The world’s largest microphone manufacturer develops the world’s
first digital ultrasonic MEMS Microphone
ITASCA, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jun. 17, 2014--
The engineers at Knowles Corporation (NYSE: KN) have developed the
world’s first digital microphone supporting ultrasonic bandwidth. This
new product allows the microphone to assist smartphones and consumer
electronics with touch-less gesture recognition, phone-to-phone data
transmission, pen input compatibility for handsets and tablets, and 3D
positioning input.
To facilitate these capabilities, the new MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical
Systems) microphone can receive ultrasonic sound waves above the audible
range of humans, up to 80 kHz, and use those waves to triangulate an
object’s location and movement. The technology principles are similar to
radar or an ultrasound administered by a doctor during pregnancy.
“Our commitment to continuous improvement and innovation allows us to
develop leading edge products that push the industry forward and enhance
the user experience,” said Mike Adell, Knowles’ Co-President of Mobile
Consumer Electronics. “Knowles invented the MEMS microphone and
facilitated the audio enhancements in the smartphone revolution. We are
the world’s largest microphone manufacturer, and our new ultrasonic
bandwidth microphone is another example of how we use our audio
expertise to solve for the ever-changing consumer market.”
Beyond the ultrasonic mode, the microphone offers four performance
modes, including a low power voice activation mode, which is ideal for
mobile consumer electronics.
“Our experience and customer relationships allow us to develop products
with the best acoustic performance per square millimeter, while reducing
the amount of board space required,” said Thibault Kassir, Senior
Director, Product Management, Mobile Consumer Electronics. “This highly
advanced microphone provides designers with an intelligent solution that
reshapes the capabilities of the category.”
Approximately three billion people communicate every day with the
support of a Knowles product and this new microphone is an evolutionary
step for mobile consumer electronics.
Compared to other solutions, this advancement offers a potential
manufacturing cost savings by integrating more capabilities into an
existing component with a smaller footprint.
Knowles expects to begin manufacturing this product in the third quarter
of 2014.
Product Details
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Product: High SNR digital bottom port microphone
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Part Number: SPH0641LU4H-1
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Measurements: 3.50 x 2.65 x 0.98 mm
Product Features
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Supports ultrasonic frequencies
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Superwide-band capable
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Lowest power consumption in the market (3x less than other digital
microphones)
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Best acoustic performance per square millimeter
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Multiple performance modes (sleep, low-power, standard mode,
ultrasonic mode)
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Sensitivity matching for better algorithm performance
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Easier system integration and better RF immunity compared to analog
microphones
Technical Data
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Ultrasonic frequencies: Up to 80kHz
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Signal-to-Noise Ratio: Nominal 64.3 dB(A)
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Flat Frequency Response: Up to 20 kHz
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Power consumption: 235µA in low power mode
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Size: More than 20% smaller than other digital microphones
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Sensitivity matching: ±1 dB
About Knowles Corporation
Knowles Corporation (NYSE: KN) is a market leader and global supplier of
advanced micro-acoustic solutions and specialty components serving the
mobile communications, consumer electronics, medical technology,
military, aerospace and industrial markets. Knowles has a leading
position in micro-electro-mechanical systems microphones, speakers and
receivers which are used in smartphones, tablets and mobile handsets.
Knowles is also a leading manufacturer of transducers used in hearing
aids and other medical devices and has a strong position in oscillators
(timing devices) and capacitor components which enable various types of
communication. Knowles’ focus on the customer, combined with unique
technology, rigorous testing and global scale, helps to deliver
innovative solutions and consistently dependable and precise products.
Founded in 1946 and headquartered in Itasca, Illinois, Knowles has more
than 10,000 employees in 36 locations around the world. For more
information, visit www.knowles.com.
Source: Knowles Corporation
Media
Melissa York
Knowles Communications
630-238-5242
Melissa.York@Knowles.com
Investors
Mike
Knapp
Knowles Investor Relations
630-238-5236
Mike.Knapp@Knowles.com