News Article
MEMS microphones on the move
EPCOS acquires microphone technology from Technitrol
EPCOS, a leading manufacturer of electronic components, modules and systems, has acquired the development activities of MEMS microphones from Technitrol, Inc. (MEMS Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems). The asset transfer agreement concluded between the two companies also includes patents; the acquisition sum is in the mid single-digit million euro range.
This acquisition opens up the growth market for miniaturized MEMS microphones to EPCOS. They are used especially in mobile phones and Bluetooth headsets. The market volume of these applications is already in the triple-digit million euro range.
In the future EPCOS will develop, manufacture and sell MEMS microphones worldwide. In contrast, Technitrol will no longer offer MEMS microphones, which were originally established on the market under the brand Sonion, except to fulfill certain limited commitments.
Growth opportunities thanks to an extended product range
The new MEMS microphones mean that EPCOS is extending its value-added share, especially in mobile phones. The EPCOS range will cover not only the radio frequency but also the audio frequency range for voice and sound. EPCOS has been world market leader in RF filters for mobile phone applications for many years already. The product range comprises discrete filters as well as integrated modules for use in the transmit and receive systems of mobile phones, for example.
In addition to mobile phones, MEMS microphones can also be used in notebook computers and digital cameras.
EPCOS packaging competence opens up enormous miniaturization potential
EPCOS combines the know-how developed by Technitrol in MEMS microphones with its own competence in manufacturing highly miniaturized electronic components. Thus, the cost-effective chip-sized MEMS package (CSMP®) technology developed by EPCOS will be used for the packages of the new microphones. MEMS microphones in CSMP technology are up to 80 percent smaller than conventional types. Their antenna effect for electromagnetic interference fields is also lower, as the CSMP package shields the microphones from interference fields.
In contrast to conventional electret microphones, silicon-based MEMS microphones can be processed with SMD placement systems and RoHS-compatible reflow soldering. This allows customers to simplify their manufacturing processes and reduce costs. They also improve the environmental balance of their equipment, as disposal of the MEMS microphones no longer produces any hazardous substances.
This acquisition opens up the growth market for miniaturized MEMS microphones to EPCOS. They are used especially in mobile phones and Bluetooth headsets. The market volume of these applications is already in the triple-digit million euro range.
In the future EPCOS will develop, manufacture and sell MEMS microphones worldwide. In contrast, Technitrol will no longer offer MEMS microphones, which were originally established on the market under the brand Sonion, except to fulfill certain limited commitments.
Growth opportunities thanks to an extended product range
The new MEMS microphones mean that EPCOS is extending its value-added share, especially in mobile phones. The EPCOS range will cover not only the radio frequency but also the audio frequency range for voice and sound. EPCOS has been world market leader in RF filters for mobile phone applications for many years already. The product range comprises discrete filters as well as integrated modules for use in the transmit and receive systems of mobile phones, for example.
In addition to mobile phones, MEMS microphones can also be used in notebook computers and digital cameras.
EPCOS packaging competence opens up enormous miniaturization potential
EPCOS combines the know-how developed by Technitrol in MEMS microphones with its own competence in manufacturing highly miniaturized electronic components. Thus, the cost-effective chip-sized MEMS package (CSMP®) technology developed by EPCOS will be used for the packages of the new microphones. MEMS microphones in CSMP technology are up to 80 percent smaller than conventional types. Their antenna effect for electromagnetic interference fields is also lower, as the CSMP package shields the microphones from interference fields.
In contrast to conventional electret microphones, silicon-based MEMS microphones can be processed with SMD placement systems and RoHS-compatible reflow soldering. This allows customers to simplify their manufacturing processes and reduce costs. They also improve the environmental balance of their equipment, as disposal of the MEMS microphones no longer produces any hazardous substances.
