The Impact of MEMS Speakers in Audio

In this article for Voice Coil focused on MEMS loudspeakers, Mike Klasco reviews a bit of the history of the technology and previews the evolution and impact on the audio industry in general. The article examines MEMS devices in general, provides a basic explanation of how the various types of MEMS speakers work, and what commercialization challenges are ahead. This article was originally published in Voice Coil, December 2019.

Austrian microspeaker company USound is the most advanced MEMS Microspeakers initiative currently in the market. Since announcing a production partnership with STMicroelectronics in 2017, the world's first miniature piezoelectric MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) actuators for smart audio systems in portable devices have become a commercial reality. Targeting multiple possible applications from headsets to high-end speakers and completely new development ideas, USound has announced multiple reference solutions to push the technology forward.

French market research firm Yole Développement just published its 2019 report on Microphones, Microspeakers, and Audio Solutions – Market and Technology Trends. The new report characterizes the main drivers behind the exponential growth in MEMS microphone applications and emerging MEMS speaker technologies, growth opportunities such as voice at the heart of new audio system applications, or the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the audio value chain.

Voice Coil December 2019 features an outstanding article on constant directivity horn design from Dario Cinanni, followed by a new Spotlight feature on MEMS loudspeakers by Mike Klasco (Menlo Scientific), and a new vendors directory. Next up, James Croft reviews a new loudspeaker enclosure patent recently awarded to Bang & Olufsen, and Vance Dickason offers two complete characterizations of new pro sound drivers from Dayton Audio and BMS.

xMEMS Labs, a MEMS solutions startup headquartered in Los Altos, California, announced the demonstration of a novel MEMS speaker for earphone applications. This demo, according to the company, showcases not only the benefits of MEMS technologies with small size and low power consumption, but also its scalable design that will enable applications in many markets. The company, which has not yet revealed specifics on their MEMS speaker technology, claims to have developed a complete MEMS process that reduces manufacturing complexities.

MWC 2019 highlighted key areas where the audio industry should focus and from where it could gain it's most important benefits. A trade show vibrant in the presentation of audio technologies for voice interface solutions, smart and connected home and personal devices. I would never have dreamed that one day a trade show such as the Mobile World Congress would be part of my annual agenda. But now, traveling to Barcelona in February became an essential part of my duties for audioXpress every year.

ResearchAndMarkets.com just announced a new market report focusing on the "Global MEMS Market for Mobile Devices 2017-2021." According to the research firm, the global MEMS market for mobile devices is set to grow at a CAGR of 10.55% during the period 2017-2021. The report has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts. The report covers the market landscape and its growth prospects over the coming years, and includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market.

Expanding on the first presentation of USound’s technology at Mobile World Congress a year ago, in 2018 STMicroelectronics hosted a working product demonstration of a in-earphone using only one single MEMS speaker driver per side, as well as a spatial audio demo using 14 drivers on over-ear headphones, proving the technology’s full potential. MEMS speakers developed by USound and manufactured by STMicroelectronics combine minuscule size, low profile, and high efficiency, enabling multiple wearable form factors.