Its DynamicVent technology enables benefits of True MEMS speaker and DynamicVent in a single silicon die.

The Montara Pro by xMEMS Labs is the world’s first monolithic MEMS µspeaker that enables smart TWS earbuds and hearing aids to become intelligent closed-fit (occluded) and open-fit earbuds based on ambient noise levels detected by microphones or movement from motion sensors.

Thanks to the integrated DynamicVent technology, Montara Pro eliminates the background noise to create a listening environment with the best passive isolation for music and media when the vent is closed. With the vent open, Montara Pro improves spatial awareness, increases listening comfort and reduces occlusion effects, such as the perception of the user’s voice being too loud, “boomy” or “hollow”. [1]

Figure 1. World’s First MEMS Microspeaker For Intelligent Audio Production

Figure 1 shows the manufacturing of xMEMS’ pure silicon speaker is very different to that of a conventional speaker. As the speaker is essentially just one monolithic piece manufactured via your typical lithography manufacturing process, much like how other silicon chips are designed. Due to this monolithic design aspect, the manufacturing line has significantly less complexity versus voice coil designs which have a plethora of components that need to be precision assembled – a task that is quoted to require thousands of factory workers.

The company didn’t want to disclose the actual process node of the design, but expect something quite crude in the micron range – they only confirmed that it was a 200mm wafer technology. [2]

Montara Pro’s µspeaker delivers a flat frequency response achieving 115dB SPL up to 1kHz and provides up to 18dB of gain above 1kHz for improved voice and instrument clarity.

Montara Pro’s DynamicVent implements a differential design that eliminates open/close noise. The large vent opening creates relief equivalent to a 1.5mm 2 hole and offers 20dB of attenuation from 500Hz to 20Hz. Unlike other non-MEMS approaches to active venting, the DynamicVent achieves an IP58 rating providing better resilience to particulate and moisture ingress, improving the longevity of the end-product.

Montara Pro is available in a side-firing (5.15 x 1.15 x 10.8mm) LGA package. Montara Pro is paired with the xMEMS Aptos Class-H audio amplifier (1.92 x 1.92 x 0.6mm WLCSP). Samples and evaluation kits are available today for select customers, with mass production expected in Q3 2022. [3]

References:

1. https://www.electronicsforu.com/special/truly-innovative-tech/worlds-first-mems-microspeaker-for-intelligent-audio-production
2. https://www.anandtech.com/show/15894/xmems-announces-worlds-first-monolithic-mems-speaker
3. https://www.eenewsanalog.com/news/mems-microspeaker-integrates-active-venting

Cite this article:

Thanusri swetha J (2022), World’s First MEMS Microspeaker For Intelligent Audio Production, pp. 106