An approach to massive multichannel broadband feedforward active noise control using wave-domain adaptive filtering

Multichannel active noise control (ANC) systems are increasingly being applied in scenarios where an enlarged quiet zone is desired. For few channels numerous solutions to this problem have been developed in the past. However, algorithms for multichannel ANC with a high number of channels (massive multichannel ANC), in order to achieve a large quiet zone, still remain a challenge. The fundamental limitations of current adaptation algorithms in the context of massive multichannel ANC are outlined in this contribution. As a solution to these limitations, the application of the generic concept of wave-domain adaptive filtering (WDAF) is proposed for ANC. Simulation results from a 60-channel ANC system illustrate the successful application of the proposed concepts.