ST and USound jointly launch the world's first technologically advanced silicon microspeaker

     STMicroelectronics and fast-growing innovative technology company USound Audio Technologies have launched the world's first silicon microspeaker, the result of a technology cooperation agreement announced last year. The new speaker is extremely small in size, the thickness is expected to set the world's thinnest record, and the weight is less than half that of ordinary speakers. Wearables such as earbuds, headsets and augmented reality/virtual reality (ARVR) glasses will become smaller and more comfortable with these speakers. The new product consumes very little power, and the power supply can use a smaller battery, which further saves space and reduces weight, and also generates much less heat than ordinary speakers.

     Like MEMS(micro-electro-mechanical Systems) products, the new speakers use the same MEMS technology that has revolutionized the functionality of mobile phones and wearable products. High-performance MEMS motion sensors, pressure sensors, and microphone chips are key technologies needed to enable environmental awareness, navigation, tracking, and other functions that today's mobile users can't live without every day. As MEMS technology advances and is applied to speakers, designers can further reduce the size and power consumption of audio subsystems and develop innovative features like 3D sound. According to MEMS industry analyst Yole Developpement, the total market value of microspeakers is currently $8.7 billion

     AntonHofmeister, ST Vice President and General Manager of MEMS MicroActuators, said: "The success of this project is due to USound's design capabilities and ST's significant investment in MEMS technology processes, including our thin-film piezoelectric technology P:Tra(Piezoelectric sensor). Together, we won the competition to commercialize MEMS microspeakers, using piezoelectric actuator technology to develop a smaller, more energy-efficient and better performing solution."

     FerruccioBottoni, CEO of USound, said: "Our original design leads the market and features advanced, creating new business opportunities in the consumer electronics market. St has provided the manufacturing technology and capacity for our original concepts, and these microspeakers are poised to transform audio and auditory product design, creating new opportunities to develop innovative audio capabilities.

     In addition to its use in mobile products and audio accessories, the new piezo-actuated silicon speakers also support a variety of auditory electronics innovations, including home digital assistants, media players and IoT(Internet of Things) products. At the CES2018 ST showcase, USound will present prototypes of ARVR glasses with multiple MEMS speakers on each side. The exhibit will take advantage of the ultra-compact, lightweight and high sound quality of the new speakers to demonstrate how microaudio systems can bring users an excellent audio experience and advanced features, such as beamforming capabilities for personal audio systems in wearable products such as glasses, which are extremely limited in size, weight and power consumption.