Hybrid feedforward-feedback active noise control

This paper presents an architecture for single source, single point noise cancellation that seeks adequate gain margin and high performance for both stationary and nonstationary noise sources by combining feedforward and feedback control. Gain margins and noise reduction performance of the hybrid control architecture are validated experimentally using an earcup from a circumaural hearing protector: Results show that the hybrid system provides 5 to 30 dB active performance in the frequency range 50-800 Hz for tonal noise and 18-27 dB active performance in the same frequency range for nonstationary noise, such as aircraft or helicopter cockpit noise, improving low frequency (< 100 Hz) performance by up to 15 dB over either control component acting individually.