Tiny MEMS mic is built for hearing aids

The ADMP801 MEMS omnidirectional microphone from Analog Devices was developed specifically for hearing aid applications, providing high performance and low power consumption in a very small package. With a volume of only 7.3 mm³ , the unit is not only much smaller than commonly used electret condenser microphones, but also offers greater performance stability over time, temperature, and environmental changes.

The mic has a very low equivalent input noise (EIN) figure of 27 dBA SPL, and consumes only 17 µA from a 1-V supply. The bottom-ported MEMS device’s noise performance, package size, and phase and gain stability, as well as its $10.78 / 1,000 price, enable multiple units to be used for beam-forming to facilitate sound localization in advanced hearing aids. Production quantities of the microphone are currently available in 3.35 x 2.50 x 0.98-mm reflow-solderable surface-mount packages, and a $95 evaluation kit (EVAL-ADMP801Z-FLEX) is also offered.  For more details, download this DATA SHEET.