March 28, 2012 — Akustica, known for its monolithic single-chip digital micro electro mechanical systems (MEMS) devices, introduced its first analog MEMS microphone for mobile handsets, the AKU340.
The analog, 2-chip MEMS design enables more flexibility in product design, said Marcie Weinstein, PhD, marketing strategist at Akustica. It uses a metal-lid design instead of an LCP substrate seen on Akustica’s digital MEMS. An acoustic port is available on the bottom of the package. The 2-chip design has larger silicon areas, but actually comes in a smaller package than their current single-chip product.
The AKU340 boasts a 63dB signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and good low-frequency recording with a reduction in sensitivity of less than 5dB at 50Hz. It offers sensitivity matching of -38dBV/Pa +/- 2dB between microphones.
Akustica designs its own MEMS and ASIC die to maintain low power consumption, a smaller package size, and low noise interference between the chips. Akustica uses established surface-micromachining MEMS technology from its parent company Bosch for the device. MEMS components are fully designed and manufactured in-house at Bosch. The metal lid enables RF and EM immunity, and the package is designed for the higher performance requirements of mobile electronics.
While the single-chip digital CMOS MEMS (monolithic ASIC + MEMS) products are primarily used in laptops, the new design targets mobile handsets with faster new product introductions and more price sensitivity. The pin count and footprint (3.35 x 2.5 x 1.0mm) are compatible with second sourcing for the high-volume applications into which Akustica will sell the devices. Akustica foresees using both these technologies in the future — expanding its range in the MEMS market.
The AKU340 will be in mass production in Q3 2012.
Akustica is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Bosch Group and a top supplier of silicon microphone products. The Bosch Group is a leading global supplier of technology and services. Learn more about Akustica at www.akustica.com.