Micro-Acoustics Take Centre Stage
Designers and purchasers alike are applauding the progression of ever-smaller, ever-smarter acoustic interface options

Until a few years ago, Emkay Innovative Products’ greatest claim to fame was landing its microphones on the moon and Mars courtesy of their long-time customer NASA. But today under the new name of Knowles Acoustics (parent company Knowles Electronics is a leading hearing aid component developer), the company is back in the spotlight as the longtime pioneer in acoustic interface development: A year ago, the company launched the world’s first MEMS surface mount microphone. And while other micro-audio companies may still be testing in this area, Knowles Acoustics has already released its second and third generation SMD devices for “zero-height” and “pre-amplified” audio applications.

A Resounding Success for OEMs

Lower manufacturing costs. Smaller and thinner products. Higher product performance. Electronics OEMs liked what they heard last year from Knowles Acoustics. Now, global consumer electronics manufacturers are bringing the company’s SiSonic™ line of silicon microphones to market inside of mobile phones, PDAs, DVCs, and the latest tsunami of audio-dependent consumer devices. For electronics manufacturers, SiSonic surface mount microphones finally bring SMD capabilities to audio component selection. SiSonic microphones are unaffected by high surface mounting temperatures, so the product is supplied on tape-and-reel and can be run through standard automatic pick-n-place equipment, just like traditional surface mount equipment.

Changing the "Interface" of Micro-Audio

Not that the future of micro-audio belongs to SMD alone, or to any single acoustic technology. The engineering teams at Knowles Acoustics have remained unabashedly guilty regarding investigative sidesteps, whether to Mars or to other spaces unknown. Research-driven since the 1950’s, the company continues to develop a range of micro-acoustic technologies that includes sound porting, microphones, speakers, and software.

On a mission to perfect the “acoustic interface”, the company has extensive offerings in the areas of SMD microphones, condenser microphones, specialty transducers, customized sub-assemblies, and sound conditioning software.

New SiSonic surface mount microphones finally bring pick and place SMD capabilities to your audio component selection.

SiSonic silicon microphones are unaffected by high surface mounting temperatures. They are the perfect audio input solution for today’s SMD process environment for consumer electronics.

• Up to 75% smaller for high density PCB electronics
• Surface mount design for rapid automation and high volume applications such as mobile phones, laptops, PDAs, and electronic products
• Cuts costs and accelerates time to market
• Rugged, solid state design process for stable acoustic performance under extreme conditions such as temperature, shock and vibration
• Flexible package design allows for future product enhancements and integration of additional components

These are available immediately from Farnell InOne. Click below for more information and to order:

476-3427	Omni-dir. generation-2 SM Mic.
476-3439	Omni-dir generation-2 SM Mic. with integrated amp.

Electret Condenser Microphones
Also available from our sister company CPC, Electret Condenser Microphones (ECM) are for general use in all electronic products requiring a microphone. ECMs provide good acoustic performance and reliability under non-severe environmental conditions.

• Highly efficient electrical specifications
• Industry standard sizes
• Omni, Uni, and Noise Canceling
• Integrated capacitors for RF filtering
• Multiple terminations - Solderless, Pin Type, and PCB
• Used in a wide variety of applications, including corded and cordless phones, PDAs, notebooks, mobile phones, and headsets

Further information on the wide range of Knowles Acoustics range of products including:

• High performance microphones
• Waterproof microphones and speakers
• Boom microphones
• Balanced armature speakers
• Accelerometers
• Acoustic dampers
• Magnetic beepers

as well as the range of Condenser Microphones from CPC can be sourced rapidly via the Farnell InOne ProductFind team. Detailed information on the products is available directly from Knowles Acoustics :

For more information:

York Road, Burgess Hill, West Sussex RH15 9TT
Tel: +44 1444 235432
Fax: +44 1444 248724
europeinfo@knowles.com
www.knowlesacoustics.com