Ultrathin portable electronics drive Taiwan's MEMS line The model SSSM200 digital CMOS MEMS microphone from 3S has omnidirectional sensitivity and 58dB S/N ratio. MEMS microphone suppliers intensify product development to take advantage of demand from the strong telecom and PC sectors. The robust mobile phone and computing device sectors are spurring R&D on MEMS microphones in Taiwan. Makers eye the first application as a strong market base, which accounted for two-thirds of global sales of the component last year, according to iSuppli. In particular, they are targeting smartphones, which require two or more units to reduce background noise and enhance voice quality. To this end, companies are elevating the S/N ratio, aiming for 66dB from 59 to 62dB, to enhance the sound quality of smartphones and eliminate the need for headsets. They are looking to do the same for power supply ripple rejection levels. A higher PSRR will help simplify power and audio management, boosting the audio feature and enabling new functions such as voice activation of the headset. Suppliers are also developing more digital solutions despite the continued dominance of analog CMOS models. Solid State System Co. Ltd or 3S said the former can reduce noise interference, making it suitable for camera modules used in laptops. Digital versions have a lower requirement for ICs, resulting in space-saving designs and cutting outlay in the long term. At present, these are more expensive by 50 percent. To cater to various requirements, 3S offers both types. The maker promotes CMOS MEMS because it permits production in a wafer foundry. CMOS technology facilitates integration with similarly structured sensors and ASICs on a single chip, reducing product dimensions and manufacturing costs. 3S’ digital units incorporate an acoustic transducer and feature a circuit with adjustable gain to create a smaller microphone. Compared with electret condenser types mainly used in computer, communications and consumer electronics, MEMS variants boast higher S/N ratio, lower THD, and better anti-EMI and RFI shielding. The latter outperform the older technology in terms of sensitivity matching, frequency response, noise floor, temperature and humidity tolerance, and power consumption. In addition, the dispersion of sensitivity, which is within ±3dB, allows advanced functions such as noise suppression and cancelation, including of echo. Besides these advantages, makers are counting on declining quotes to expand the line’s market reach. Taiwan has fewer than five companies producing MEMS microphones. In addition to 3S, Merry Electronics supplies the component, while Lingsen and Tong Hsing provide packaging services. Lingsen’s ultrathin technology yields a wire-bonded and cap-sealed microphone on a substrate. Read the full report on Ultrathin portable electronics drive Taiwan's MEMS line. Global Sources is a leading B2B portal and a primary facilitator of trade with China manufacturers and India suppliers, providing essential sourcing information to volume buyers through our e-magazines and trade shows.