’s transfer function provides gapless and overlapped analysis of multiple acquisitions. It also includes a ground-breaking signal-based triggering that eliminates the need for a pilot tone in open-loop test applications, making it ideal for test of “smart” audio devices.
Code-Free Automation and a Complete API
APx500 Measurement Software is the most advanced audio measurement interface available. Complex procedures that include user prompts, limits and calls to external applications can be created directly in the GUI, saving time and money while ensuring painless updates over time with no development required.
Create custom interfaces and application-to-application automation using the comprehensive APx API. Extensive documentation and examples are provided for Visual Basic.NET, C#, MATLAB, LabVIEW, and Python. Projects and automation can be shared with other APx units anywhere in the world.
Common Software Platform
APx audio analyzers use a common software platform, making tests and results easier to share. All settings for a test are saved in a single project file, making it easy to replicate test setups between R&D and production facilities anywhere in the world. Project files are compatible with both B Series and legacy APx instruments and each project is self-contained, so there’s never any worry about dependencies or broken links. Users can even embed waveform files and images within a project file.
For sharing measurement results with customers, contract manufacturers or management, APx automatically generates rich graphic reports, with highlighted pass / fail limits and options to export as PDF, HTML, Excel, CSV, RTF or MATLAB files.
Open-Loop Chirp
This signal provides multiple, high-resolution results in a brief period of time and allows APx users to employ the chirp in test scenarios where the signal may originate, or terminate, as a file on the device under test (DUT) or on a server connected to the DUT. This new capability is especially helpful to those developing smart devices (e.g., smart speakers, smartphones).
Made to Measure for Power Amp Designers
Measure continuous maximum output and peak maximum output automatically with Dynamic Intermodulation distortion (DIM) measurements. View power spectrum graphs with a regulated frequency sweep and take other measurements as specified by the CEA-2006 and CEA-490A standards. In addition to conventional balanced common mode rejection measurements, APx555 also enables CMRR measurements in accordance with IEC60268 section 14.15.1.
Watch a Multi-Input Demonstration ›
Jitter Analysis
Jitter in digital audio systems may cause audible distortion in the form of jitter sidebands in the output signal. Jitter tolerance testing can reveal jitter induced distortion but is often neglected in the design of circuits and components because it is difficult and time consuming. APx analyzers provide jitter generation and jitter analysis features to simplify jitter testing.
Digital Protocol Analysis
Modern consumer devices such as televisions, Blu-ray players and receivers typically use a digital interface such as S/PDIF, Toslink, HDMI to transmit audio signals. In addition to the digital audio data, these interfaces also carry auxiliary information about the audio signal, metadata. The APx Metadata monitors decode and display metadata values as they are received from the device under test.
APx500 Audio Measurement Software
Scalable, Flexible Audio Software
The APx500 Measurement Software is the most advanced audio measurement interface available. Complex procedures that include user prompts, limits, and calls to external applications can be created directly in the GUI, saving time and money while ensuring painless updates over time and no development is required. AP offers a wide range of options tailored to specific applications, including: electro-acoustic testing, perceptual audio test, and speech intelligibility.
Benefits
- Built-in measurements
- Intuitive user interface
- Powerful automation features
- API integrations
- Subscription & perpetual license
APx555 Installation Instructions and Specifications
AppNote: Loudspeaker Electroacoustic Measurements
Technote 124: Measuring ADCs and DACs with the APx555
Automotive Audio Testing - Amplifiers
APx Bluetooth 5 Option Datasheet
Hardware Options
Advanced Master Clock (standard)
The AMC module handles input and output clock signals to synchronize the APx52x B Series with external equipment (or vice versa). This module also enables jitter generation and analysis in APx500 Series analyzers with Advanced Digital (ADIO), Programmable Serial (PSIO) or PDM modules installed.
ASIO (standard)
PC audio interfaces with installed ASIO drivers appear within the APx500 software as one of APx’s I/O options, with support for up to 16 bidirectional channels. All measurements and test sequences in APx may be used via the ASIO interface, allowing for complete characterization of the connected audio device.
Bluetooth 5 (option)
The Bluetooth 5 module provides an interface to audio devices using the latest version of the Bluetooth specification, including LE Audio devices utilizing Unicast and Auracast. This allows designers and manufacturers of earbuds, headphones, headsets, hearing aids, speakers, automotive infotainment systems or car kits, and other audio devices that interface via Bluetooth to measure the audio characteristics of their device.
Bluetooth Duo (option)
The Bluetooth Duo delivers a wider selection of A2DP codecs, faster pair and connection times, an increased feature set within APx500 measurement software, and improved RF shielding for use in production test environments. APx Duo supports Bluetooth core specification v4.2, HFP v1.7, HSP v1.2, AVRCP v1.4 and A2DP v1.3. Note: APx Bluetooth Duo requires v4.5 APx500 software (or later) and can only be installed on “Type E” APx chassis (manufactured after August 2012).
PDM 16 (option)
PDM 16 is an optional input module providing sample-accurate inter-channel phase information for up to 16 channels of pulse density modulated signals. With its acoustically-silent remote pod and extension cable preserving PDM signal integrity for up to 10 meters, PDM 16 readily supports MEMS microphone measurements in anechoic chambers. As an added feature, the module can provide up to 50 mA Vdd power supply to the device, or devices, under test.
PDM (option)
The Pulse Density Modulation (PDM) option provides direct connectivity for audio devices that have a PDM output such as a MEMS microphone, or an input such as the decimator on a smartphone chip. In addition to standard audio measurements, APx provides variable DC voltage, variable sample rate, and PSR (power supply rejection) measurements for testing devices’ full operating parameters. Jitter capable.
Programmable Serial I/O (option)
The Programmable Serial I/O (PSIO) module is for testing digital audio interfaces and provides low logic voltages, improved signal integrity, and a re-engineered serial interface for high-speed, low-power digital audio devices. This option provides a direct multichannel connection to chip-level interfaces such as I2S, TDM, and other popular serial interface formats including left-justified, right-justified, and DSP. Jitter capable.
HDMI2 + eARC (option)
The APx HDMI option allows engineers to measure HDMI audio quality and audio format compatibility on devices such as surround sound receivers, set-top boxes, smartphones, tablets, TVs, and DVD or Blu-ray Disc™ players. APx can stream both lossless and compressed formats from pre-encoded audio test files, making it easy to troubleshoot component compatibility and issues related to downsampling, downmixing, or transcoding.
Advanced Digital I/O (option)
Provides AES3, AES/EBU balanced digital I/O on XLR; unbalanced SPDIF digital I/O on BNC; and TOSLINK optical digital I/O. The APx ADIO module enables the generation of advanced impairments for sophisticated test of devices via AES/SPDIF/TOSLINK.
Software Options
APx500 software options provide measurements and functionality beyond the core set of capabilities standard for the APx555. A variety of options are offered, suited to different specific test applications and requirements. For APx B Series analyzers and legacy APx analyzers running version 5.0 software, software option licenses are electronically activated and are tied to a specific analyzer via serial number. For legacy APx analyzers running APx software version 4.6 or earlier, software option licenses are enabled by “iButtons” that mount on the rear of the instrument.
ADC Test Mode (SW-555ADCTEST)
For design engineers validating and testing complex, multichannel analog-to-digital converters (ADCs), the APx555 B Series now offers an ADC Test Mode option capable of generating balanced analog audio signals mixed with a calibrated common mode DC offset voltage. This optional feature is especially useful in testing devices that operate on a single supply voltage and require inputs with a DC bias voltage, such as audio codecs and ADC chips in mobile products. The ADC Test Mode also includes programmable voltage limits to prevent overvoltage damage to the device being tested.
Electroacoustic Production Test (SW-SPK-PT)
The SW-SPK-PT option enables high-speed production test of electroacoustic devices, providing key loudspeaker measurements in a single one-second sweep. Results include Rub & Buzz detection, essential Thiele-Small parameters, and impedance magnitude and phase. A proprietary modulated noise measurement is also provided to aid in detecting enclosure air leaks.
Electroacoustic R&D (SW-SPK-RD)
The SW-SPK-RD option delivers a complete suite of measurements and results tailored to the needs of designers and engineers developing electro-acoustic audio products. It includes key measurements and results such as complete Thiele-Small characterization; time-gated, quasi-anechoic Acoustic Response; Impedance analysis; plus the Loudspeaker Production Test measurements.
Perceptual Audio Test: POLQA (SW-POLQA-2)
Perceptual audio measurement returns a subjective assessment of speech quality using the next-generation POLQA algorithm for wide-band speech devices or devices with acoustic coupling. (Successor to PESQ with support for HD Voice, 3G, 4G/LTE and VoIP technologies)
Speech Intelligibility: ABC-MRT Measurement (SW-ABC-MRT)
The APx ABC-MRT plugin is a software option for APx500 audio measurement software that provides speech intelligibility measurement based upon the ABC-MRT speech processing algorithm developed by the Institute for Telecommunication Sciences (ITS) of the United States National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA).
Speech Intelligibility: Speech Transmission Index (SW-STI)
SW-STI is a plug-in for conducting Speech Transmission Index (STI) measurements using the STIPA method.