World First SMD Microphone
SiSonic Surface Mount Microphones

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The SiSonic microphone represents a low-cost,
high-performance alternative to traditional ECMs. Unlike
traditional ECMs that often require customers to use off-line,
manual assembly to apply them, SiSonic is supplied on
tape-and-reel and can be run through standard automatic
pick-n-place equipment, just like traditional surface
mount equipment.
Manufactured from poly-silicon, this revolutionary microphone
takes advantage of semi-conductor manufacturing processes
that result in a robust microphone that yields a high
degree of repeatability, stable acoustic performance,
and flexibility for future design enhancements. They meet
industry and customer requirements for heat, shock, vibration
and longevity, and at the same time help lower customers?overall
microphone installation costs. |
Advantages - SiSonic for Innovation
and Automation
SiSonic microphones are unique because they represent the
technology that you can use both today and in the future.
The current package provides equivalent (or better) acoustic
performance, can easily be adopted in new designs and next
platform development, at the same providing immediate cost
savings in manufacturing. The flexible package design will
allow this microphone to meet the future customer demands,
such as smaller package sizes without degrading performance,
or the embedding of additional components such as an integrated
amplifier.
MEMS Die Packaging
- Silicon structure for high degree of manufacturing
repeatability and stable (predictable) acoustic performance.
- Patented 밼ree-floating?diaphragm is immune to stress
variations that impact acoustic performance.
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- Low mass, low size diaphragm produces excellent vibration
sensitivity performance.
- Excellent RF and EMI suppression
- Excellent operating and storage temperature ratings ?0ºC
to 100ºC
- Versatile configuration and sound porting options for
future microphone enhancements.
Surface Mountable Microphone Package
- 45% less board space than 6x2.2 ECMs
- 30% lower profile height than ECMs
(SiSonic only requires gasket on the top side compared
to ECM requring gasket on both top and bottom)
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- 100% lead-free, and compatible with lead-free solder profile
(260C, 30 seconds)
- Highly shock resistant, up to 10,000 Gs compared to ECMs
(3,000 Gs)
High speed Automated Assembly
- Pick-and-place via standard
automated equipment
- Tape-and-reel assembly
(available in 7?and 13?
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- High volume, low cost solution means increased throughput
with low rework
- No off-line soldering, no manual insertion, and no off-line
testing
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Applications - Small Footprints ?Revolutionary Strides
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SiSonic microphones are ideally suited for
high volume applications that can take advantage of the
low costs associated with automatic pick-n-place surface
mounting, such as Cell Phones and PDA. SiSonic is an excellent
replacement to traditional ECMs. It offers similar or
better acoustic performance to satisfy acoustic engineers.
For manufacturing, SiSonic is applied using standard pick-n-place
automated equipment |
and is surface mountable, a much better solution for mechanical
design and production engineers. And, it provides an overall
assembly cost savings, a benefit for commodity and purchasing
managers.
- Surface mount design is ideal for high volume applications
such as cell phones, laptops, PDA and electronic products.
- Robust design provides for stable acoustic performance
under extreme conditions such as temperature, shock and
vibration.
- Small profile is ideal in space-constrained applications.
- Operates in temperatures up to 100ºC
- Flexible package design allows for future product enhancements
and integration
of additional components.
Other Microphones
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High Performance Microphones
Knowles manufactures a broad product line of sub-miniature
microphones.Our electret condenser microphones comprise
several form factors, andhundreds of individual models.
Knowles microphones are used in diverse applications including
communications, pro audio, medical, and sensing.There
is an unmatched variety in Size, Shape, and Performance.
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Magnetic Microphones
Knowles' Magnetic Microphones (BJ Series) are based on balanced
armature technology and are self-shielded against external
magnetic fields. The microphones offer high efficiency, stability,
reliability, and are small in size. The diaphragm of the BJ
Series responds to pressure differential giving high rejection
of background noise. Both face and edge ports are offered.
In addition, there is a short distance between front and back
ports resulting in improved noise rejection up to higher frequencies.
Waterproof Microphones
Knowles' waterproof microphones - the MR Series and WP Series
survive immersion in water. The MR Series consists of a microphone
element attached to a waterproof bellows assembly. They may
be panel mounted, and are suitable for outdoor use or repeated
submersion. The WP Series¿ form factor is a very small size
with low vibration sensitivity. Some models have an excellent
noise canceling performance, which is useful for sensors and
instrumentation.
Boom Microphones
Knowles' Boom Microphones are available in both flexible and
rigid styles which utilize either the WP or NR microphone
element, giving superb noise rejection and high-frequency
crossover of near and far field responses. The boom microphones
are utilized in a variety of aircraft audio systems and radio
communication helmets. Knowles offers customized lengths and
end terminations to meet your application needs.
Piezo Ceramic Microphones
Knowles' Piezo Ceramic Microphones (BL Series) are rugged,
stable, and versatile. BL microphones are available in three
different package sizes: standard, thin, or ½ inch cylindrical
shell and cable assembly. Both communication and broadband
frequency response versions are offered. In addition, BL microphones
have high vibration sensitivity, and may be used as accelerometers.
Speakers
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Balanced Armature Amplified Speakers
Knowles balanced armature amplified speakers are sub-miniature
speakers with a Class D amplifier. Developed for the hearing
aid industry, Knowles speakers are utilized in a variety
of premium communications and audio products. The speakers
may be fit to an earmold or attached to an earpiece via
tubing. Application assistance is available to help you
choose the ideal product for your needs from the industry's
widest selection. |
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Balanced Armature Speakers
Knowles balanced armature speakers are sub-miniature speakers.
Developed for the hearing aid industry, Knowles speakers
are utilized in a variety of premium communications and
audio products. The speakers may be fit to an earmold
or attached to an earpiece via tubing. Application assistance
is available to help you choose the ideal product for
your needs from the industry's widest selection. |
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Waterproof Speakers
The MR Series Assemblies consists of a speaker element
attached to a waterproof bellows assembly. They may be
panel mounted, and are suitable for outdoor use or repeated
submersion. |

IntelliSonic Advancing the Science of Sound
Now you can break the micro sound barrier.
The new IntelliSonic™ acoustic technology enhances the reception
of today's most advanced miniature and subminiature microphones,
bringing unprecedented audio performance to your hands-free
product ideas.
Technology Benefits
- How it Works
IntelliSonic™ Acoustic Technology
Enhances microphone performance three ways...
a) Array Processing
Creates an angles of acceptance and removes all sound outside
the angle.
b) Noise Suppression
Remove white noise, background and ambient noise in the angle
of acceptance.
c) Acoustic Echo Cancellation
Removes echo caused by microphone pick up of a speaker audio
output.
Now there is no barrier to your voice-integrated
product designs.
IntelliSonic technology brings superior audio clarity to the
latest hands-free communication products and applications.
When evaluating the different sound conditioning solutions
available today, you need to understand the different components
and their technical prowess. The Knowles patented array processing,
noise suppression and AEC are quite unique.
When more than one microphone is aligned in an array, Knowles'
patented algorithm predicates itself upon a time-delay principle
to configure an array processor with a predetermined Look
Angle and Angle of Acceptance onto the speech source. All
acoustic plane waves outside the angle of acceptance are attenuated
by greater than 15 dB for a two-element array. Knowles' algorithm
can attenuate by greater than 20 dB for a 4-element array.
Within the angle of acceptance the algorithm has controllable
adaptive noise filters. Depending upon the anticipated environment,
the intended feature (telephony or voice recognition), and
the discriminating, subjective nature of the human ear, the
parameters of the noise suppression are determined specifically
for each application.
In the end, Knowles' IntelliSonic(tm) technology allows a
device to attain the SNR levels needed for high-level VR accuracy
and clear, concise speech over the bandwidth of telephony
or VoIP applications. In short, it allows hands-free usage
of the voice applications. It eliminates the need for an ear
bud or headset. It is intuitive and natural. It enables multimedia-messaging
services and the future voice applications.
Simpler, more affordable audio.
If your product is Windows® based, IntelliSonic software can
be loaded. Knowles also provides a complete embedded solution
for DSP platforms.
Complete Solution - Integrated Systems
When you consider the interdependency of microphone design,
acoustic porting, and sound signal conditioning, it's easy
to see why Knowles Acoustics has taken an integrated approach
to your acoustic system needs.
| Microphone Technology |
Acoustic Porting |
IntelliSonic Software |
Microphones
Our extensive line of microphones includes our micro-sized
SiSonic silicon microphone the world's smallest -- and our
popular Electret Condenser Microphones (ECM), available in
your choice of uni-directional, omni-directional, and noise
canceling designs. Microphone options include diverse connection
methods, waterproofing, RF suppression and more.
Acoustic Porting
Acoustic porting is the seamless conduction of sound into
a microphone for the lowest possible sound loss. Knowles Acoustics
designs and manufactures acoustic porting solutions for every
microphone we offer. These designs represent our ongoing research
into the latest materials for sound sealing and conducting.
IntelliSonic Software
The capture and output of perfect sound is all the more achievable
when sound is processed by our IntelliSonic software to eliminate
unwanted sound, while enhancing desired sound. The software
achieves this through array processing, the suppression of
stationary and non-stationary noise, and echo cancellation.
Product Applications
IntelliSonic technology is ideal for mobile phones, PDAs/smart
phones, PCs, notebook computers/tablets, video cameras, voice
recognition systems and specialty applications (voice-based
biometrics, gaming, drive through systems, interactive kiosks,
etc.). The software can be installed directly to your application,
if your product is Windows® XP based. Knowles can also provide
embedded solutions allowing the complete algorithm or subsets
to be ported to embedded RTOS'es and DSPs. Please contact
us for more information.
Configuration Options - Full Spectrum of Solutions
IntelliSonic technology can be installed as software only,
or be applied to a single microphone as well as two and four
element microphone arrays. The software's "far field"
a noise-canceling capacity is ideal for mobile communication
and voice recognition applications.
IntelliSonic software is available in the following
series options...
Supported Platforms
Software: Windows® XP
DSP Embedded Solutions: Please contact us for more information
Single Microphone Solution
Key Technologies: Noise Suppression with or without acoustic
echo cancellation
Microphone Type: Omni or Uni
Two and Four Microphone Solution
Key Technologies: Array signal processing, noise suppression
with or without acoustic
echo cancellation
Microphone Type: Uni
Go to Knowles Acoustics… |