iPhone 5 integrates three MEMS microphones
Research and Markets has added the "Reverse Costing Analysis on the iPhone 5 MEMS Microphones Knowles" report by System Plus Consulting, to its offerings.
Apple initiated the trend of integrating three MEMS microphones with the iPhone 5. Two manufacturers compete to integrate their analogue microphones, Knowles which largely dominates the MEMS microphone market (with half of the business) and AAC which is ranked No. 2 but is the main source for the iPhone5.
Both components are interchangeable in the iPhone 5, thus providing similar package/functionalities/price but with two different processes. Compared to the MEMS dies used in the previous iPhone, Knowles changed the design by integrating four transducers on the same silicon die, allowing to improve the Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR).
The microphone offers a full integration of a MEMS microphone and an amplification ASIC in one package.
The MEMS Microphone uses a free-floating diaphragm.
The common sensing principle is capacitive.
The component is provided in a specific 3-pins package, compatible with SMD process.
The microphone component is designed by Knowles Electronics, but both MEMS and ASIC dies production are outsourced.