SIMULATION AND CONSTRUCTION OF A SOUND LEVEL METER USING MICROPHONE
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Noise pollution is a growing environmental and health challenge, requiring effective monitoring tools to evaluate sound levels in different environments. Conventional sound level meters are often expensive and inaccessible, especially in developing countries and educational institutions.This project presents the design and implementation of a low-cost Sound Level Meter using a microphone and an Arduino microcontroller. The system captures sound signals through an electret microphone, conditions the signal using an amplifier and filter, converts it into digital form using the Arduino’s ADC, and computes the sound level in decibels (dB). The measured values are displayed in real time on a 16×2 LCD.The project methodology involved system design, hardware implementation, and software programming. The device was tested under different environmental conditions (quiet room, conversation, music playback, and loud noise). Results showed that the device could measure sound levels within the range of 30 dB to 100 dB with an error margin of approximately ±2 dB compared to a reference sound level application.The system proved to be accurate, reliable, and suitable for educational, small-scale monitoring, and awareness purposes. It is recommended that future improvements should include A-weighting filters, extended measurement range, data logging, and wireless communication for advanced applications.
Full-Text Access Notice
In accordance with the NERD Policy on promoting peer-reviewed publication, public access to the full text of a project, thesis or dissertation is restricted for three years, allowing the author and supervisors sufficient time to pursue peer-reviewed publication.
During this period, researchers with legitimate academic or research purposes may request authorisation directly from the author to enable NERD to release the indexed full texts of the work using the form below.