The advanced testing facility will answer engineers’ need for new MEMS microphone application development, enabling bit-perfect recording quality for ultimate audio experience
New Delhi, July 28, 2014 – STMicroelectronics , a global semiconductor leader serving customers across the spectrum of electronics applications, announced it has opened a new MEMS Microphone Lab (Anechoic Chamber) in Taiwan to test and analyze high-performance audio applications built with ST’s MEMS microphones.
ST’s new advanced MEMS Microphone lab will focus on all-level audio performance testing from components (microphone or acoustic components) to modules and systems, including smart phones, tablets, notebooks, TVs, and remote controls, ensuring superior recording and sound quality, shorter debugging period, and faster time to market for end applications.
“With the increasing demand for advanced microphone applications in the Greater China region, it is imperative for ST to strengthen its local technology and application support,” said Francois Guibert, Executive Vice President and President of ST’s Greater China and South Asia Region. “Establishing a new advanced testing lab facility in Taiwan will allow us to work even more closely with our key customers and partners in the region to optimize the quality of their products at all levels and develop innovative applications with excellent audio performance.”
“Good application design demands comprehensive testing, and ST always makes sure that our customers and partners have the most complete set of tools necessary to create those designs,” said Benedetto Vigna, Executive Vice President and General Manager of ST’s Analog, MEMS & Sensors Group. “The investment in the new testing facility confirms our commitment to support the increasing demand for MEMS microphone applications and a step forward to further drive the MEMS microphone market growth.”
Taiwan is home to a number of top-tier global ODMs (Original Design Manufacturer) and some of the world’s largest EMS (Electronic Manufacturing Services) companies. It is also the world’s second largest producer of IT products. With its comprehensive semiconductor-industry supply chain, from integrated-circuit (IC) design and manufacturing to packaging and testing, accounting for almost 70 percent of the world’s contract IC chip output and a quarter of the global IC design market, Taiwan has been selected as the ideal location for ST’s advanced MEMS Microphone facility.
Equipped with the APx525 Family Audio Analyzer from Audio Precision, ST’s new MEMS Microphone Lab in Taiwan complies with the ISO 3744/3745 industrial acoustic standard and environmental noise regulation, as well as Intel’s Speech and Voice Recognition Standard.
According to IHS’ latest report[1], global MEMS microphone shipments rose by 37% year-on-year from 1.9 billion in 2012to 2.6 billion units in 2013. By 2017, the shipments are forecast to reach 5.4 billion units.
[1] Source: IHS MEMS Microphones Report – 2014, February 2014
