Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) applied
Suitable for use with the headset bundled with your smartphone


ams announced the launch of a cost-effective, ultra-small speaker driver (product name: AS3412) that will bring Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) functionality to the mass market of headsets.

The newly launched AS3412 device expands ams' line of ANC speaker drivers. It features ams' proprietary analog noise-cancelling technology, which is used in a wide range of products from leading audio equipment manufacturers.

The AS3412 offers excellent noise-cancelling performance, typically providing up to 30dB of external noise reduction across the audible frequency range of 20Hz – 2kHz. A highly integrated solution, the AS3412 integrates the ANC circuitry and a speaker driver capable of driving 2x34mW into a 32Ω load in a 2.2mm x 2.2mm x 0.4mm chip-scale package. Operating from a 1.6V-1.8V power supply, the IC is suitable for use in battery-operated devices such as smartphones. The AS3412's power and audio systems are also compatible with USB Type-C and Lightning® interfaces.

Implementing a high-performance ANC sensor solution at a low bill-of-materials cost
Also available for users of low-cost headsets and headphones

The compact AS3412 is supported by an easy-to-use development kit, including a software GUI, firmware, and simulation environment, allowing for easy integration into end-product designs. Unlike more complex digital implementations, the AS3412 features a filter network comprised of low-cost capacitors and resistors, requiring only a small number of supporting components.

This means that the AS3412 enables high-performance ANC sensor solutions at a lower bill-of-materials (BOM) cost than previously possible. This capability allows consumer product OEMs to offer advanced noise-cancelling capabilities for the first time to users of low-cost headsets and headphones, as well as headsets bundled with new smartphones and media players.

Another advantage of the AS3412 is its built-in depletion-mode ( ) MOSFET with bypass functionality. This simplifies the mechanical design of the final product by eliminating the need for a bulky bypass switch. This feature allows the speaker driver to continue providing audio output even when battery power is insufficient to support the ANC function.

“The experience of listening to crystal-clear sound in quiet, even noisy environments, was previously reserved for users of high-end headphones,” says Anna Wutke, Marketing Director for the Audio Sensors business line at ams AG. “With the launch of the highly integrated AS3412, ams is now able to embed ANC functionality into existing hands-free headset dongles and even into low-cost headsets, democratizing noise-free listening experiences in the mass-market audio market,” said Mr.

The AS3412 ANC solution is available now in production quantities, priced at $1.50 per unit in quantities of 100,000 units.