ANC in-car noise cancellation system

Passenger ANC noise-canceling technology first appeared in commercial airline headsets and has been around since the 1980s. Its vehicular applications are more recent, but it holds promise to change the way we use our cars in the future.

Let’s find out how noise control technology integrates into today’s vehicles and why this feature can stay.

What is ANC in-vehicle Active Noise Cancellation?

It refers to a group of technologies to reduce unwanted sound by introducing another sound designed to cancel noise.

Active noise cancellation ANC for headphones works the same way it does for cars.

There is one or more microphones that detect unwanted environmental sound. The audio passes through a dedicated digital signal processor (DSP) or controller, which then determines the best returned audio output.

Everything happens in real time, as the system detects, adjusts and cancels ambient noise at a steady pace.

Ideally, a quieter cabin that adequately suppresses engine noise and road sounds.

It is important to note that passive acoustic control is present as an engineering and design technique that helps to materially reduce interior noise.

Some automakers use both active and passive noise control in their systems, while others stick to purely active or passive.

Perhaps only luxury cars have ANC.

Ford is one of the best known automakers that uses ANC today. Notably, the Everest has three sensitive microphones that pick up engine noise before using loudspeakers to play back sound waves. This system is enhanced with harmonious noise reduction features such as acoustic glass and hydraulic engine mounts. Apart from Ford, many other brands have introduced noise control technology.

Hyundai, for example, has Road Noise Control (RANC) available in the Genesis GV80. It sure is an excellent car, but Hyundai’s use of advanced audio technologies is commendable. The company has found a way to achieve effective noise control without resorting to physical design. Hyundai has already begun to integrate RANC with its other innovations, such as the Separate Sound Zone (SSZ) audio system. The SSZ creates a sound field around the vehicle, allowing each passenger to hear isolated sounds. This unlocks features like individual music control, phone call privacy, and custom navigation.

With the innovative allure of Active Noise Control, it’s clearly only a matter of time before it becomes as widespread a feature among cars as most mainstream technologies. Top brands like Honda, Nissan, and Chevrolet will see the feature with varying capacities, and many are likely to follow. Over the next few years, we can expect more ANC-equipped cars.