STMicroelectronics selling MEMS microphones

LONDON, UK: STMicroelectronics NV, based in Geneva, Switzerland, has begun selling MEMS microphones which use sensor technology developed by Omron Corporation, headquartered in Japan.

In a statement, STMicroelectronics said that the sensor technology from Omron Corporation improves the sound quality, cost-effectiveness and reliability for voice applications in wireless devices, mobile phones, and video-games.

STMicroelectronics said that samples of digital MEMS microphones – which integrate STMicroelectronics’ electronic control circuit and Omron Corporation’s micro-machined sensor in a single package - will be made available in 2009 itself. The price will be less than $1 for large-volume orders.

MEMS microphones, according to STMicroelectronics, offer extra features like directionality ands noise-suppression and, which are useful in determining and filtering out noise.

Deploying multiple MEMS microphones in one device will enhance performance, and microphone arrays like these also improve noise cancellation, Benedetto Vigna, general manager of the MEMS and Healthcare division of STMicroelectronics, said the statement.

He said Omron Corporation is prepared to support STMicroelectronics in shortening time-to-volume and product development cycles; in developing high-performance, cost-competitive silicon acoustic devices; as well as in new application areas like automotive voice systems, acoustic sensors for industry, security applications, medical telemetry, and voice-enabled gaming.

STMicroelectronics said that the market for micro-machined acoustic devices for mobile handsets and consumer electronics has been predicted to expand at a revenue compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 18 per cent between 2008 and 2013 – when it will go beyond 1 billion parts a year.