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Microphone array-based Panel Contribution Analysis (PCA) is a new technique used for Sound Package design optimization for commercial vehicles. The technique allows for noise control performance and cost optimization. This technique ranks the contribution of fully trimmed structural panels (e.g. floor, roof, etc.) and leaks in a vehicle cabin to the noise levels experienced by a driver while the vehicle is in cruising operation. Often the noise and vibration sources (engine, transmission, exhaust, aerodynamic noise, tires, etc) cannot be easily modified, thus the only practical action to solve noise problems is to design the noise control treatments applied to the vehicle panels. Panels that have a large contribution to the noise levels at the driver's ear are heavily treated with noise control materials, whereas panels with low contribution get little to no treatment.

The new Acoustic Technology Center (ATC) at E-A-R™ Thermal/Acoustic Systems is a purpose-built facility to serve the commercial vehicle, automotive, aircraft, industrial and electronics markets supplied by this company. The design was driven by test versatility and rigorous facility performance specifications, enabling simultaneous testing of heavy duty vehicles and high performance noise reduction materials and systems in adjacent but uncoupled chambers. The intent of the facility layout is to utilize space efficiently while allowing a wide variety of vehicle, subsystem, component and material tests. Working closely with E-A-R, Acoustical Consulting Services established critical facility parameters to achieve intended functional attributes and Affiliated Construction Services constructed the facility to these specifications.