Knowles Engineers Dramatically Reduce Power Consumption in Microphones

The engineers at Knowles Corporation (NYSE: KN) developed a new digital MEMS microphone with the lowest power consumption on the market. Ideal for consumer electronics, the new multi-mode MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) microphone offers a high Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) within the low power mode, which enables voice controlled applications and maximizes battery life.

The new microphone utilizes Knowles’ low power, “Always On, Always Listening” technology to provide a high SNR component with the lowest power draw in the world – lower than the conventional analog microphone and analog-to-digital converter combination.

Compared to other solutions, this digital multi-mode microphone adds value to consumer electronics by delivering up to 3x less power consumption than other digital microphones and is 20% smaller in size.

For consumers, this new product supports a longer battery life and enables accurate voice recognition in various settings, such as social gatherings and sporting events.

“As device functionality increases, preserving battery life is an important trend in the consumer electronics industry. To enhance the user experience, suppliers need to work with manufacturers to decrease the power required to operate a device,” said Mike Adell, Knowles’ Co-President of Mobile Consumer Electronics. “By applying our MEMS expertise and audio knowledge, our engineers enrich the user experience with a more accurate microphone that requires less power.”

“Before this product, design engineers were forced to choose between microphones with a high SNR and microphones with a low current draw. Our “Always On, Always Listening” technology allows engineers to have both capabilities in one product,” said Thibault Kassir, Senior Director, Product Management, Mobile Consumer Electronics. “This multi-mode microphone exceeds other digital solutions by offering the lowest power consumption in the smallest form factor.”

The product began shipping in volume during the first quarter of 2014 and received a positive response from consumer electronics manufacturers.

Product Details

• Product: High SNR digital bottom port microphone
• Part Number: SPH0641LM4H-1
• Measurements: 3.50 x 2.65 x 0.98 mm

Product Features

• Multiple performance modes (sleep, low-power, standard mode)
• Lowest power consumption in the market (3x less than other digital microphones)
• High Signal-to-Noise Ratio in low power mode
• Best acoustic performance per square millimeter
• Superwide-band capable
• Sensitivity matching for better algorithm performance
• Best in class RF immunity performance

Technical Data

• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: Nominal 64.3 dB(A)
• Flat Frequency Response: Up to 20 kHz
• Power consumption: 235µA in low power mode
• Size: More than 20% smaller than other digital microphones
• Sensitivity matching: ±1 dB
• Digital output: Serial PDM bit stream

About Knowles Corporation

Knowles Corporation (NYSE: KN) is a market leader and global supplier of advanced micro-acoustic solutions and specialty components serving the mobile communications, consumer electronics, medical technology, military, aerospace and industrial markets. Knowles has a leading position in micro-electro-mechanical systems microphones, speakers and receivers which are used in smartphones, tablets and mobile handsets. Knowles is also a leading manufacturer of transducers used in hearing aids and other medical devices and has a strong position in oscillators (timing devices) and capacitor components which enable various types of communication. Knowles’ focus on the customer, combined with unique technology, rigorous testing and global scale, helps to deliver innovative solutions and consistently dependable and precise products. Founded in 1946 and headquartered in Itasca, Illinois, Knowles has more than 10,000 employees in 36 locations around the world. For more information, visit www.knowles.com.