Robustness of MEMS microphones

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HenkMartijn
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Hi!

Does anybody know what happens when a MEMS microphone is subjected to extreme soundpressures (well above the Acoustic overload point, AOP), do they get permanentely damaged?

Suggestions for some other microphone technology?

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Deepa_V
Moderator
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First comment on KBA 50 likes received 250 replies posted

Hi @HenkMartijn ,

AOP is generally defined as the sound pressure level at which Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) exceeds 10%. It is advised for optimal performance of the microphone, the application employs the microphone below this level.  If you can tell us what application you are planning to use the microphone for, we can suggest accordingly. Please go through https://www.infineon.com/cms/en/product/sensor/mems-microphones/mems-microphones-for-consumer/ for the available variants. 

Best Regards,

Deepa

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Deepa_V
Moderator
Moderator
Moderator
First comment on KBA 50 likes received 250 replies posted

Hi @HenkMartijn ,

AOP is generally defined as the sound pressure level at which Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) exceeds 10%. It is advised for optimal performance of the microphone, the application employs the microphone below this level.  If you can tell us what application you are planning to use the microphone for, we can suggest accordingly. Please go through https://www.infineon.com/cms/en/product/sensor/mems-microphones/mems-microphones-for-consumer/ for the available variants. 

Best Regards,

Deepa

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Well, the application needs to measure the time of arival of a shock wave, with a sound pressure well above AOP. Distortion and clipping is not much of a problem, but damaging the sensor is.

Regards,

 

Henk

 

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Deepa_V
Moderator
Moderator
Moderator
First comment on KBA 50 likes received 250 replies posted

Hi @HenkMartijn ,

We have tested our microphones with upto continuous ~150dBSPL for 12 hours and see no concern on Microphone operation after the SPL event. Would you able to tell us the Static Pressure Level that you are expecting for the shock waves so that we can guide you accordingly?

Best regards,

Deepa

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Hi!

well, If youhave a sensor that can withstand  shock waves of 8 kPa (~170 dB SPL) that would be great! However it is not continious, only incidental short pulses.

 

Regards,

 

Henk

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HenkMartijn
Level 1
Level 1
5 replies posted 10 sign-ins 5 sign-ins

Hi!

well, If youhave a sensor that can withstand  shock waves of 8 kPa (~170 dB SPL) that would be great! However it is not continious, only incidental short pulses.

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Deepa_V
Moderator
Moderator
Moderator
First comment on KBA 50 likes received 250 replies posted

Hi @HenkMartijn ,

We are looking into your query. Will soon get back to you with a suitable option. 

Best regards,

Deepa

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Deepa_V
Moderator
Moderator
Moderator
First comment on KBA 50 likes received 250 replies posted

Hi @HenkMartijn ,

Sorry for the delay, you can use any MEMS microphone in our portfolio only the pressure rise time has to be less than 1bar/ms.

Best regards,

Deepa

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