All-silicon, microelectromechanical systems (MEMS)-based speaker technology from xMEMS Labs will challenge the use of coil-based speakers in next generation hearables, wearables, digital hearing aids and personal audio electronics.
To accelerate this integration of solid-state MEMS-based speakers to audio devices, xMEMS Labs is launching three fidelity solutions that the company claims deliver 150 times faster impulse responses than traditional devices.
The devices include:
- Cowell — a tiny solid-state micro speaker for true wireless stereo earphones and hearing aids.
- Montara Plus — a high output MEMS micro speaker capable of sound pressure levels up to 120 dB at 200 Hz. This MEMS device can be used for in-ear monitors (IEMs) and more.
- Skyline DynamicVent — a piezoMEMS, DSP-controllable vent blends for open- and closed-fit earbuds and hearing aids.
“The market for MEMS micro speakers is expected to follow a similar trajectory to MEMS microphones,” said Peter Cooney, founder of market research firm SAR Insight. “Consumer demand for high-resolution, spatial, lossless streaming audio represents a generational shift in audio content that requires a similar evolution in sound reproduction. Solid-state fidelity is able to create a more accurate reproduction of the source audio and a vastly superior listening experience.”
How it works
The thin-film piezo technology is used as the speaker actuator where it replaces the coil and magnet. When combined with silicon as the speaker diaphragm instead of plastic or paper creates the solid-state speaker.
Unlike traditional coil speakers, the micro speakers use standard semiconductor processes and packaging that can be produced rapidly and cost-effectively at scale, the company said. The membrane architecture has shown a 95 times improvement in clarity and eliminates muddy midrange and treble response that are created by traditional membrane materials, xMEMS said.
The speaker is about 1/10th the weight and about 40% the size of a similar coil speaker and without moving parts it is more reliable and durable than these traditional speaker technologies, the company said.
