STMicroelectronics NV has claimed it is the first company that has mass-produced MEMS microphones in plastic packages. ST has patented a technology development that allows this, while at the same time, saves space and increases durability.
Typical applications are mobile phones and tablet computers, noise-level meters, and noise-canceling headphones.
ST's plastic-packaged MEMS, soon to arrive on the market, measure 2mm by 2mm. This gives rise to the possibility of embedding silicon membrane microphones inside silicon cavities in other devices, the company said.
ST's MEMS microphones are suitable for assembly on flat-cable printed circuit boards, and the package technology allows the sound-hole to be in either the top or the bottom of the package. Top-port packaging tends to suit applications in laptops and tablet computers, while bottom-port microphones are more suitable for mobile phones, ST said.
Compression and drop tests show that the plastic-packaged microphones are more durable than traditional metallic-lid devices. When subjected to 40-newtons force, microphones in metallic packages collapsed, whereas ST microphones in plastic packages did not. There was a similar outcome when devices in both categories were exposed to 40 drops from a height of 1.5m with a static force of 15N applied on the package. The superior robustness holds for both flat-cable printed circuit boards (PCB) and traditional rigid PCB designs.
The plastic-package microphones integrate an internal shielding cage for electromagnetic immunity, and are compatible with standard surface-mount assembly machinery and conventional pick-and-place equipment.
Peter, does "flat-cable printed circuit boards" mean flex circuits? And do you know what kind of plastic is used vs which metal in the drop tests? I'm really interested in learning which plastic outperformed which metal.
I was also wondering about "flat cable circuit boards". I also wonder what these microphones sound like. My recollection from years past is that plastic microphones and hgh fidelity are mutually exlusive. So it will indeed be interesting to hear a demonstration of what they sound like, and to read some published specifications.
I have a similar memory about plastic anything not playing well with good sound quality in general. ST usually gives a lot of spec info onsite. For this product, they are here: http://www.st.com/internet/analog/subclass/1564.jsp
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