• Monolithic microphone die is world's smallest at only 0.70mm²

PITTSBURGH--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Akustica, Inc., inventors of the first single-chip digital micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) microphone-today announced a new single-chip digital MEMS microphone for high-quality voice applications in laptops, tablets and netbook PCs.

The new AKU230-which represents Akustica's 4th-generation MEMS microphone-is the company's first product that leverages the extensive MEMS fabrication capabilities and global supply chain of Bosch, which acquired Akustica in 2009. Akustica chose to move production of their newest complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) MEMS microphone to the Bosch foundry in Reutlingen, Germany because of Bosch's unparalleled MEMS manufacturing experience and the rigorous standards of quality that have allowed Bosch to ship more than 1.6 billion MEMS sensors worldwide.

In-House Design and Manufacturing Capabilities

The AKU230 leverages Akustica's patented monolithic CMOS MEMS platform, a technology which integrates the mechanical function of microphones and other sensors with analog and digital electronics-all in a single chip. Unlike other MEMS microphone manufacturers who may buy any or all of their MEMS, ASIC, and package design from a third party, Akustica has always maintained a complete in-house MEMS, ASIC, and package design-team. Now, as part of Bosch, Akustica has added in-house foundry capabilities. This combination of in-house design and fabrication enables a new level of MEMS innovation that allows the company to rapidly develop both tailored solutions for customers and compelling features for new products.

The AKU230's monolithic microphone die-which contains the microphone membrane, amplifier and sigma-delta converter-is only 0.84mm x 0.84mm. This means the AKU230's single-chip CMOS MEMS die is not only significantly smaller than competitors' microphone sensors, but it is also believed to be the smallest fully-integrated MEMS device in the world.

Convenient Electronic Design and Integration

The AKU230's form factor, interface circuitry and performance were designed to industry standards, making it easy for equipment manufacturers to design Akustica's digital MEMS microphone into high-volume camera modules or mass-market mobile computers.

With a footprint of 3.76 x 4.72mm, and just 1.25mm tall, the AKU230 package is also 30% thinner than the previous generation of digital microphones, and is ideally suited to thin form-factor integrations.

The AKU230 features:

• -26 dBFS +/-2dB Sensitivity
• 56 dB typical SNR
• -57 dBFS Power Supply Rejection
• An industry-standard, ultra-small, ultra-thin package which fits inside the bezels of even the smallest tablet computers
• Highly-matched sensitivity control and stereo-microphone data multiplexing, ideal for dual microphone arrays that create directionality and noise suppression to enhance audio quality
• Immunity to radio frequency and electromagnetic interference, further improving voice capture

Price and Availability

The AKU230 is in mass production and is priced at US$1.30 in 10,000-unit quantities. Available in a robust LGA package, the AKU230 is designed for high-volume assembly into camera modules, microphone arrays and other consumer electronic platforms. For more information on the AKU230 or to contact a distributor in your area, please visit www.akustica.com.

About Akustica

Akustica is the leading supplier of silicon microphone products that are improving voice-input quality in a host of voice-enabled applications, from mobile phones to Internet telephony on notebooks and PC camera modules. More information about Akustica is available at www.akustica.com or by calling +412.390.1730.

Contacts

Akustica
Marcie Weinstein, 412-390-1730
mweinstein@akustica.com
or
Vetrano Communications
Maria Vetrano, 617-876-2770
pr_info@vetrano.com