Agreement to advance SM microphones

Knowles Acoustics and Austriamicrosystems have signed a strategic agreement detailing their shared vision for the advancement of surface mount microphone technology.

Knowles Acoustics and Austriamicrosystems have signed a strategic agreement detailing their shared vision for the advancement of surface mount microphone technology.

As part of the agreement, Austriamicrosystems will be a preferred silicon provider for Knowles Acoustics' SiSonic microphone.

The SiSonic microphone takes advantage of semiconductor manufacturing processes that result in a robust microphone that yields a high degree of repeatability, stable acoustic performance, and flexibility for future design enhancements.

SiSonic microphones are ideally suited for high volume applications associated with automatic pick-and-place surface mounting such as cellphones and PDAs.

"Austriamicrosystems is one of the few semiconductor suppliers with unique capability to meet our demanding requirements", stated Jeff Niew, Vice President and General Manager of Knowles Acoustics.

"With the record-breaking growth in consumer electronics products, securing partners who can accommodate this expansion is a critical factor in the success of our SiSonic microphone".

With over 20 years experience in chip design and fabrication, Austriamicrosystems delivers highly competitive integrated analogue and mixed signal solutions worldwide.

Austriamicrosystems is strongly positioned in the analogue semiconductor market providing industry-leading design capabilities and well-established RF CMOS, high-voltage CMOS and BiCMOS processes.

"Knowles' global presence and emergence as the leading provider of MEMS acoustic components make them a strong partner", said John Heugle, Chief Executive Officer at Austriamicrosystems.

"The analogue expertise and process know-how we offer and Knowles' acoustic heritage are a powerful combination".

"Together we are well-positioned to meet the worldwide surge in MEMS microphone technology".

Back to top