Knowles to Focus on MEMS Microphones and Divert from Microspeaker Business - Updated

Knowles Corporation showcased new advanced audio systems for mobile, wearable, hearable, and Internet of Things devices (IoT) at the Mobile World Congress 2016, in Barcelona. The company confirmed that it has shipped more than 8 billion MEMS microphones globally and reaffirmed the decision to sell its speaker and receiver product line segment of the company.

November 2015 marks the beginning of Voice Coil’s 29th year as an information resource for the loudspeaker industry. So there’s definitely reason to celebrate and several good reasons to download the issue right now. Including a MEMS Microphone Status Update, Measurement Microphone directory, and Test Bench, which focuses on the UH205PW1 8” mid-bass driver from Motus.

ABI Research’s teardown of a recently released high profile smartphone found that Cirrus Logic introduced the world’s smallest MEM microphone. It is 30% smaller than the smallest MEM microphone and less than half the size of MEM microphones typically found in mobile devices.

This VC Spotlight article, from Mike Klasco includes some really great insight on upcoming developments and new companies active in the MEMS field. Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) loudspeakers are just now appearing. As Mike explains “this is a really new technology, so new that only recently were functional lab prototypes operational.” Article originally published in Voice Coil, May 2015.

GoerTek Inc., a leading hi-tech consumer electronics company from China has acquired the majority shares of Danish loudspeaker manufacturer Dynaudio. Wilfried Ehrenholz, the founder of Dynaudio, will remain as a minority shareholder and continue to participate in Dynaudio´s product and marketing strategy. With Goertek, Dynaudio gains engineering experience in electronic and wireless technology, considered critical for the company’s latest product developments.

Cirrus Logic confirmed the acquisition of Wolfson Microelectronics . The Austin Texas company says the acquisition of the Scotish company will strengthen its leadership position in Audio ICs and Software for Portable Applications, adding new product categories such as MEMS microphones to their portfolio.

Semiconductor manufacturer STMicroelectronics has announced the opening of a new MEMS Microphone Lab in Taiwan to enhance its audio performance specifications. The advanced testing facility will answer engineers’ need for new MEMS microphone application development, enabling bit-perfect recording quality.