12 MEMS Microphone Manufacturers in 2024
This section provides an overview for mems microphones as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 12 mems microphone manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked mems microphone companies as of April, 2024: 1.DB Products Limited, 2.SIMAC Electronics GmbH, 3.Sonion..
Table of Contents
What Is a MEMS Microphone?
A MEMS microphone is a microphone that consists of MEMS components at the point of voice conversion.
MEMS microphone is an acronym for micro-electro-mechanical systems.
In the case of microphones, MEMS microphone plays the role of a transducer that converts sound waves into electrical signals by creating a diaphragm on a Si substrate using thin-film microfabrication technology. The MEMS device can also integrate ICs on the same substrate.
Uses of MEMS Microphones
Typical uses of MEMS microphone are microphones for smartphones. They are used not only in smartphones but also in a wide variety of audio and applications. They are also used in machinery, including biotechnology, medicine, and automobiles, and have attracted much attention in recent years.
With the recent rapid spread of smartphones and other electronic devices, microphone technology has also developed. In order to muffle noise and make calls in crowded places, electronic devices need to be equipped with multiple microphones.
This has led to a situation where MEMS microphones are attracting attention as a compact and high-performance alternative to conventional ECMs (electret condenser microphones).
Principle of MEMS Microphones
The principle of MEMS microphone is to detect the change in the capacitance value of the diaphragm, which is a MEMS element, when it is vibrated by sound waves, and to convert it into an electrical signal for output. The MEMS microphones are often amplified by the IC and handled as analog signal voltage/current values, or processed with digital signal processing (ADC) to perform highly efficient pulse width modulation (PWM) processing.
The MEMS microphone itself consists of a substrate covered by a cover, which has a single small hole to allow audio to enter the microphone and be detected by the MEMS element, MEMS microphones offer numerous advantages over conventional ECM microphones, including smaller size, higher heat resistance, reflow soldering capability, higher sound quality, improved reliability, longer battery life, and lower cost.
Applications where MEMS microphones are particularly well suited are those in environments with a lot of electrical noise. In environments where there is a lot of vibration, the relatively low output impedance of MEMS microphones and their superior noise rejection, combined with digital signal processing in integrated ICs, can reduce the harmful noise level caused by this mechanical vibration.
Other Information on MEMS Microphones
1. Comparison of ECM and MEMS Microphones
Compared to MEMS Microphones, ECMs are more difficult to use when mounted on high-density electronic devices because they are more difficult to miniaturize and reflow, etc. On the other hand, ECMs have many advantages that current MEMS microphones do not have, such as they have been used for a long time, they are available in a wide variety of types, so it is easy to utilize past design assets, they have a very wide range of specifications such as supply voltage range, and there are products with excellent sound directional characteristics. There are products with excellent sound directionality, which are not yet available with current MEMS microphones.
ECMs may be better suited for some applications than MEMS microphones, so it is important to choose the right one for your situation.
2. Examples of Application to AI Speakers
As of FY2022, many electronic devices, especially smartphones, are now equipped with numerous MEMS microphones. Until now, users have had little experience with the performance of MEMS microphones, and many users have not been aware of the fact that ECMs are being replaced by MEMS microphones in the market.
AI speakers, which have become a hot topic in recent years, requiring high-performance microphones, should benefit from MEMS microphones because they are directly linked to the quality of the user experience. In fact, a MEMS microphone that is cloud-free and capable of AI detection of several dozen keywords with an AI chip in the IC inside the MEMS microphone is being researched and developed by one manufacturer.
In the near future, it will not be too far off in the future when AI speakers that are commonly found in homes and cars will realize that their operation and sound quality are technologically supported by the high-performance technology of MEMS microphones.
List of 12 MEMS Microphone Manufacturers
*Including some distributors, etc.
Sort by Features
- Default
- Company Size: largest first
- Year Founded: oldest first
- Year Founded: earliest first
Sort by Area
- United States of America
- China
- Denmark
- Germany
- Japan
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Knowles Electronics, LLC.
Surface Mount MEMS Microphones
Manufacturer Overview
Knowles Electronics, LLC is an Illinois-based manufacturer and supplier of micro-acoustic, audio processing, and precision device solutions founded in 1946. The company is a subsidiary of Knowles Corporation, serving clients in various markets including communications, consumer electronics, defense, and medical technology. Knowles Electronics, LLC’s product range includes microphones used in smartphones and hearing aids, speakers such as bone conduction transducers, and processors as well as precision devices for voice recognition and oscillators. The company operates in 11 different countries including China, India, Switzerland, and the UK.
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InvenSense
Analog & Digital MEMS Microphones
Company Overview
InvenSense, founded in 2003 and based in San Jose, California, was a manufacturer, supplier, and provider of MEMS sensor platforms for consumer electronics. The company specializes in producing micro-electro-mechanical systems, gyroscopes, accelerometers, and other motion-tracking sensors. These components found applications in mobile, wearables, smart home, industrial, and automotive products, providing features like image stabilization and gesture recognition. The company was acquired by TDK Corporation in 2017, expanding TDK's portfolio of sensor technologies.
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SIMAC Electronics GmbH
MEMS MICROPHONE
Manufacturer Overview
Simac Electronics, situated in Neukirchen-Vluyn, Germany, is a pan-European manufacturer and developer specializing in computer electronics and open-source hardware. The company offers a broad spectrum of products, including sensors, development boards, high-end PCs, industrial systems, and educational solutions. With a specialization on development, production, and service, it provides a comprehensive one-stop solution. Its product lineup also encompasses measuring devices, linker kit buzzers, cables, and voltage converters. Additionally, it markets special systems and electronic components under its "Joy-IT" brand.
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Hosiden Corporation
MEMS Microphone Units
Manufacturer Overview
Hoisden Corporation, founded in 1950, is a manufacturer and retailer of electronic components based in Kitakyuhoji, Japan. The products include transducers, electromechanical components, acoustic components, and wireless components. The transducers are speakers, receivers, microphones, and touch sensors, whereas the electro-mechanical components include HDMI connectors, USB connectors, miniature jacks, detector switches, and remote control units used in telecommunication, healthcare, home, and amusement industries. The company runs an OEM, ODM, and EMS contract and production service department, collaborating with the customer to plan, design and produce products according to their desired design or specifications.
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Nisshinbo Micro Devices Inc.
MEMS Microphone Elements
Manufacturer Overview
Nisshinbo Micro Devices Inc., established in 1959, and headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is a manufacturer of semiconductors and electronic components. The company specializes in producing integrated circuits, discrete semiconductors, optoelectronic devices, which caters to industries such as telecommunications, automotive, and consumer electronics. The company holds ISO 9001 and IATF 16949 certifications, ensuring quality in their products which are used for various applications, including wireless communication, automotive systems, and industrial automation, providing crucial electronic components for advanced technologies in various industrial and commercial sectors.
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Acme Chip Technology Co.
MEMS MICROPHONES
Manufacturer Overview
Acme Chip Technology Co. Ltd., founded in 2008 and based in Shenzhen, China, is a distributor of electronic components that is ISO 9001 certified. Its products include sensors, power supplies, and optical inspection equipment sourced from several manufacturers, including Advanced Linear Devices Inc., Central Semiconductor Corp., and Fluke. The company also offers a large stock of electronic components, including obsolete components and old code chips that are always available for immediate shipment.
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STMicroelectronics
MEMS Microphones
Manufacturer Overview
ST Micro Electronics is a global semiconductor company serving customers with innovations to have a positive impact on people's lives. Their product line is micro electronic systems, such as switches, controllers, sensors and drivers. The main selling point of ST Micro Electronics is its provision of sustainable products, and introducing their electronics to create a more sustainable world. The company, as well as providing the electronic devices, also provides software and support, ensuring that all fields are covered to provide a fully provide a supported and strong relationship with their customer base. ST Micro Electronics believe that technology plays a key role in helping to solve environmental and social challenges, which is why their semiconductor technologies start with their employees, their customers and partners.
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shengyuic
MEMS Microphones
Company Overview
Shenzhen Shengyu Electronics Technology Ltd., founded in 2008 and headquartered in Shenzhen, China, is an electric component distributor that is ISO 9001 certified. The company stocks several components, including switches, capacitors, and resistors, which it sources from multiple manufacturers like Seiko Instruments, Inc., Renesas Electronics America, and Nuvoton Technology Corporation America. Depending on the size and configuration of the customer’s components, the company provides a full range of packaging services. It accepts single or multiple-part quotations, and its website allows customers to search hundreds of products ranging from ICs to computer accessories.
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DB Products Limited
MEMS Microphone
Distributor Overview
DB Products Limited is a company established in 1976 and based in Hong Kong, China, as a supplier of acoustic components. It manufactures various products, such as MEMS microphones, external drive piezo transducers, mechanical buzzers, noise-cancelling electret condenser microphones, and asymmetric ultrasonic sensors. Each of its manufactured products is in compliance with the REACH standards. The company marketed its manufactured products across China to cater for the electronics, telecommunications, audio, robotics, and home appliances sectors.
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MEMS Microphone Manufacturer Ranking
*Including some distributors, etc.Ranking as of April 2024
Derivation Method| Rank | Company | Click Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | DB Products Limited |
17.3%
|
| 2 | SIMAC Electronics GmbH |
10.4%
|
| 3 | Sonion. |
10.4%
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| 4 | Hoshiden Co., Ltd. |
10.4%
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| 5 | Vesper Technologies, Inc. |
8.9%
|
| 6 | InvenSense |
7.9%
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| 7 | Knowles Electronics, LLC. |
7.9%
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| 8 | Nisshinbo Micro Devices Inc. |
6.9%
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| 9 | Hosiden Corporation |
5.9%
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| 10 | STMicroelectronics |
5.9%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the mems microphone page as of April 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
- Nisshinbo Micro Devices Inc.: 2,164
- Hosiden Corporation: 590
- Hoshiden Co., Ltd.: 590
Newly Established Company
- InvenSense: 2003 (21 years ago)
- Sonion.: 1974 (50 years ago)
- Nisshinbo Micro Devices Inc.: 1959 (65 years ago)
Company with a History
- Knowles Electronics, LLC.: 1946 (78 years ago)
- Hosiden Corporation: 1950 (74 years ago)
- Hoshiden Co., Ltd.: 1950 (74 years ago)
MEMS Microphone Manufacturers in United States
*Including some distributors, etc.
Global Distribution of MEMS Microphone Manufacturers by Country
*Including some distributors, etc.
| Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
|---|---|---|
United States of America
|
3 | 33.3% |
Japan
|
3 | 33.3% |
Germany
|
1 | 11.1% |
Denmark
|
1 | 11.1% |
China
|
1 | 11.1% |
