“Expanding the Interactive Recognition Interface Market… Increased Importance of MEMS Microphones”

Infineon to hold webinar on basic principles of MEMS microphones on February 20
We plan to introduce trends in conversational AI and practical use cases of applications.

[Editor's Note] Microphones are used as audio input interfaces in various applications such as mobile phones, AI speakers, and robots, and with the development of AI, the popularity of high-performance microphones as conversational recognition interfaces is skyrocketing. In particular, MEMS microphones are gaining importance in the market due to their relatively small size compared to existing ECM microphones, the ability to manage microphone performance and quality very uniformly, and the ability to improve audio recognition performance in systems. In line with this trend, our magazine will be holding a webinar with Infineon on February 20 to learn about 'The Basic Principles of MEMS Microphones and How to Select a High-Performance Microphone That Fits the AI Trend'. Ahead of the webinar, we heard from Kim Seong-tae, Manager of the Power & Sensor Systems Business Unit at Infineon Korea, who is participating as a speaker.

▲Kim Seong-tae, Manager of Power & Sensor Systems Division, Infineon Korea

■ As products and applications equipped with voice recognition expand, the importance of microphones is also increasing. What is the current status and future prospects of microphones?

Microphones are actively used as audio input devices in various devices ranging from electronic devices such as mobile phones, wireless earphones, cameras, laptops, AI speakers, to smart home appliances, security systems, and robots that are essential around us.

In addition, as AI and conversational voice recognition technology have developed recently, the importance of high-performance microphones is increasing as they are used not only for recording natural sounds but also as conversational recognition interfaces between devices and people.

In particular, MEMS microphones with high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) are emerging as important components for accurate voice recognition and overall audio quality improvement.

According to the latest news, the microphone market is also expected to grow rapidly along with the rapid growth of the device market such as wireless earphones, wearable devices, and smart speakers.

A microphone is a device that converts sound, which is air vibration in the audio band, into an electrical signal.

The MEMS in MEMS microphone stands for Micro-Electro Mechanical Systems. It uses a microscopic, three-dimensional semiconductor structure that can convert physical air vibrations into electricity, creating electrical changes in response to external sounds.

MEMS microphones are relatively small in size, can be mass-produced, have small performance deviations, and can achieve excellent performance with low power consumption.

In this webinar, we will explain the MEMS structure and operating principles inside a MEMS microphone, and introduce various specifications that determine the performance of the microphone.

In particular, we plan to introduce several real-world use cases in applications that are widely used these days, along with the recent trend of conversational AI.

■ I am curious about the components of MEMS microphones and what to consider when designing them.

A MEMS microphone is composed of a package that includes a MEMS, which acts as a diaphragm to internally receive external sound, an ASIC that supplies internal power, amplifies MEMS signals, and acts as a signal processor, and a PCB and lid for mechanical configuration.

When designing a system, you must first understand the specifications of the microphone and select a microphone with specifications that match the intended use.

Consider the design location so that it is not affected by power or external noise. In particular, a design that takes into account the mechanical passage through which external sounds enter the microphone is required to minimize the spatial resonance effect.

■ Please introduce Infineon’s MEMS microphone solutions.

Infineon is the leader in the overall MEMS microphone market, including MEMS and ASIC bare die.

Infineon's high-performance analog and digital XENSIV™ MEMS microphones are designed to capture audio signals with excellent accuracy and high quality.

XENSIV™ MEMS microphones provide very low noise, low distortion (Total Harmonic Distortion [THD]) even at high Sound Pressure Levels (SPL), highly accurate sensitivity calibration management and phase deviation, and flat frequency response both at low frequencies (Low Frequency Roll Off [LFRO]) and over a wide frequency range.

Infineon's XENSIV™ MEMS microphones come in ultra-small package sizes and selectable power modes, making them ideal solutions for a wide range of devices that use voice user interfaces.

■ Please give a brief introduction of the content you will present in the upcoming e4ds webinar and a word to our readers.

In this webinar, we will introduce the operating principles and key performance-related specifications of MEMS microphones, and especially, we will introduce practical use cases and important specifications in applications that are widely used these days along with recent trends in conversational AI.He said.

Through this webinar, we hope to help you select and develop the right MEMS microphone for your application. We look forward to your participation.