xMems, a company specializing in micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS), has unveiled its latest innovation in sound technology: the Cypress mems demodulator/transducer. This device promises to provide a high-quality audio experience in noise-cancelling earbuds, making it a noteworthy addition to the audio industry.
The company claims that the Cypress is a "full-range" device and is capable of producing an impressive >140dB low frequency SPL (sound pressure level), which means that it can be used as a replacement for coil speakers in noise-cancelling earbuds. The Cypress operates using three components: a conventional wireless earbud receiver IC, a custom modulator IC (branded ‘Alta’), and the Cypress mems demodulator/transducer itself.
What makes this technology stand out is the way the modulator IC works. It mixes an ultrasonic carrier and the audio signal to produce two signals for the transducer: a "side-band suppressed carrier" signal and a synchronised demodulation signal. The side-band suppressed carrier is responsible for creating ultrasonic modulated pressure in the chamber while the synchronised demodulator signal generates the audio, thus producing a high-quality sound experience.
Crafted with membrane actuators within the mems transducer, the side-band suppressed carrier produces ultrasonic modulated pressure in chamber, which is known as xMems. The synchronised demodulator signal, on the other hand, goes into the ‘valve’ actuators (SV left) which demodulate the ultrasonic pressures to generate audio.
One of the exciting things about the Cypress mems demodulator/transducer is its near-constant electrical-to-acoustic group delay. This means it can significantly reduce DSP filter complexity, resulting in shorter DSP latency and lower power consumption when processing active noise cancellation. The device delivers a total harmonic distortion of less than 0.5%, and its packaged mems measures 6.3 x 6.5 x 1.65mm (9mm diagonal).
Overall, the Cypress mems demodulator/transducer appears to be a game-changer in the audio industry. Its impressive specifications and innovative design show that the future of sound technology is bright, and we can't wait to see what xMems has in store for us next.
Português
USD $
