IEC 60268-23:2023

Overview

IEC 60268-23:2023 is an international standard published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) that defines acoustical measurement methods tailored for loudspeaker systems embedded within TVs, monitors, and similar audio devices such as flat-panel loudspeakers. This standard focuses on providing consistent, reproducible procedures to measure acoustical characteristics of these integrated loudspeaker systems, primarily under free-field and in-situ conditions.

Importantly, IEC 60268-23:2023 does not address subjective perception or cognitive evaluation of sound quality. Instead, it establishes objective, quantitative measurement protocols for parameters such as sound pressure level, frequency response, directivity, and transfer functions.

Key Topics

• Scope and Application
  This part of IEC 60268 pertains to TVs, monitors, and comparable devices with built-in loudspeakers, aiming to standardize how their acoustical performance is measured in controlled environments.

• Measurement Conditions
  It defines normal and rated operating conditions, including ambient temperature and humidity, test signal types (sinusoidal chirp, steady-state tones, noise signals, impulsive signals), and test setups for free-field and in-situ environments.

• Physical and Mounting Characteristics
  The standard specifies physical parameters like dimensions and mass, mounting methods (stand-type or wall mount), and positioning of devices during tests, emphasizing consistent reproducibility.

• Acoustic Testing Procedures
  Key acoustical measurements include:

  • On-axis Sound Pressure Level (SPL) frequency response
  • Spatial transfer functions and sound power response
  • Directional characteristics of loudspeaker outputs
  • In-situ testing to measure the actual operational acoustics within the intended environment, including room transfer functions and reflected sound SPL.

• Data Reporting and Analysis
  It mandates standardized reporting formats to facilitate cross-comparison and ensure clarity in presenting frequency response characteristics, SPL averages, effective frequency ranges, and directional properties.

Applications

IEC 60268-23:2023 serves a critical role in the design, testing, verification, and quality control of integrated loudspeaker systems in consumer electronics and professional displays. Its practical applications include:

• Product Development
  Manufacturers can employ the standard test methods to optimize loudspeaker design integrated into TVs and monitors for improved acoustic performance under real-use conditions.

• Quality Assurance
  Consistent application of the standard ensures devices meet specified acoustic criteria before market release.

• Benchmarking and Compliance
  Enables comparative evaluation of different models and technologies by harmonizing measurement approaches globally.

• Acoustic Research and Engineering
  Researchers working on sound reproduction in displays use IEC 60268-23 as a reference for objective acoustic characterization.

Related Standards

IEC 60268-23:2023 is part of the broader IEC 60268 series, which covers sound system equipment comprehensively:

• IEC 60268-1 - General requirements for audio equipment
• IEC 60268-5 - Loudspeakers
• IEC 60268-7 - Headphones and earphones
• Other parts address measurement methods for audio equipment in different contexts.

For acoustical test methodologies specific to residential or professional sound environments, other standards from IEC or ISO may complement IEC 60268-23 by addressing subjective sound quality evaluation or room acoustics.

Keywords: IEC 60268-23, acoustical measurement, TV loudspeakers, monitor loudspeaker systems, free-field acoustics, in-situ testing, sound pressure level, frequency response, directional characteristics, integrated speakers, audio device standards, IEC sound system equipment