Smallest MEMS microphone designed for hearing aid applications features low EIN and power consumption

Analog Devices, Inc. introduced today a high performance MEMS microphone developed specifically for hearing aid applications. When compared to legacy solutions like electret condenser microphones (ECMs), the ADMP801 is not only smaller in size at only 7.3 cubic millimeters, but also offers greater performance stability over time, temperature, and environmental changes, produces very low equivalent input noise (EIN) at 27 dBA SPL (sound pressure level), and consumes only 17 µA at 1Vsupply — a fraction of the power consumed by traditional ECMs. The ADMP801 MEMS microphone is available in a tiny surface-mount package measuring only 3.35 mm x 2.50 mm x 0.98 mm that is reflow-solder-compatible with no sensitivity degradation.

 “Hearing aids represent an application ideally suited for the advantages MEMS microphones offer including small size, stability, and very low power consumption,” said Pat O’Doherty, vice president for the Healthcare Group, Analog Devices. “However, MEMS microphones have not offered the EIN performance levels that meet stringent hearing aid standards until now. The ADMP801 MEMS microphone offers noise performance, package size, and phase and gain stability that is very desirable for advanced hearing aids that incorporate beamforming to facilitate sound or voice localization.”

The ADMP801 is a high quality, ultralow power, analog output, bottom-ported, omnidirectional MEMS microphone designed specifically for hearing aid applications. It is fully pick-and-place and reflow compatible, offering an option to save on cost using a mechanized assembly process as compared to ECMs that require manual assembly processes. The device offers excellent environmental and temporal stability, and multiple ADMP801 MEMS microphones can be configured in an array to form a directional response, facilitating sound of voice localization.

ADMP801 Omnidirectional MEMS Microphone Key Specifications

  •     Microphone EIN: 27 dBA SPL
  •     Current consumption: 17 µA at 1 V
  •     Stable response over time and temperature
  •     Package volume: 7.3 cubic millimeters

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