Post by account_disabled on Sept 12, 2023 11:32:12 GMT
Having been exposed to audio and computer technology for a long time, I have seen many cases where interesting 'next big' concepts fell through during the commercialization process. On the other hand, xMEMS and this company's silicon micro speaker were different. After testing it ourselves, we determined that this concept had the potential to provide high-quality earbuds at a very consumer-friendly price.
The name of XMEMS comes from Phone Number List MEMS (microelectromechanical system). MEMS is a technology that integrates both electronic and mechanical elements at a microscopic level, and is already used in a variety of fields, including small microphones.
This company is trying to use XMEMS to create high-end but inexpensive audio products such as earbuds.
XMEMS' micro speaker has a piezoelectric cover attached to the top of the silicon chip, so it quickly changes shape and relaxes when a temporary electric signal is applied. This vibration moves the air and creates sound. Essentially, the silicon chip on which this microspeaker is built does the same job as the magnets in a traditional speaker, and the cover does what a traditional speaker's cone does.
Specifications of XMEMS Technology
Before actually testing it, I was impressed by the specifications outlined by XMEMS . A constant frequency response of 20Hz (or higher if desired), ultra-fast response time and settling time (referring to the speed at which the speaker starts and stops, respectively), and device resonance of over 10kHz are all of the best features of traditional high-quality speaker design that I have experienced so far. It greatly exceeds the highest specifications.
XMEMS' Montara, Cowell and Montara Plus micro speakers are produced based on silicon wafers at TSMC's factories. The production cost is at a level that allows earbud manufacturers to make high-quality products for between $125 and $200.
XMEMS microspeakers are produced from silicon wafers to maximize sound uniformity.
XMEMS explained that earbud manufacturers can save a lot of money thanks to the sound uniformity of wafer-based micro products. Typically, speakers are classified according to their relative characteristics and then manufactured as stereo pairs. If the uniformity of frequency response, resonance, or instantaneous response deteriorates during this process, the speaker cannot provide consistent sound quality. Because XMEMS products have uniformity in the production process itself, this sorting process can be minimized.
It is very small in size and is suitable for use in earbuds, etc.
MEMS micro speakers have other advantages as well. Because there are no magnets, there is no need to compensate for interference from magnetic fields when designing the speaker. In addition, X-MEMS products are rated IP58 for dust resistance (no operating malfunction due to dust) and water resistance (can withstand up to 3 meters of water for 30 minutes). In particular, this grade is the grade of the component itself before being assembled into the outer shell of the earbud. Considering the waterproof appearance, the X-MEMS-based earbuds will not be damaged even if you forget to put them in your pants pocket and throw them in the washing machine.
XMEMS also produces a solid-state dynamic (opens and closes on signal) physical shutter called Skyline that earbud manufacturers can utilize to block or allow in ambient noise. Skyline allows you to create various types of open/closed combination headphones.
Using the Skyline Dynamic Air Vent, which blocks out ambient noise, you can also create a product that combines open/closed headphones.
The last component I checked was the ultra-small amplifier Aptos. Using this, you can improve bass response by combining X-MEMS speakers and traditional audio speakers.
Currently, XMEMS is designing its products specifically for closed-space (in this case, the space within the ear canal) devices such as earbuds and hearing aids. However, open space designs are also being designed that could be used in applications that require more airflow, such as portable Bluetooth speakers or bookshelf speakers. These products basically do not require an outer shell.
impressive sound
The sound quality I heard with XMEMS' 3D output earbud prototype shows that these specifications are not empty numbers. The three things I pay attention to when reviewing audio products are powerful bass, easily distinguishable and realistically reproduced acoustic instruments, and accurate treble frequencies with a little flashiness if you want, and this product ticks all three boxes. .
XMEMS microspeakers are so small that they can be integrated into existing speaker drivers to improve sound quality.
Thanks to the fast instantaneous response and settling time, the accuracy of the solid bass and mid-range stands out. In particular, the absence of phase distortion and the very high resonance frequency of the product were an advantage.
The name of XMEMS comes from Phone Number List MEMS (microelectromechanical system). MEMS is a technology that integrates both electronic and mechanical elements at a microscopic level, and is already used in a variety of fields, including small microphones.
This company is trying to use XMEMS to create high-end but inexpensive audio products such as earbuds.
XMEMS' micro speaker has a piezoelectric cover attached to the top of the silicon chip, so it quickly changes shape and relaxes when a temporary electric signal is applied. This vibration moves the air and creates sound. Essentially, the silicon chip on which this microspeaker is built does the same job as the magnets in a traditional speaker, and the cover does what a traditional speaker's cone does.
Specifications of XMEMS Technology
Before actually testing it, I was impressed by the specifications outlined by XMEMS . A constant frequency response of 20Hz (or higher if desired), ultra-fast response time and settling time (referring to the speed at which the speaker starts and stops, respectively), and device resonance of over 10kHz are all of the best features of traditional high-quality speaker design that I have experienced so far. It greatly exceeds the highest specifications.
XMEMS' Montara, Cowell and Montara Plus micro speakers are produced based on silicon wafers at TSMC's factories. The production cost is at a level that allows earbud manufacturers to make high-quality products for between $125 and $200.
XMEMS microspeakers are produced from silicon wafers to maximize sound uniformity.
XMEMS explained that earbud manufacturers can save a lot of money thanks to the sound uniformity of wafer-based micro products. Typically, speakers are classified according to their relative characteristics and then manufactured as stereo pairs. If the uniformity of frequency response, resonance, or instantaneous response deteriorates during this process, the speaker cannot provide consistent sound quality. Because XMEMS products have uniformity in the production process itself, this sorting process can be minimized.
It is very small in size and is suitable for use in earbuds, etc.
MEMS micro speakers have other advantages as well. Because there are no magnets, there is no need to compensate for interference from magnetic fields when designing the speaker. In addition, X-MEMS products are rated IP58 for dust resistance (no operating malfunction due to dust) and water resistance (can withstand up to 3 meters of water for 30 minutes). In particular, this grade is the grade of the component itself before being assembled into the outer shell of the earbud. Considering the waterproof appearance, the X-MEMS-based earbuds will not be damaged even if you forget to put them in your pants pocket and throw them in the washing machine.
XMEMS also produces a solid-state dynamic (opens and closes on signal) physical shutter called Skyline that earbud manufacturers can utilize to block or allow in ambient noise. Skyline allows you to create various types of open/closed combination headphones.
Using the Skyline Dynamic Air Vent, which blocks out ambient noise, you can also create a product that combines open/closed headphones.
The last component I checked was the ultra-small amplifier Aptos. Using this, you can improve bass response by combining X-MEMS speakers and traditional audio speakers.
Currently, XMEMS is designing its products specifically for closed-space (in this case, the space within the ear canal) devices such as earbuds and hearing aids. However, open space designs are also being designed that could be used in applications that require more airflow, such as portable Bluetooth speakers or bookshelf speakers. These products basically do not require an outer shell.
impressive sound
The sound quality I heard with XMEMS' 3D output earbud prototype shows that these specifications are not empty numbers. The three things I pay attention to when reviewing audio products are powerful bass, easily distinguishable and realistically reproduced acoustic instruments, and accurate treble frequencies with a little flashiness if you want, and this product ticks all three boxes. .
XMEMS microspeakers are so small that they can be integrated into existing speaker drivers to improve sound quality.
Thanks to the fast instantaneous response and settling time, the accuracy of the solid bass and mid-range stands out. In particular, the absence of phase distortion and the very high resonance frequency of the product were an advantage.