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BFDOA

Beamforming & Direction Finding Toolkit for LabVIEW

Enhance your acoustic analysis capabilities with Ngene’s BFDOA Toolkit.

This LabVIEW add-on empowers engineers and researchers to apply advanced beamforming algorithms to data acquired from sensor arrays, facilitating precise sound source localization and acoustic imaging.

 

The BFDOA Toolkit integrates seamlessly into the LabVIEW environment, providing a suite of virtual instruments (VIs) for implementing standard beamforming techniques. It supports both real-time and offline analysis, making it ideal for applications in acoustics research, noise source identification, and spatial audio processing.

beamforming toolkit

Key Features​

Comprehensive Beamforming Algorithms

  • Wideband Beamformer: Delay and Sum (DAS)

  • Narrowband Beamformers: Bartlett, MUSIC (Multiple Signal Classification), MVDR (Minimum Variance Distortionless Response)

3D Beam Pattern Visualization

Visualize beam shapes in three dimensions to assess array performance and directivity.

Sound Source Simulation

Simulate acoustic sources to evaluate array configurations and algorithm effectiveness.

Sound Intensity Mapping

Generate spatial maps of sound intensity for detailed acoustic imaging.

Array Geometry Flexibility

Define custom microphone array geometries by specifying sensor coordinates.

Example Projects

Includes ready-to-run examples demonstrating toolkit capabilities and facilitating quick integration.

Use Cases

Acoustic Source Localization

Identify and locate sound sources in environments such as industrial settings, urban areas, or natural habitats.

Noise Control Engineering

​Analyze and mitigate unwanted noise in automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing industries.

Audio Research

Study spatial audio characteristics for applications in virtual reality, teleconferencing, and concert hall acoustics.

Educational Purposes

Serve as a practical tool for teaching beamforming concepts in academic settings.

Requirements

Installation

  • Operating System: Windows 10 or later

  • LabVIEW Version: LabVIEW 2016 (32-bit or 64-bit) or newer

  • Installation: Delivered as a VI Package Manager (VIPM) installer

Development

  • Windows Platforms: Full functionality on standard Windows systems

  • NI Real-Time Targets: Compatible with National Instruments' real-time hardware for deterministic performance

Integration with Ngene Hardware

The BFDOA Toolkit is designed to work in tandem with Ngene's Microphone Array Daughter Boards (MicArr). These boards offer various configurations, including uniform rectangular, circular, and spiral arrays, providing flexibility for different acoustic applications. Integration enables real-time data acquisition and processing within the LabVIEW environment.

MicArr

Microphone Array Daughter Board

A compact, high-performance microphone array designed for NI sbRIO and myRIO platforms. Available in rectangular, circular, and spiral configurations, MicArr enables real-time acoustic data acquisition and integrates seamlessly with the BFDOA Toolkit for advanced beamforming and sound localization applications.

Ready to localize sound with precision?

Discover how the BFDOA Toolkit brings advanced beamforming and direction-finding capabilities to LabVIEW. Whether analyzing real-time acoustic data or simulating array performance, get started with tools built for accuracy and flexibility.

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