STMicroelectronics Delivers MEMS Microphones in Plastic for Sleeker and Sturdier Gadget Designs
June 04 2012 - 8:29AM
Marketwired
STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM), a global semiconductor leader
serving customers across the spectrum of electronics applications
and the leading supplier of MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems)
for consumer and portable applications[*], is the first company in
the world that mass-manufactures MEMS microphones in plastic
packages. The patented technology breakthrough saves space and
increases durability in consumer and professional voice-input
applications, from mobile phones and tablets to noise-level meters
and noise-cancelling headphones.
While other MEMS microphone manufacturers still produce devices
with metallic lids, ST leads the way with industry-unique,
innovative plastic packages. ST's novel microphone-assembly process
ensures superior electrical and acoustic performance, unbeatable
mechanical robustness, and slimmer form factors, while
simultaneously advancing the microphone chip size reduction to 2x2
mm in devices that will soon arrive in the market. This technology
development paves the way to introducing microphones embedded in
silicon cavities as the ultimate step in device
miniaturization.
ST's MEMS microphones are suitable for assembly on flat-cable
printed-circuit boards that simplify design in today's
space-constrained consumer devices. The patented package technology
allows equipment manufacturers to place the 'sound hole' either on
the top or the bottom of the package to ensure the slimmest
possible design and shortest acoustic path from the environment to
the microphone. While the microphones with the sound hole on the
top (top-port) suit the size and sound-inlet position requirements
of laptops and tablets, the bottom-port microphones are mostly used
in mobile phones.
Stringent compression and drop tests have shown that microphones
in plastic packages also outperform traditional metallic-lid
devices in durability. When subjected to a force of 40N[] --
equivalent to placing a 4kg weight on the tiny chip -- microphones
in metallic packages collapsed, whereas ST devices in plastic
packages remained intact. Similar results were obtained when
devices from both categories were exposed to 40 drops from a height
of 1.5m with a static force of 15N applied on the package. The
superior robustness holds for both flat-cable printed-circuit
boards (PCB) and traditional rigid PCB designs.
ST's plastic-package microphones integrate an internal shielding
cage for uncompromised electromagnetic immunity and are compatible
with standard surface-mount assembly machinery and conventional
pick-and-place equipment.
ST's MEMS microphones suit a great variety of audio applications
across existing and emerging market segments, including mobile
phones, laptops and tablets, portable media players, gaming
equipment and cameras, as well as noise-cancelling headphones and
potentially even hearing aids. The microphones pair perfectly with
the Company's Smart Voice processors for multi-microphone
applications and Sound Terminal™ audio processing chips, forming a
complete one-stop offering for advanced sound-input
applications.
Further information on ST's MEMS microphones can be found at
http://www.st.com/internet/analog/subclass/1564.jsp
About STMicroelectronics: ST is a global
leader in the semiconductor market serving customers across the
spectrum of sense and power technologies and multimedia convergence
applications. From energy management and savings to trust and data
security, from healthcare and wellness to smart consumer devices,
in the home, car and office, at work and at play, ST is found
everywhere microelectronics make a positive and innovative
contribution to people's life. By getting more from technology to
get more from life, ST stands for life.augmented.
In 2011, the Company's net revenues were $9.73 billion. Further
information on ST can be found at www.st.com.
[*] IHS iSuppli: H2 2011 Consumer and Mobile MEMS Market
Tracker, February 2012
[] N = newton is the SI unit of force, equal to the force that
produces an acceleration of one meter per second per second on a
mass of one kilogram
P3299D -- MEMS Microphone in Plastic Packaging:
http://hugin.info/152740/R/1616866/515789.pdf
Image Available:
http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/frame_mw?attachid=2002173
For press information contact: STMicroelectronics Michael
Markowitz Director of Technical Media Relations +1 7815910354
michael.markowitz@st.com
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