Introduction and Compatibility

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Summary: The PCBA-DBM-r3 is a simple, budget-friendly I2C sound level sensor module with A-, C-, and Z- weighting options meant for basic metering.

Main Features

Accurate entry-level I2C sound sensor solution
Designed for easy use in prototypes and mass produced applications
Frequency weighting as prescribed in IEC-61672
Runs on both 3.3V and 1.8V, perfect for use with any embedded system like Arduino, Raspberry Pi, ESP32, etc.
Ability to set averaging time (30ms to 10,000 ms) for smooth readings
History buffer that stores up to 100 readings even if host MCU is in sleep mode
Interrupt to wake up a host MCU

Typical Applications

The PCBA-DBM-r3 is a basic general purpose I2C sound level sensor designed for use in sound sensing applications that require an accurate frequency-weighted readout.
This module can be integrated with any embedded system and supports standard I2C communication protocol. Typical applications include
Noise level-activated products
Indoor Noise Measurement (AirBnB, offices, schools, etc.)
Outdoor Noise Measurement (airplane, traffic, etc.)

Connector Options

The PCBA-DBM-r3 module ships with two connector options:
0.1″ unsoldered headers (can be soldered on request)
Vertical JST-XH-5 header (5-pin, 2.5mm pin pitch)

The 0.1″ header option makes this sensor convenient for prototyping on a breadboard or for making connections with dupont wires.

💡 TIP
Using the JST-XH connector option allows for easy mounting inside an enclosure with a sound inlet hole using our 3M die-cut tape. Refer to the mounting guide for more information.

Cross-Compatibility with Other Modules

All of our modules are designed with cross-compatibility in mind. Almost all our sound sensor solutions use the same 5-pin interface to maintain hardware compatibility across different modules.
Minimal firmware changes are needed for migrating between most of our sensors.

Compatibility with PCBA-DBM-r3-SA

• The PCBA-DBM-r3-SA simply includes spectrum analysis features in addition to all the features provided by the PCBA-DBM-r3.

Hardware Compatibility
✅ Fully pin-compatible
✅ Mechanically identical

Firmware Compatibility
✅ Identical I2C register access protocol
❌ PCBA-DBM-r3 lacks spectrum analysis registers available in PCBA-DBM-r3-SA

Compatibility with PCBA-DBM-r3-PRO

• PCBA-DBM-r3-PRO is identical to PCBA-DBM-r3(-SA) mechanically. However, the register maps are different and incompatible.

Hardware Compatibility
✅ Fully pin-compatible
✅ Mechanically identical

Firmware Compatibility
✅ Identical I2C register access protocol
❌ I2C register map and functions vary

Compatibility with PCBA-DBM-r8 and PCBA-DBM-r8-SA

• PCBA-DBM-r8 and PCBA-DBM-r8-SA are useful when an external wired electret microphone is necessary for measurement. They also feature a line output for recording audio.

Hardware Compatibility
✅ Pin-compatible
⚠️PCBA-DBM-r8(-SA) have higher power consumption
❌ PCBA-DBM-r8(-SA) are mechanically incompatible

Firmware Compatibility
✅ PCBA-DBM-r8 register map and functions compatible with PCBA-DBM-r3
⚠️ PCBA-DBM-r8(-SA) use different time-averaging math

Compatibility with Other Modules

❌ Other than the modules listed above, no other modules share significant hardware or firmware characteristics with the PCBA-DBM-r3.

Revision History

September 12, 2025
– Initial release


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