PULSE Reflex Standardised CPB Option Type 8706
Constant percentage bandwidth (CPB) 1/nth octave analysis is a useful and computationally efficient method for characterising the amplitude of sound or vibration energy as a function of frequency. It is especially useful in acoustic applications, as its logarithmic frequency scale is well suited to the characteristics of the human ear - which responds to pitch changes in ratios rather than actual frequencies. Broadband noise or vibration is more easily quantified and compared using CPB spectra than narrow band FFT spectra.
Uses
- General acoustic analysis
- 1/nth octave analysis of sound and vibration data
- Energy distribution as a function of frequency
- Frequency band level as a function of time or RPM
Features
- 1/nth octave analysis to IEC, DIN and ANSI standards
- N = 1, 3, 6, 12 and 24
- 1/nth octave spectrum, linear or exponential averaging
- Exponential averaging – includes Slow (1s) and Fast (1/8th s) modes, but covers a tau range from 1/2048th s to 512 s
- Overall weighted or unweighted level (A, B, C, or D weighting)
- 1/nth octave level versus time (via frequency band extraction)
- 1/nth octave spectrum versus time
- 1/nth octave spectrum versus RPM (in conjunction with Type 8704)

A standard CPB display showing two signals overlaid.

CPB spectra can be displayed as a function of time. The red bars indicate total A-weighted and linear sound pressure levels for the CPB spectrum lying under the cursor.
In PULSE Reflex Core, CPB spectra can be mapped as a function of time. The option to map against speed is provided in combination with PULSE Reflex Core Basic Order Analysis Type 8704.

CPB spectra can be displayed as a function of RPM (requires a license for Type 8704).