ROTEC · Measurement applications
NVH: analysing noise and vibration
Combine rotational speed, structure-borne sound and airborne sound to investigate drivetrain excitation and vibration.

Time-domain analysis
- Analyse the time histories of structure-borne sound signals.
- Correlate dynamic component motion with noise effects.
- Investigate the causes of gear rattle and related problems.

Spectral analysis
- Visualise the composition of a noise signal.
- Analyse individual orders and overall noise levels.
- Assess the prominence and dominance of individual noise components.
- Detect resonances and compare sound characteristics at different locations.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of sound insulation.

Understanding noise and vibration
Noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) influences perceived driving comfort. Relevant sources include the chassis, drivetrain and wheels.
In battery-electric vehicles, the absence of combustion-engine noise can make other drivetrain noise more noticeable. Structure-borne and airborne sound therefore need to be considered together.

Sources of drivetrain noise
Excitation can originate in the electric motor, gearbox or drive shafts. Component groups can respond to structure-borne excitation with their own vibration modes, affecting the overall NVH behaviour.

Measuring and evaluating vibration
Rotational speeds are recorded at components that excite torsional vibration. Accelerometers measure structure-borne sound, while microphones capture airborne sound. These signals are evaluated together in the order and frequency domains.
ROTEC offers high-resolution analogue measurement cards with IEPE inputs and dedicated NVH functions in the analysis software. Time-domain and spectral analysis support the investigation of dynamic and acoustic behaviour.
Questions and answers
Which signals are evaluated together in an NVH investigation?
Rotational speed signals are combined with structure-borne and airborne sound. Accelerometers capture structure-borne sound and microphones capture airborne sound. Evaluation includes the order and frequency domains.
What is RAS, and what does the ROTEC rotational analysis solution include?
The ROTEC Rotational Analysis System (RAS) is used to analyse rotating components in mechanical engineering, automotive development, power generation and motorsport. It combines high-resolution counter-based acquisition with an angle-based approach to rotational speed measurement and analysis.
The measurement chain includes optical and magnetic speed sensors, signal-conditioning adapters, the modular RASdelta measurement system and specialised measurement and analysis software. The angle-based approach can help identify sensor vibration and other measurement influences during evaluation. ROTEC ENGINEERING supports demanding measurement tasks.
Can the measurement system and software be configured for a specific application?
RASdelta is a modular measurement front end. The source describes configurations with 8 or 16 measurement cards, selected to suit the measurement task. RAS software provides tools for analysing rotating components and complex systems without requiring users to write their own measurement or analysis programs.
ROTEC ENGINEERING can advise on application-specific measurement questions and the selection of a suitable configuration.
Does ROTEC also provide engineering and project support?
Alongside sensors, signal conditioning, data acquisition and analysis software, ROTEC provides engineering and consulting services. These include measurement-point design in CAD, component machining, sensor installation and calibration, measurement execution, data evaluation and presentation of results.
Project support can cover individual work packages as well as a wider measurement project, according to the agreed scope.
Is training available for commissioning and using a measurement system?
ROTEC offers its Training Week in German and English as well as application-specific user training. Training can combine measurement principles, a detailed introduction to the software and practical demonstration measurements in the user’s environment.
Support is also available when commissioning a new system and becoming familiar with the settings and functions of RAS software.
How can users access support and self-help information?
The Munich sales and support team serves Central Europe, supported by local partners in other markets. Partners assist with measurement technology, first-level support and sales enquiries.
ROTEC also provides a knowledge base with registration-based access to information on topics including torsional vibration, transmission error and valve train analysis. Contact the team to discuss the appropriate support route for your application.
Discuss your measurement task with ROTEC
ROTEC ENGINEERING supports measurement-system selection, installation, testing and evaluation to suit your application.
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