GRAS 12BA User manual

LI0280 – 22 January 2021
Instruction Manual
GRAS 12BA 1-Channel CCP Power Module with TEDS Support
GRAS 12BB 4-Channel CCP Power Module with TEDS Support

2 | 12BA and 12BB Power Modules Instruction Manual
Revision History
Any feedback or questions about this document are welcome at [e-mail]
Revision Date Description
1 22 January 2021 First Edition
Copyright Notice
© 2021 GRAS Sound & Vibration
http://www.grasacoustics.com
Any technical documentation that is made available by GRAS is the copyrighted work of GRAS
and is owned by GRAS.
The content in this document is subject to change without notice. GRAS Sound & Vibration is not
liable or responsible for any errors or inaccuracies that may appear in this document.
Trademarks
Any product names mentioned in this document may be trademarks or registered trademarks of
their respective companies and are hereby acknowledged.
8211.0373.000

Instruction Manual 12BA and 12BB Power Modules | 3
Contents
Safety Information........................................................................................................ 4
Safety Symbols................................................................................................................................... 4
Disclaimer ............................................................................................................................................ 4
Consignes de sécurité........................................................................................................................5
Symboles de sécurité.........................................................................................................................5
Avis de non-responsabilité ...............................................................................................................5
Información de seguridad .................................................................................................................6
Símbolos de seguridad.......................................................................................................................6
Exención de responsabilidad............................................................................................................6
Introduction....................................................................................................................7
External Features ......................................................................................................... 8
LED Displays........................................................................................................................................ 8
Microphone Inputs............................................................................................................................. 8
Ground Lug.......................................................................................................................................... 8
PC / Power Interface USB-C Port................................................................................................... 8
Mounting Tabs..................................................................................................................................... 8
................................................................................................................. 8
Input/Output....................................................................................................................................... 8
Channel Indicators and Assignment.......................................................................... 9
Operation........................................................................................................................ 9
TEDS Support.......................................................................................................................................9
Input/Output Functions.....................................................................................................................9
 .......................................................................................................10
Accessing TEDS Data .......................................................................................................................10
Acquiring TEDS Data Using the Mic Power Module App ...........................................................10
Acquiring TEDS Data Using APx500 Software ...........................................................................13
Specications.............................................................................................................. 14
USB Interface.....................................................................................................................................14
Microphone Channel.........................................................................................................................14
General/Environmental ...................................................................................................................15
Warranty, Service and Repair.................................................................................... 16
Warranty..............................................................................................................................................16
Service and Repairs..........................................................................................................................16

4 | 12BA and 12BB Power Modules Instruction Manual
Safety Information





To clean the enclosure of this product, use a soft cloth or brush to remove accumulated dust.
A mild detergent may be used to remove remaining dirt or stains. Do not use strong or abrasive
cleaners. Wipe all surfaces with a damp cloth.
Safety Symbols
The following symbols may be marked on the panels or covers of equipment or modules, and are
used in this manual:
WARNING!—
such as the presence of dangerous voltage that could pose a risk of electri-
cal shock. Refer to the accompanying Warning Label or Tag, and exercise
extreme caution.
ATTENTION!—This symbol alerts you to important operating consider-
ations or a potential operating condition that could damage equipment.
If you see this marked on equipment, refer to the Operator’s Manual.
Instruction Manual or User’s Manual for precautionary instructions.
FUNCTIONAL EARTH TERMINAL—A terminal marked with this symbol
is electrically connected to a reference point of a measuring circuit or
output and is intended to be earthed (grounded) for any functional purpose
other than safety.
PROTECTIVE EARTH TERMINAL—A terminal marked with this symbol
is bonded to conductive parts of the instrument and is intended to be
connected to an external protective earthing (grounding) system.
WARNING! HOT SURFACE—This symbol is marked on a surface that
may become too hot to touch during operation.
Disclaimer

otherwise may void any warranties, damage equipment, or pose a safety risk to personnel.

Instruction Manual 12BA and 12BB Power Modules | 5
Consignes de sécurité


un distributeur Audio Precision agréé.

Precision. Si c’est le cas, il pourrait y avoir des risques pour la sécurité. Utiliser ce produit d’une
manière non précisée par Audio Precision peut entraîner un risque pour la sécurité.




Symboles de sécurité

ou des modules, et sont utilisés dans le présent manuel:
AVERTISSEMENT!— Ce symbole vous informe d’une situation potentiellement
dangereuse, par exemple, la présence d’une tension dangereuse qui pourrait

d’avertissement qui l’accompagne, et faites preuve d’une grande prudence.
ATTENTION!— Ce symbole vous informe d’importantes considérations liées
au fonctionnement ou d’une condition d’utilisation potentielle qui pourrait

le manuel de l’opérateur, le manuel d'instructions ou le manuel de l’utilisateur
pour connaître les instructions préventives.
BORNE DE TERRE FONCTIONNELLE— 


fonction utilitaire autre que la sécurité.
BORNE DE TERRE DE PROTECTION—


AVERTISSEMENT! SURFACE CHAUDE—Ce symbole est présent sur toute
surface qui peut devenir chaude au toucher pendant le fonctionnement de
l’équipement.
Avis de non-responsabilité
-
cant. Une telle utilisation pourrait annuler toute garantie, endommager l’équipement ou présenter
un risque de sécurité pour le personnel.

6 | 12BA and 12BB Power Modules Instruction Manual
Información de seguridad
NO 


NO 
Hacerlo podría causar riesgos de seguridad. El uso de este producto en una manera no

Para limpiar la caja de este producto, utilice un trapo o cepillo suave para remover el polvo


húmedo.
Símbolos de seguridad
Los siguientes símbolos podrían estar marcados en los paneles o cubiertas del equipo o los

¡ADVERTENCIA!— Este símbolo le alerta sobre una condición
potencialmente peligrosa, tal como la presencia de voltaje peligroso que
pudiera representar un riesgo de descarga eléctrica. Consulte la etiqueta
de advertencia adjunta y tenga mucha precaución.
¡ATENCIÓN!— Este símbolo le alerta de consideraciones operativas
importantes o de una condición operativa potencial que pudiera dañar
al equipo. Si usted ve este símbolo en el equipo, consulte el Manual
del operador o el Manual de instrucciones o el Manual del usuario para
instrucciones de precaución.
TERMINAL DE TIERRA FUNCIONAL—Un terminal marcado con
este símbolo está conectado eléctricamente a un punto de referencia
de un circuito de medición o salida y se supone está conectado a tierra

TERMINAL DE TIERRA DE PROTECCIÓN—Un terminal marcado con

supone que está conectado a un sistema externo de protección a tierra

¡ADVERTENCIA! SUPERFICIE CALIENTE—Este símbolo está marcado

operación.
Exención de responsabilidad

El hecho de no hacerlo de la manera indicada invalidaría las garantías, causaría daño al equipo, o
representaría un riesgo de seguridad para el personal.

Instruction Manual 12BA and 12BB Power Modules | 7
Introduction
The GRAS 12BA 1-Channel CCP Power Module with TEDS Support and 12BB 4-Channel CCP Power
Module with TEDS Support are USB-powered pass-through power modules that provide power

-


microphones are required, multiple power modules can be used concurrently. Power is provided
through the USB cable using a USB 2.0 or USB 3.0 port on the PC and a USB-C port on the power
module. When used in conjunction with the GRAS Mic Power Module App or an Audio Precision

modules can provide access to TEDS data on TEDS-enabled microphones.
Examples of GRAS products requiring a CCP supply are:
• ¼" CCP Pressure Microphone Set 46BD.
• 
• Array Microphones 40PH.
See separate information sheets for more information on GRAS microphones that are compatible
with the 12BA and 12BB CCP modules. The power modules can also be used with similar products
from other manufacturers.
LED Display
Mic Input Mounting Tabs
USB-C PC/Power Interface
Ground Lug Output
Mounting Tabs
LED Displays
Mic Inputs Mounting Tabs Mounting Tabs
USB-C PC/Power Interface
Outputs
Ground Lug
Fig. 1. 12BA Front Panel
Fig. 3. 12BB Front Panel
Fig. 2. 12BA Rear Panel
Fig. 4. 12BB Rear Panel

8 | 12BA and 12BB Power Modules Instruction Manual
External Features
LED Displays
There is an LED display for each microphone input on the module. There is one on 12BA modules

microphone can be selected for TEDS data acquisition. Numbers are only displayed on the LED
displays when using the GRAS Mic Power Module App or Audio Precision APx500 software.
Microphone Inputs
The 12BA has a single BNC microphone input. The 12BB has four microphone inputs. The cor-
responding output connectors are on the rear panels.
Ground Lug
Performance may be improved by connecting the ground lugs of the power module and the APx

PC / Power Interface USB-C Port
The 12BA and 12BB are powered through the USB-C port on the rear panel of the module when
connected to a USB 2.0 or USB 3.0 port and draws a maximum of 500 mA. Since the module does

as the data connection to the PC when using with the GRAS Mic Power Module App or APx500
software. USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 connections are supported.
Mounting Tabs
Modules have four mounting tabs that can be used to anchor the module with user-supplied
fasteners to prevent any undesirable movement. The module can be rack mounted using a rack
cradle (not included) or mounted directly to a work surface.
CCP Preamplier Support

• A constant current supply (4 mA ) sourced at 24 V DC per channel.
• Access to TEDS data (when used with the Mic Power Module App or Audio Precision APx500
software).
Input/Output
Microphones providing the input signals are connected via BNC connectors on the front panel
of the power module. Output signals from the power module rear panel are connected via BNC
connectors to the measurement system.

Instruction Manual 12BA and 12BB Power Modules | 9
Channel Indicators and Assignment
Channel indicators are only enabled when using Audio Precision APx500 measurement software
or the GRAS Mic Power Module App.
Each input connector on a power module has an LED channel indicator on the front panel above
the measurement microphone connector. The channel is assigned dynamically when Audio

power module, or when the list command is used in the GRAS Mic Power Module App. Once
assigned, the number is displayed on the LED channel indicator. Until a channel is assigned,
the display will read “--”. The microphone channels are used to identify attached measurement
microphones to acquire TEDS data and set sensitivity values.
Operation
The GRAS 12BA and 12BB power modules are USB-powered pass-through devices that provide
power to measurement microphones and integrate with the APx family of Audio Precision


microphones. If more than four microphones are required, multiple power modules can be used
concurrently. Additionally, Transducer Electronic Data Sheet (TEDS) data can be read from TEDS-
enabled microphones when connected to a system running APx500 software or when using the
Mic Power Module App.
TEDS Support
The APx500 software and Mic Power Module App can read TEDS 0.9 and TEDS 1.0 data from
TEDS-enabled microphones connected through supported GRAS power modules like the 12BA
and 12BB.
TEDS data can only be read through the Microphone Power Module when using the APx500
measurement software or the GRAS Mic Power Module App.
For R&D testing, the data is used as data-sheet values in calibration reports. For production
testing in controlled production setups and environments, the TEDS data can be used in lieu of
actual calibration values.
For best accuracy, it is recommended that microphone sensitivity be measured using an external
acoustic source such as a pistonphone.
TEDS is described in detail in the IEEE 1451 family of standards.
Input/Output Functions
The Microphone Power Module is a pass-through device that provides power to the microphone


on the back of the device connects to a PC for power and communication with APx500 measure-
ment software or Mic Power Module App.

10 | 12BA and 12BB Power Modules Instruction Manual
Connection and Conguration
The power module connects to a USB 2.0 or USB 3.0 port on the PC and a USB-C port on the back
of the power module. Power is provided to the module through the USB cable; the module does
not need to be plugged in to mains power. There are no external switches or controls.

1. Connect the PC/Power Interface USB-C port to an available USB 2.0 or USB 3.0 port on the
measurement PC.
2. Connect the measurement microphone to the BNC input on the front panel of the power
module.
3. Connect the measurement equipment to the corresponding BNC output on the rear panel of
the power module.
4. In some situations, noise performance can be improved by connecting the ground lugs of the

Once connected, microphone sensitivity can be acquired from a TEDS-enabled microphone or
can be measured using an external acoustic source such as a pistonphone, and measurements
can be made using the attached measurement equipment.
Accessing TEDS Data
Channel assignment and TEDS data acquisition requires either the GRAS Mic Power Module App
or Audio Precision’s APx500 measurement software running on the connected PC. The GRAS
Mic Power Module App and the APx500 measurement software can communicate with the
microphone power module using a USB 2.0 interconnection through the module’s USB-C connec-
tor. See the following sections of this document or the APx500 User’s Manual and the embedded
Help within the APx500 software for information about channel assignment and TEDS data.

• Microphone input channels are assigned and channel numbers are displayed on the front
panel LED displays above the measurement microphone BNC input connectors.
• TEDS data can be read from TEDS-enabled microphones.
• Input channels for microphones can be accessed from Signal Path Setup or through sequence
steps in the APx500 software.
When multiple power modules are attached to a PC, the power module with the lowest serial num-

incrementally across all attached power modules. This process is repeated each time the APx
software is launched or when a command is entered for the Mic Power Module App.
Acquiring TEDS Data Using the Mic Power Module App
The Mic Power Module App is a command-line program that runs in a Command Prompt window
in Microsoft Windows 10. The program can be used to view power module information and acquire
TEDS data when connected to a TEDS-enabled microphone. The TEDS data is displayed in the

serial number, product ID, available connectors, input assignments, and version information. You
can see which connector has a TEDS-enabled microphone attached, and view the model, brand,
and serial number.

Instruction Manual 12BA and 12BB Power Modules | 11
PC System Requirements
The Mic Power Module App requires a PC running Microsoft Windows 10 (64-bit) and one or more
available USB 2.0 or USB 3.0 ports.
Installing the Mic Power Module App

website (www.ap.com/download/gras-12bx-mic-power-module-app/).

start the installation. Follow the instructions in the installation dialog. The default installation
directory is:
C:\Program Files\GRAS\Microphone Power Module\
Once the installation is completed, open a Command Prompt window, navigate to the installation
directory and type "MicPowerModuleApp.exe list" to scan for connected power modules and
assign connector IDs.
Running the Software
Run the GRAS Mic Power Module App in a Command Prompt window from the installation direc-
tory by typing the app executable name (MicPowerModuleApp.exe ) followed by a command name
and options and arguments.
The following commands and options are available:
list [-t | --help | --version]
The list command scans for connected power modules, assigns connector ID numbers
and shows connected power modules (Serial Number, Inputs, and assigned connector
ID numbers). The assigned connector ID numbers are displayed on the LED display
above each connector.
>MicPowerModuleApp.exe list
SN:00115, Bnc4X Inputs:[1,2,3,4]
Options:
-t The -t option displays the make, model, serial number and connection ID of all
TEDS microphones connected to the power module. This option is not required
and does not take any arguments.
--help
The --help option displays help for the specied command that precedes it.
--version
The --version option displays the app version information.
teds -i inputnumber [-o path\lename | --help | --version]
The teds command reads TEDS data from the microphone on the specied connector.
The -i option and inputnumber argument must be specied.
>MicPowerModuleApp.exe teds -i 01
Manufacturer ID|24
Manufacturer Name|GRAS Sound & Vibration
Model Number|46
Version Letter|1
Version Number|5
Serial Number|265867

12 | 12BA and 12BB Power Modules Instruction Manual
Template ID|27
Sensitivity @ reference condition|0.0492436116918724
Reference frequency (F ref)|249.847411747693
Polarization Voltage|Pre-polarized
Microphone Type|Free eld
Microphone Size|1/2 inch
Equivalent microphone volume|4E-08
Polarity (Sign)|negative
Transducer Electrical Signal Type|Voltage Sensor
Mapping Method|Linear
AC or DC Coupling|DC
Calibration Date|09/12/2019
Calibration Initials|PV
Calibration Period (Days)|360
Options:
-o The -o option saves the TEDS data for the microphone on the specied connec-
tor to a CSV le and requires the path and lename arguments. This option is not
required.
-i The -i option is used to identify the ID of the connector from which to read TEDS
data. It is a required option. The inputnumber argument is also required and must
match the ID shown on one of the power module LCD displays. The ID can be
specied with or without the leading zero.
--help
The --help option displays help for the specied command that precedes it.
--version
The --version option displays the app version information.
var {-l -i inputnumber | -i inputnumber -v name | --help | --version}
The var command displays the value of specied TEDS elds. The -i option and input-
number argument are required along with either the -l or -v option.
>MicPowerModuleApp.exe var -i 01 -v Sensitivity
Sensitivity @ reference conditon = 0.0492436116918724
Options:
-l The -l option lists all TEDS eld names that can be accessed. It does not list the
values of the eld names. This option is not required.
-i The -i option and inputnumber argument are used to identify the ID of the connec-
tor from which to read TEDS data. It is a required option. The inputnumber argu-
ment must match the ID shown on one of the power module LCD displays.
-v The -v option selects a specic TEDS eld name value to display. The argument
is case sensitive but the full name of the TEDS eld name is not required. If an
argument matches more that one TEDS eld, all matching elds are displayed with
their values. This option is not required.
--help
The --help option displays help for the specied command that precedes it.
--version
The --version option displays the app version information.

help [commandname ]
The help command lists the available commands. When a command name is used as a
parameter after the help command, help for that specic command is displayed.
>MicPowerModuleApp.exe help list
Options:
commandname
An option that displays a list of the parameters and arguments for the specied
command. This option is not required.
version (no command options)
The version command displays the module's rmware version. There are no options.
>MicPowerModuleApp.exe version
MicPowrModuleApp 1.0.0.29
Acquiring TEDS Data Using APx500 Software
-
tem, you must connect the hardware before launching the APx500 software. The system should

1. 
2. 
3. Launch the APx500 measurement software.
When the APx500 measurement software is launched, it discovers attached GRAS 12BA and 12BB
Power Modules and assigns an ID number to each connector. The numbers are displayed in the
LED displays above each microphone connector. Assigned channel numbers are not persistent
between APx software restarts, although power modules will be assigned the same channel num-
bers unless a power module with a lower serial number is added or removed between restarts.
Microphones do not need to be connected to a power module when the APx500 software is
launched for connector numbers to be assigned. Multiple power modules can be managed in this
manner on a single PC. The microphone channel number is used by the APx500 software to select
a microphone when acquiring TEDS information.
Note that if the APx500 software is launched before the 12BA or 12BB is connected to
the PC, microphones will receive power but microphone connector IDs will not be con-
figured and available for TEDS data acquisition. To configure microphone connector IDs,
ensure that the USB cable from the power module is connected to the PC and relaunch the
APx500 software.
APx500 software is not required for the power module to provide operational power to compat-

required to access a microphone's TEDS data.

measurement software (version 6.0.1 or later) and PC system requirements can be found in the
-
tation is available online at ap.com.
Instruction Manual 12BA and 12BB Power Modules | 13

Specications
USB Interface
Interface Type A Peripheral Interface
Versions USB C / USB 2.0
Compatible with USB 2.0, 3.0 and USB C ports
Power 
Microphone Channel
Input
Channels 12BA - 1 x BNC Input
12BB - 4 x BNC Input

Mic Power 
Mic power is always supplied when unit is powered
Max Input Voltage 24 V Peak

Output
Channels 12BA - 1 x BNC Output
12BB - 4 x BNC Output
Coupling 
impedance)

Max Output Voltage 24 V Peak to Peak

14 | 12BA and 12BB Power Modules Instruction Manual
Fig. 5. Module Dimensions

Residual Noise < 2 µVrms

Flatness 

-
ance 50 Ohms or less
General/Environmental
Temperature Range
Operating 
Storage 
Humidity 
Max Operating Altitude 2,000 m
EMC Complies with EC Council Directives (EMC) Directive 2014/30/EU
EN 61326-1:2013 Class B

interface and signal cables attached to the unit. Compliance was
demonstrated using Audio Precision / GRAS cables.
Safety
UL 62368-1, Second Edition / CSA C22.2 No. 62368-1 Safety
of Audio/Video, Information and Communication Technology
Equipment, Second Edition
EN 62368-1:2014, Safety of Audio/Video, Information and
Communication Technology Equipment, Second Edition
IEC 62368-1, Second Edition Safety of Audio/Video, Information and
Communication Technology Equipment, Second Edition
Dimensions
Width 108 mm [4.25 inches]
Includes built in mounting ears
Height 44.2 mm [1.74 inches]
Includes built in mounting ears
Depth 193.8 mm [7.63 inches] Includes BNC connectors front and rear
Weight 

Instruction Manual 12BA and 12BB Power Modules | 15

Warranty, Service and Repair
Warranty
GRAS products are made of components from our proven standard portfolio and are all manu-
factured of high-quality material and branded parts that were chosen and processed to ensure
life-long stability and robustness. The warranty does not cover products that are damaged due to
negligent use, an incorrect power supply, or an incorrect connection to the equipment.
The GRAS 12BA and 12BB CCP Power Modules with TEDS Support are covered by a limited three
year warranty provided by Audio Precision. Warranty terms and conditions can be found at http://
ap.com/services-calibration/warranty/
Service and Repairs
All repairs are made at GRAS International Service Center located in Denmark. Our Service


covered by warranty is sent for service, it is repaired free of charge, unless the damage is the
result of negligent use or other violations of the warranty. All repairs are delivered with a service
report, as well as an updated calibration chart.
WEEE directive:
2002/96/EC
CE marking directive:
93/68/EEC
Manufactured to conform with:
RoHS directive:
2002/95/EC
GRAS Sound & Vibration continually strives to improve the quality of our products for our

8211.0373.000
16 | 12BA and 12BB Power Modules Instruction Manual