Electret Condenser Noise Sensor
User Manual

Model: YTL-NS-EM-RS485  |  Electret Condenser Microphone  |  MODBUS RTU  |  5~24V Wide Voltage Supply

1. Product Overview

This product uses a high-quality electret condenser microphone as the acoustic-to-electric conversion device, featuring high sensitivity, flat frequency response, and strong anti-interference capability. With a built-in high-precision ADC and DSP algorithm, it collects ambient noise in real-time and calculates parameters such as equivalent continuous sound pressure level (Leq) and maximum sound pressure level (Lmax). Data is aggregated and transmitted via RS485 bus using the MODBUS-RTU protocol, widely applicable to factory workshops, school classrooms, traffic noise monitoring, smart cities, and environmental noise online monitoring systems.

Key Advantages Electret condenser moisture resistance  |  Wide voltage 5-24V supply  |  Data aggregation upload  |  RS485 long-distance networking  |  A/C frequency weighting support

2. Technical Specifications

ParameterSpecification
Sensor TypeElectret Condenser Microphone (back-electret type)
Measurement Range30 dB ~ 130 dB (auto-ranging)
Frequency Range20 Hz ~ 12.5 kHz
Frequency WeightingA-weighting (default), C-weighting / Z-weighting (configurable)
Time WeightingFast (125ms) / Slow (1s) selectable
Measurement Accuracy±1.5 dB (@ 94dB, 1kHz reference)
Resolution0.1 dB
Response Time≤ 1 second (continuous refresh)
Supply Voltage5.0 ~ 24 VDC (12V or 24V recommended)
Power Consumption≤ 0.3W (≤ 25mA @ 12V)
Communication InterfaceRS485 (half-duplex)
Communication ProtocolMODBUS RTU
Baud Rate9600 (default, supports 4800/19200/38400)
Data Format8N1 (8 data bits, no parity, 1 stop bit)
Device Address1~247 (default 1)
Operating Environment-20℃ ~ +60℃, 10%~95%RH (non-condensing)
Protection RatingIP54 (windshield available for outdoor use)
Dimensions98×52×30 mm (including mounting ears)

3. Wiring Instructions

3.1 Power and RS485 Terminal Definition

LabelDescriptionWiring Recommendation
VCCPower Positive (5~24V DC)Connect to DC regulated power supply positive (5V/12V/24V)
GNDPower Ground / Signal GroundConnect to power negative, also serves as RS485 reference ground
485A+RS485 A+ (non-inverting)Connect to host (PLC/DAQ) A+ terminal
485B-RS485 B- (inverting)Connect to host B- terminal
📌 Wiring Tip: For long-distance communication (>200m), it is recommended to connect 120Ω termination resistors at both ends of the bus. Use twisted-pair shielded cable to improve anti-interference capability.

3.2 Microphone Installation Guide

The electret condenser microphone is built into the front of the sensor, equipped with a windproof foam/metal protective mesh. During installation, aim the microphone toward the noise source, avoiding direct facing of high-speed airflow or ducts. For outdoor environments, it is recommended to add a rain cover and windscreen.

4. MODBUS Communication Protocol (Data Aggregation Upload)

The device calculates noise sound pressure levels in real-time and updates the results to internal registers. The host can read via function codes 03 or 04. Supports multi-sensor networking. All noise data is aggregated and uploaded to the monitoring center or cloud platform via RS485.

4.1 Register Address Table (Function Code 03/04)

Register Address (HEX)Parameter NameData TypeDescription / Conversion
0x0000Equivalent Continuous Level Leq (dB)16-bit unsigned integerUnit: 0.1dB, actual value = register value ÷ 10
Example: 0x03E8 = 1000 → 100.0 dB
0x0001Maximum Level Lmax (dB)16-bit unsigned integerUnit: 0.1dB, same as above
0x0002Minimum Level Lmin (dB)16-bit unsigned integerUnit: 0.1dB
0x0100MODBUS Address16-bit1~247, default 1 (supports function code 06 modification)
0x0101Baud Rate16-bit0:9600, 1:4800, 2:19200, 3:38400
0x0102Frequency Weighting16-bit0:A-weighting, 1:C-weighting, 2:Z-weighting
Note: After modifying address/baud rate/weighting parameters, a power cycle is required for changes to take effect.

4.2 Read Noise Data Example (Leq + Lmax)

Host Request (Device address 1, read 3 registers: Leq, Lmax, Lmin)
01 04 00 00 00 03 B0 0B
Slave Response (Leq=68.5dB, Lmax=82.3dB, Lmin=45.2dB)
01 04 06 02 AD 03 37 01 C4 3A 2F
Parsing: Leq 0x02AD=685 → 68.5 dB; Lmax 0x0337=823 → 82.3 dB; Lmin 0x01C4=452 → 45.2 dB

4.3 Modify Device Address (1 → 2) Example

Send: 01 06 01 00 00 02 89 F6

4.4 Data Aggregation Upload Description

The device refreshes noise data at a rate of once per second and stores it in the register area. The host polls each sensor address via the RS485 bus to obtain multi-point noise data. All aggregated data can be used to present regional noise distribution maps or real-time curves.

5. Usage Steps

  1. Mounting: Fix the sensor at the monitoring point, aim the microphone toward the noise source, keep distance from reflective surfaces > 0.5m.
  2. Wiring: Connect 5~24V power supply, connect RS485 A/B lines to host or gateway.
  3. Power-on Warm-up: Allow 30 seconds for stabilization after power-on to let the electret microphone reach stable operation.
  4. Communication Test: Use serial tool to send MODBUS read command (e.g., 01 04 00 00 00 02).
  5. Parameter Configuration: Modify address and weighting method as needed (by writing registers).
  6. Data Integration: System polls all sensors, aggregates Leq/Lmax data and uploads to platform.

6. Important Notes

⚠️ Important Safety and Usage Guidelines
1️⃣ Supply voltage range 5~24V DC. Do not exceed 24V to avoid circuit damage.
2️⃣ The electret condenser microphone is sensitive to wind noise. Install a windscreen or wind ball for outdoor use.
3️⃣ Do not puncture the microphone dust mesh with sharp objects to avoid diaphragm damage.
4️⃣ Keep the sensor away from vibration sources and strong electromagnetic fields (VFDs, high-power motors).
5️⃣ Regular calibration using a standard sound source is recommended (once per year) to ensure long-term accuracy.

7. Troubleshooting

PhenomenonPossible CauseSolution
Abnormal readings (too low or 0dB)Insufficient power, microphone clogged or damagedCheck power supply voltage, clean windscreen; gently blow on microphone to see value change
Severe data fluctuationStrong wind noise or electromagnetic interferenceAdd windscreen, use shielded twisted-pair cable for RS485
No communicationAddress/baud rate mismatch, wiring errorVerify A/B connections, try resetting device address
Consistently high readingsIncorrect weighting or calibration driftCheck frequency weighting register, restore factory settings
Unstable RS485 communicationMissing termination resistor, excessive distanceAdd 120Ω termination resistors at both ends, reduce baud rate

8. Maintenance and Calibration

It is recommended to calibrate the sensor every 12 months using a sound level calibrator (94dB@1kHz). Users can perform gain correction through manufacturer-specific MODBUS commands or software. For daily cleaning, use a soft brush to gently remove dust from the electret microphone surface. Do not use organic solvents.

9. Package Contents and Ordering Information

Ordering ModelDescriptionPower Supply RangeOutput
YTL-NS-EM-RS485Electret Condenser Noise Sensor, A/C weighting configurable5~24V DCRS485 MODBUS
YTL-NS-EM-PROEnhanced version with temperature/humidity compensation and windscreen12~24V DCRS485 + Temp/Humidity

10. System Networking and Data Aggregation Architecture

Up to 128 noise sensors can be connected via the RS485 bus, each with a unique address. The host (industrial computer/data collector) polls each sensor and aggregates Leq, Lmax and other data, ultimately uploading to environmental protection platforms or cloud monitoring systems via Ethernet/4G.

Networking Example:
[Monitoring Center] → Ethernet → [RS485 Gateway] ←→ Noise Sensor #1 (Address 1)
├─ Noise Sensor #2 (Address 2)
└─ Noise Sensor #N (Address N)
Data Aggregation JSON Format: {"point1_dB":68.5, "point2_dB":72.3, "timestamp":"2025-04-01 10:30:00"}