Sennheiser has invested in startup sensiBel, whose MEMS microphones, measuring lower than 5 mm, use an optical system to seize sound.
Wedemark, Germany (February 21, 2024)—Sennheiser is amongst a gaggle of buyers pouring 7 million euros into Norwegian microphone firm sensiBel. The startup produces optical MEMS microphones; only some millimeters in measurement, MEMS microphones are usually used to seize sound in shopper electronics, automotive, conferencing options, and medical units.
sensiBel’s MEMS microphones, measuring lower than 5 mm, use mild waves to measure the motion of the diaphragm, after which interpret the ensuing information. In sensiBel’s optical system, a laser generates mild beams which might be projected onto the microphone membrane and mirrored on a photodetector. The mirrored beams are captured and processed in an Utility Particular Built-in Circuit (ASIC) with a digital output information interface. In response to the corporate, it’s a distinctly totally different strategy as in comparison with competing MEMS microphones, which generally measure an electrical subject between the shifting diaphragm and a backplate.
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The optical know-how permits the sensiBel MEMS microphones to measure very small actions and in flip seize very low noise ranges, even when there’s a excessive stage of loud background noise. Moreover, the optical MEMS microphone can reportedly face up to excessive SPLs, aiding within the creation of distortion-free recordings in loud environments—as an illustration, a rock live performance. The mics are spec’d at 80 dBA SNR (14 dBA noise ground), having a 132 dB dynamic vary, providing 24-bit digital output, and, given their small measurement, requiring low energy consumption.
Noting his firm’s funding, Sennheiser co-CEO Andreas Sennheiser stated in an announcement, “sensiBel’s progressive optical MEMS know-how is clearly [a] promising rising subject. As buyers, we sit up for actively driving ahead this groundbreaking improvement.”