STMicroelectronics has partnered with Usound to develop the world's first MEMS speaker with excellent sound quality

     STMicroelectronics and Usound, a fast-growing audio innovation company, have jointly announced a partnership to market and manufacture the world's first micro-piezoelectric MEMS (micro-electro-mechanical Systems) actuator for intelligent audio systems in portable devices.

     Usound's patented micro speaker technology is designed to replace today's most commonly used balanced armature speakers and mobile phone electric receivers. Using ST's market-leading thin-film piezoelectric (TFP) manufacturing technology, these actuators will increase the scalability and cost-effectiveness of smart ear devices and mobile phones, while ensuring lower power and heat dissipation without compromising sound quality.

     Anton Hofmeister, Vice President of STMicroelectronics and General Manager of MEMS MicroActuators, said: "Usound's technology and piezoelectric MEMS actuators will enable portable devices to deliver semiconductor reliability, manufacturing efficiency and, most importantly for consumers, better sound quality." "St is the world's largest manufacturer of sensors for consumer electronics and mobile devices, and this partnership is another step in expanding our portfolio of MEMS products, leveraging our high-value actuator technology into a number of highly technologically accessible markets."

     Ferruccio Bottoni, CEO of Usound, said: "ST, with its strong capabilities in semiconductor technology and MEMS development, is the ideal partner to bring this unprecedented speaker technology to market. Compared with standard loudspeakers, piezoelectric MEMS loudspeakers have a thin size and an unprecedented level of mechanical precision, which improves the fidelity of sound restoration and equipment reliability. "As the first of its kind, our MEMS 'Moon' speaker is aimed at headphone applications, bringing a cost-effective smart earpiece to the audio market."