Introduction and Compatibility
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