Surface-mount microphones shrink to fit

Knowles Acoustics reckons its new "Mini" series of SiSonic silicon microphones are the smallest MEMS-based surface mount microphones available in the world today.

Knowles Acoustics reckons its new "Mini" series of SiSonic silicon microphones represents the smallest MEMS-based surface mount microphones available in the world today.

With a footprint of less than 18mm2, the device is ideally suited for applications where component density is at an absolute premium - such as mobile phones, digital stills cameras and MP3 players.

Engineering samples are available today, with mass production scheduled for Q2 2005.

Compared with the standard SiSonic microphone (6.15 x 3.76 x 1.45mm), the Mini SiSonic measures just 4.72 x 3.76 x 1.50mm.

The design of the Mini incorporates the same patented MEMS technology used across the expanding SiSonic product range.

Therefore, it can be assembled using standard automatic pick-and-place equipment, conforms to lead-free requirements, and is compatible with typical industry Pb-free solder profiles (260C reflow for 30s maximum).

The Mini SiSonic is available in four models - standard omnidirectional (with or without integrated EMI/RFI protection) specified to a nominal sensitivity of -42dB and an integrated amplified version (with or without integrated EMI/RFI protection) specified to a nominal sensitivity of -22dB.

"The Mini SiSonic represents the next generation of microphone technology by combining the world's smallest SMD package with the ability to integrate additional features in a cost-effective solution".

"This provides design engineers the flexibility to minimise the overall package size of their end-product without sacrificing functionality", said Jeffrey Niew, Vice President and General Manager.

SiSonic is available with a standard supply voltage range of 1.5 to 5V, and is rated to operate up to 100C.

This compares with a typical temperature rating of less then 85C for ECMs.

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