STMicroelectronics and USound Deliver First Advanced MEMS Silicon Micro-Speakers

Published  January 6, 2018   0
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STMicroelectronics and USound Deliver First Advanced MEMS Silicon Micro-Speakers

After the announcement of Technology collaboration of both the Multinational Companies, STMicroelectronics and USound presents “First Advanced Silicon Micro-speaker”, going to demonstrate in CES 2018. The size of these speakers is expected to be the thinnest in the world, lesser in weight, lower heat dissipation and having low power consumption than the previously invented speakers.

Easy to handle and more comfortable, also able to use in different wearable techs like earphones, headphones and VR headgear. With the help of the advancement of MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) in speakers, designers will able to miniaturize the audio subsystem with optimum features like 3D-sound. Analyst of Yole Development values the overall micro-speakers market at $8.7 billion currently. Not only in mobile application it also be usable in hearable electronics including home theaters, media players, and IoT (Internet-of-Things) devices.

“This successful project combines USound’s design flair and ST’s extensive investment in MEMS expertise and processes, including our advanced thin-film piezo technology PeTra (Piezo-electric Transducer),” said Anton Hofmeister, Vice President and GM of MEMS Microactuators Division, STMicroelectronics. “Together, we are winning the race to commercialize MEMS micro-speakers by delivering a more highly miniaturized, efficient, and better-performing solution leveraging the advantages of piezo-actuation.”

“ST has provided the production expertise and manufacturing muscle to realize our original concept as a pace-setting, advanced product ready for consumer-market opportunities,” said Ferruccio Bottoni, CEO of USound. “These tiny speakers are now poised to change the design of audio and hearable products, and open up new opportunities to develop creative audio functionalities.”

Mainly the speaker’s works on the PεTra Thin-Film-Piezoelectric technology, the piezo-electric actuator that deflects in response to analog audio signals, Company USound patented their design too. The speakers are completely designed on silicon, so they are simpler, reliable, and more economical at high volumes.

USound is going to demonstrate a prototype with AV/VR glasses with multiple micro speakers fitted on the sides of its body, to the invited guests at ST’s private suite during CES 2018.