L. J. Eriksson
M. A. Allie
DIGISONIX, Inc., 8401 Murphy Dr., Middleton, WI 53562
R. A. Greiner
Univ. of Wisconsin--Madison, Madison, WI 53506
This paper will review the history of a successful university--industry cooperative research program, and its role in the history of active sound and vibration control. In 1981, the corporate research department of a manufacturer of passive silencing products approached a major research university for assistance on a research program in the emerging field of active sound and vibration control. Developments in digital signal processing at that time suggested that the technology, invented in the 1930s, had the potential for successful application. A joint research program was initiated with the university to support research to advance the technology. Company personnel continued their own complementary research and also participated in university activities including taking courses and pursuing graduate degrees. The result of these combined efforts was the development of significant new solutions to old problems. Ultimately, the manufacturer formed a new business unit to commercialize these advances in a variety of markets and applications. The company continues a major research and development program in active sound and vibration control, and a number of former students are now employees at the company. Cooperative research activities with the university also continue.