Overview
IEC 61842:2002 - Microphones and earphones for speech communications defines terminology, measurable characteristics and standardized methods for testing the microphone and earphone parts of handsets, headsets and earsets (including built-in units). The standard focuses on electroacoustic transducers used for speech, ensuring reproducible measurement procedures and clear product specifications for manufacturers, test labs and procurement.
Key topics and requirements
- Definitions and classification: clear terms for handset, headset, earset, microphone unit, earphone unit, case for unit measurement.
- Measurement devices & fixtures: use of an artificial mouth (sound source) and artificial ear (acoustic load), plus accessories like lip rings, mouthpiece holes and earcap holes for consistent test positioning.
- Fundamental characteristics to specify and measure:
- Microphone sensitivity (V/Pa) and sensitivity level (dB)
- Earphone sensitivity to voltage (Pa/V), sensitivity to power (Pa2/W) and corresponding dB levels
- Electrical impedance (Ω) and capacitance (nF) where applicable
- Magnetic field measurements (plane parallel to earcap reference plane at 10 mm)
- Measurement procedures & conditions:
- Rated conditions and climatic/test conditions referencing IEC 60268-1
- Use of specified calibration and test setups (artificial mouth calibration, case arrangements for unit measurements)
- Connectors & interfaces: standardized connector designs such as the miniature 4‑position connector and sub-miniature 2.5 mm concentric connector are described for interoperability.
- Endurance and insulation: requirements for insulation endurance and other reliability-related measurements.
- Documentation: characteristics that manufacturers should state on datasheets for reproducibility and procurement.
Applications and who uses it
- Product manufacturers of telephony handsets, headsets, earsets and built-in transducer units use IEC 61842:2002 to design and specify microphone/earphone performance for speech communications.
- R&D and acoustic engineers apply the measurement methods (artificial mouth/ear) during development and verification.
- Test laboratories and certification bodies adopt the standard for compliance testing and repeatable evaluation.
- Procurement and quality teams rely on standardized characteristics (sensitivity, impedance, connector types) to compare components and ensure interoperability in telecom and VoIP equipment.
Related standards
Normative references incorporated by IEC 61842:2002 include:
- IEC 60268-1, -4, -7 (sound system equipment general, microphones, headphones/earphones)
- IEC 60318-1, IEC 60711 (ear simulators)
- IEC 61094 (measurement microphones)
- IEC 60603-11 (connector dimensions)
- ITU‑T P.51, P.370 (artificial mouth; coupling hearing aids to telephone sets)
IEC 61842:2002 is essential for consistent, reproducible measurement and specification of speech‑grade microphones and earphones used in telecommunication devices.