Hyundai, Harman launch ‘world-first’ road noise system

Stamford, Connecticut – Harman International, part of Samsung Electronics, has launched the “world’s first” active road noise cancellation system for a production vehicle in partnership with Hyundai Motor Co., Harman has announced.

The ‘road-noise active noise control’ (RANC) system reduces in-cabin noise by cancelling out unwanted sound originating from the tires and road surfaces while driving, according to the 3 Feb statement. 

Hyundai’s Genesis GV80 SUV is the first production car to feature the technology, which is based on Harman’s HALOsonic suite of noise management technologies, said US automotive-audio specialist.

Applying conventional NVH methods to reduce road noise significantly adds to the vehicle weight thereby impacting fuel-economy and emissions ratings, the company noted.

On the SUV, it explained, the RANC control processor “uses reference signals received from acceleration sensors placed strategically along the suspension and chassis to predict noise transferred into the cabin and to generate an anti-noise wave in real-time. 

“Compute time and signal transfer speed are optimised to allow for an analysis of the intruding noise and the generation of the anti-noise within milliseconds, thereby preventing the noise from reaching the occupants’ ears.” 

Error microphones constantly monitor the system performance in each seat location to ensure a more pleasant ride for all vehicle occupants, Harman also pointed out.

The Genesis GV80 SUV was launched in Korea on 15 Jan, with further roll-outs, including in the US expected by early summer.

ERJ has recently reported on Hyundai efforts to reduce in-vehicle noise, including by characterising the ‘squeak noise’ of carbon black-filled natural rubber in suspension bushings and engine mounts.