10.17 D68xx_e5 Valid since ACQUA version 3.5.200 / Subject to change

Data Sheet

ACQUA Options (ACOPTs)

OVERVIEWACQUA is a dual channel analysis system for diagnosis of acoustic and/or electric transmission paths up to 24 kHz. A variety of options allows the individual tailoring of the software and its perfor-mance to specific fields of appli cation which may range from the evaluation of frequency responses to psychoacoustic models and speech quality analysis systems.

ACOPT 01 (Code 6811)* Signal Generator and Editor

ACQUA option for generation of mathe matically definable functions and for editing of signals.

Features:• Signal generator for following signals: sine,

square, triangle, sweep, stepped sweep, white and pink noise, pseudo noise for dif-ferent FFT lengths, Fourier generator

• Universal signal generator (correspond ing to mathematical formula)

• Signal editor for editing of individual time signals, e.g. com posite source signal

• Various possibilities for signal operation and mani pulation

ACOPT 02 (Code 6812) Signal Analysis

ACQUA option as a tool for experimental devel-opment and optimization of single components or com plex transmission paths.

Features:• Post analysis of archived signals in the fre-

quency and time domains

ACOPT 03 - ACOPT 08 (Codes 6813 - 6818):

No longer available. Can be replaced by ArtemiS Suite. Details upon request.

ACOPT 09 (Code 6819) SLVM P.56

ACQUA option, speech level voltmeter ac-cording to international standard ITU-T P.56 (method B).

ACOPT 10 (Code 6820) TOSQA

ACQUA option for determination of speech quality according to TOSQA method. Output as MOS and TMOS values including impair-ment factor.

ACOPT 11 (Code 6821) CLIP

ACQUA option for output of freely definable CLIP data according to European standard ETS 300 778-1.

Features:• Automatic adaptation to connected

measure ment front end• Support of all three acti vation methods:

Dual Tone Alerting Signal (DT-AS), Line reversal followed by DT-AS, Ringing Pulse Alerting Signal

• Free choice of transferable data• Free choice of all signalization frequencies

and levels

ACOPT 12 (Code 6822) DTMF

ACQUA option for analysis of DTMF signals according to standard TBR 21 (multi-frequency dialing method) sent by measuring object.

Features:• Output of all recognized signals• Check of following parameters:

- min/max level of high/low frequency, - min/max level difference, - min signal to noise ratio, - max frequency deviation, - min/max dial/pause time, - max rise/fall time

ACOPT 14 and ACOPT 15 (Code 6824 and 6825)

No longer available.

ACOPT 16 (Code 6836) PESQ

ACQUA option for determination of MOS values (Mean Opinion Scores) according to PESQ (Per-ceptual Evaluation of Speech Quality, advanced quality measure for determination of perceived speech quality in telecommunication according to ITU-T P.862).

ACOPT 17 (Code 6839)* Relative Approach

Optional psychoacoustic method patented by HEAD acoustics for the analysis of audible impairments in the time and frequency domain. Allows the evaluation of dominant time and spectrum structures based on the sensitivity of the human ear.

ACOPT 18 (Code 6840) Remote Control ACQUA via COM Interface

ACQUA option for external control of automated measurement sequences.Via the COM interface, prepared ACQUA projects or single measurement descriptors can be selected. An existing ACQUA measurement object as well as the corresponding settings for various front ends can be selected and the com plete measurement sequence can be car-ried out. New ACQUA measurement objects can be generated if required. Feedback on the progress of the measurement sequence is given via COM events.

ACOPT 19 (Code 6842)* Online Analysis

Provides the functions „Online Level“, „Online FFT“ and „Online Distortion“ for realtime analysis during simultaneous continuous signal playback under modifiable measurement setup conditions (e.g. frequency-dependent con-vergence behavior of echo cancellers, applica-tion-force-dependent transfer functions between handset and artificial ear).

(*separate data sheets on certain ACQUA options are available, these are marked with an asterisk)

10.17 D68xx_e5 Valid since ACQUA version 3.5.200 / Subject to change

Features:• Online Level: Realtime calculation of input

level• Online FFT: Realtime analysis of the spectral

transmission behavior• Online Distortion: Realtime analysis of the

distortion behavior

ACOPT 20 (Code 6843)* Quality Pie

With this tool the representation of results in the form of pie diagrams according to ITU-T Recommendation P.505 becomes quick and easy. Pre-defined templates with all parameter settings and limit values can be loaded for vari-ous test cases, e.g. IP phones, gateways, mobile phones, hands-free terminals. Alternatively, users can generate and save their own templates for individual test result evaluation.

ACOPT 21 (Code 6844)* 3QUEST

3QUEST (3-fold Quality Evaluation of Speech in Telecommunications) is an optional calcula-tion method for the communication analysis sys tem ACQUA which allows the instrumental speech quality evaluation of telecommunication terminals with noise-suppresion technology in the presence of background noise. ACOPT 21 covers narrow band as well as wideband scenar-ios and implements the standardized methods of ETSI EG 202 396-3 and TS 103 106. In comparison to other evaluation models designed to predict ITU-T P.800 listening tests (TOSQA, PESQ, POLQA), the main advan-tage of 3QUEST lies in the consideration of the influence of different background noises

and the calculation of three MOS values (Mean Opinion Scores: S-MOS, N-MOS and G-MOS), thus allowing a more meaningful statement regarding the causes of the quality impres-sion.The respective databases for 3QUEST are based on numer-ous listening tests with auditory evaluation according to ITU-T Rec. P.835 and were partly carried out and validated by co-operation partners.

ACOPT22 (Code 6847)* ES 203 021

The ETSI Standard ES 203 021 is the successor of the standard TBR 21 and like its predecessor specifies a series of harmonized requirements for the analog connection of terminals to existing public telephone networks in Europe. It covers all relevant requirements of Directive 91/263/EEC regarding terminals which are capable of establishing or receiving a switched connection via Dual Tone Multi Frequency (DTMF) signaling.The measurements required by Standard ES 203 021 have been implemented by HEAD acoustics into an automated test suite for the communica-tion analysis system ACQUA.

ACOPT 23 (Code 6848)* GCFThe Global Certification Forum (GCF) has de-fined test criteria for certification of 2G and 3G mobile equipment. As a member of GCF, HEAD acoustics is able to offer the GCF-approved test platforms TP89 and TP90 which cover audio test cases for 2G and 3G according to 3GPP TS 26.131/TS 26.132 and TS 51.010-1.In combination with TP89 or TP90, option GCF (ACOPT 23) enables manufacturers and test laboratories to submit test cases of 2G and 3G mobile equipment validated on any of these two test platforms to the Global Certification Forum for official GCF approval.

ACOPT 24 (Code 6849)* PTCRB

The PCS Type Certification Review Board (PT-CRB) has defined test criteria for certification of 2G and 3G mobile equipment. As a member of PTCRB, HEAD acoustics is able to offer the PTCRB-approved test platforms TP89 and TP90 which cover audio test cases for 2G and 3G according to 3GPP TS 26.131/TS 26.132 and TS 51.010-1.In combination with TP89 or TP90, option PTCRB (ACOPT 24) enables manufacturers and test laboratories to submit test cases of 2G and 3G mobile equipment validated on any of these two test platforms to the PCS Type Certification Review Board for official PTCRB approval.

ACOPT 25 (Code 6852) Psychoacoustic SMDs

This option offers a single measurement de-scriptor (SMD) which allows to conduct various psychoacoustic analyses (also selectable from the ACQUA lyzer menu “Analysis”).The following analysis methods are provided: • Loudness vs. Time• Spec. Loudness• Spec. Loudness vs. Time• Sharpness vs. Time• Roughness vs. Time

(Hearing Model)• Spec. Roughness

(Hearing Model)• Spec. Roughness vs. Time (Hearing Model)• Prominence Ratio• Fluctuation Strength• Articulation Index• Tonality• Tone to Noise

ACOPT 26 (Code 6853) Roomacoustics

This option offers a single measurement descriptor (SMD) which allows to conduct room acoustics measurements based on maximum length se-quence (MLS) signals (also selectable from the ACQUAlyzer menu “Analysis”).

Features:• Measuring Impulse responses

with MLS signals• Reverberation time vs. bands (Octave,

3rd/6th/12th Octave)• Cumulative spectral decay plots• Measurement of single values acc. to DIN

EN ISO 3382:- Reverberation time RT60, RT30- Early decay time EDT, D50, D80, center

time- Clarity C50, C80- Directness D50, D80- Center time Ts

• EEB (Early Energy Balance) acc. to ITU-T P.340: objectively represents the subjective impression of reverberance.

The following analysis methods are provided: • Impulse Response (MLS)• Decay vs. Bands (MLS)• Cumulative Spectral Decay (MLS)

10.17 D68xx_e5 Valid since ACQUA version 3.5.200 / Subject to change

ACOPT 27 (Code 6854) Speech Transmission Index

This option offers a new single measurement descriptor (SMD) which allows to conduct measurements for calculation of the speech transmission index. (also selectable from the ACQUAlyzer menu “Analysis”).

Features:• Method for measuring speech intelligibility• Based on the measurement of the modulation

applied to the intensity envelopes of signals • STITEL, STIPA, RASTI: simplified methods

that allow calculating the STI from a single measurement

ACOPT 28 (Code 6855) SNRI & TNLR Calculation According to ITU-T G.160 (App. II, Amd. 2)

This option offers a new single measurement descriptor (SMD) which allows to conduct mea-surements for calculation of values according to ITU-T G.160 (Appendix II, Amendment 2, 08/2011) as summarized in the list below. Moreover, this option provides a new menu item in the ACQUAlyzer “Calculation” menu which allows to apply this calculation method to the signal currently displayed in the time window.

Main Values: • SNRI (Signal-to-Noise Improvement): The

difference of signal-to-noise ratios between processed and unprocessed signal.

• TNLR (Total Noise Level Reduction): The dif-ference of background noise levels between processed and unprocessed signal in the signal parts with no speech activity.

• NPLR (Noise Power Level Reduction): The difference of background noise levels between processed and unprocessed signal in the

signal parts with short speech pauses. Thus this metric estimates the noise level reduction during speech.

• DSN (Difference between SNRI and NPLR): Describes the balance between TNLR and NPLR. Should be around zero.

Additional Single Values: • SNR High / Mid / Low: Signal-To-Noise ratio

for speech frames with high, mid and low speech power acc. to ITU-T G.160. Available for unprocessed and processed signal.

• ASL Clean: The active speech level of the clean speech signal acc. to ITU-T P.56.

• Speech activity: Speech activity acc. to ITU-T P.56, calculated with clean speech signal.

• ASL Unprocessed / Processed: The active speech level of the noisy speech signals are calculated over the signal segments with low / mid / high speech power (ITU-T P.56 due to additional background noise not applicable here).

• Delay Processed vs. Unprocessed: Delay calculated with cross-correlation between processed and unprocessed signal.

• Delay Processed vs. Clean: Delay calculated with cross-correlation between processed and clean signal.

• Delay Unprocessed vs. Clean: Delay calculat-ed as the difference of the (Proc vs Unproc) and (Proc vs Clean).

• SNR Processed / Unprocessed: Alternative calculation of SNR; uses the active speech and background noise levels of processed and unprocessed signal.

• BGN Level Processed / Unprocessed: The background noise level of the processed / unprocessed signal, determined in parts with no speech activity.

ACOPT 29 (Code 6856) EQUEST

This option offers a single measurement de-scriptor (SMD) and a calculation method which provide an assessment of the echo performance of terminals based on the hearing model analysis “EQUEST” (Echo Quality Evaluation of Speech in Telecommunications). Narrowband, wideband and super-wideband scenarios can be evaluated with EQUEST.

10.17 D68xx_e5 Valid since ACQUA version 3.5.200 / Subject to change

ACOPT 30 (Code 6857) POLQA

This option offers a single measurement de-scriptor (SMD) and calculation method for determining MOS values (Mean Opinion Scores) according to POLQA (Perceptual Objective Listening Quality Analysis).POLQA is a voice quality testing technology for fixed, mobile and IP based networks. It was stan-dardized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU-T) as Recommendation P.863, and can be applied for voice quality analysis of HD Voice, 3G and 4G/LTE networks.

ACOPT 31 (Code 6858) Batch Processor

This option provides a tool for batch calculation of PESQ, TOSQA, 3QUEST, 3QUEST-SWB/FB, POLQA, G.160 (SNRI & TNLR), EQUEST, Speech-based Double Talk and AutoDT (Auto-mated Double Talk Analysis). Except for the latter, the respective ACOPTs are required in addition.The user determines either via an existing batch file (.txt or .ini) or via file import by drag&drop which files are to be used as processed, unpro-cessed and clean speech signal. For the various algorithms, the corresponding settings can be determined. The file order can be modified in the program. The batch processing can be started from the first file or from any other file in the list. Furthermore, the user can pause and resume the processing. The results can be viewed in the program at any time and can be exported as a whole or in parts to various file formats (.txt, .xls or SQlite database).

ACOPT 32 (Code 6859)* Speech-based Double TalkACOPT 32 provides two speech-based methods to measure and to assess the acoustic character-istics of narrowband, wideband, superwideband and fullband handsets, headsets and hands-free terminals (Device Under Test, DUT) regarding double talk performance.

represented by

Legal Notes / Notes on Trademarks: Microsoft® and Windows® are registered trademarks of the Microsoft Corporation.POLQA® is a registered trademark of OPTICOM GmbH.PESQ® is a registered trademark of OPTICOM GmbH and Psytechnics Ltd.. All other brand and product names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective owners.This information may be subject to change.

© 2017 HEAD acoustics GmbH. All rights reserved.

The first method is the Automated Double Talk Analysis according to ITU-T recommendation P.502. In contrast to the previous analysis with Composite Source Signals (CSS), now also speech sequences according to ITU-T recom-mendation P.501 are applied. Also for the second analysis method, the Speech-based Double Talk Analysis according to 3GPP standard TS 26.132, real speech according to P.501 is used.

ACOPT 33 (Code 6864)* Turntable Support

This option supports the LinearX LT 360 turntable for automated direction-dependent acoustic measurements.Via the program window the user has complete control over the turntable. The user can measure any position from 0 to 360 degrees quickly and easily. ACOPT 33 can perform three types of mea-surements: Level measurements over the angle represented in form of polar plots and frequency responses for the manually fixed positions in both 2D and 3D. For the first two measurements tolerance schemes can be applied.Note: ACOPT 33 is not required for the HEAD acoustics Remote-operated Turntable HRT I.

ACOPT 34 (Code 6865)* Speech Intelligibility Index

ACOPT 34 allows the calculation of the speech intelligibility index of the selected signal accord-ing to ANSI S3.5-1997. The speech intelligibility index represents how much a background noise impacts the intelligibility of a speech signal.

ACOPT 35 (Code 6866)* 3QUEST-SWB/FB

As advancement of 3QUEST (ACOPT 21, Code 6844, cf. above), the ACQUA option 3QUEST-SWB/FB (ACOPT 35) implements the standardized methods of ETSI TS 103 281 (Model A) to calculate three MOS values for super-wideband and fullband scenarios (fre-quency range up to 20 kHz). Compared to its predecessor, 3QUEST SWB/FB no longer requires an unprocessed reference signal. Furthermore, the calcula-tion method is even more robust against un-known data.

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

All ACOPTs require the latest ACQUA Version.

DELIVERY

ACOPTs are either delivered on the dongle delivered with ACQUA (for new customers) or as V2C file (for existing customers).Note: For ACOPT 16 (PESQ) and ACOPT 30 (POLQA) additional special dongles are de-livered.