Knowles Introduces the Market’s Smallest and Most Power Efficient Digital MEMS Microphone with I2S Interface

Knowles Corporation (NYSE: KN), a market leader and global supplier of advanced micro-acoustic solutions and specialty components, today announced that it has introduced the most advanced Inter-IC Sound, or I²S, interface MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) microphone for wearables, remote controllers, automotive, and smart home automation and security.

Knowles’ solution is superior in size and power consumption, with a 25 percent smaller footprint and 40 percent lower current consumption than competitive products. Using this I²S interface, the bottom port digital MEMS microphone allows manufacturers to connect directly to application processors or microcontrollers. The result is a more efficient architecture due to decreased complexity, increased battery performance, and lower bill of material cost.

This innovation is especially important for space constrained devices such as wearables, which have a very small board size that puts a premium on component space. The new technology easily integrates with existing mobile device architecture and simplifies system integration through a direct connection to signal processors.

“Knowles’ is committed to advancing audio solutions and our customer-focused approach to creating meaningful technologies,” said Thibault Kassir, Senior Director, Product Management, Mobile Consumer Electronics. “This innovation is our first step toward providing intelligent audio solutions and establishes a solid foundation for our future roadmap.”

"Our expertise in acoustics and audio systems drove the development of the world’s most advanced I²S MEMS microphone,” said Bertrand Renaud, Product Management, Mobile Consumer Electronics. “We developed this intelligent audio solution to support the growing demand for smaller, more efficient devices and we are enthusiastic to see the solution already adopted on wearable reference designs and selected by several consumer electronics customers with shipments beginning in the third quarter.”

To learn more about the product or to find a distributor, please visit Knowles.com.

Product Details

• Product: I²S digital bottom port microphone
• Part Number: SPH0645LM4H-B
• Measurements: 3.50 x 2.65 x 0.98 mm
• Samples available now

Product Features

• Direct attachment to applications processors (no audio codec necessary)
• High performance requires less board space
• Meet Super Wideband requirements
• Far field capable with the possibility to connect dual MIC on same I²S bus
• Low current consumption while maintaining high performance

Technical Data

• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: Nominal 65dB (A)
• Bandwidth: 18kHz
• Power consumption: 600µA
• Size: 25% smaller than other I²S interface microphones
• Digital Output: I²S PCM

About Knowles Corporation

Knowles Corporation (NYSE: KN) is a market leader and global supplier of advanced micro-acoustic solutions and specialty components serving the mobile communications, consumer electronics, medical technology, military, aerospace and industrial markets. Knowles has a leading position in micro-electro-mechanical systems microphones, speakers and receivers which are used in smartphones, tablets and mobile handsets. Knowles is also a leading manufacturer of transducers used in hearing aids and other medical devices and has a strong position in oscillators (timing devices) and capacitor components which enable various types of communication. Knowles’ focus on the customer, combined with unique technology, rigorous testing and global scale, helps to deliver innovative solutions and consistently dependable and precise products. Founded in 1946 and headquartered in Itasca, Illinois, Knowles has more than 13,000 employees in 15 countries around the world. For more information, visit www.knowles.com.

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Contact information

Media
Knowles Communications
Melissa York, 630-238-5242
Melissa.York@Knowles.com
or
Investors
Knowles Investor Relations
Mike Knapp, 630-238-5236
Mike.Knapp@Knowles.com