Summary of COMPARING MEMS AND ELECTRET CONDENSER MICROPHONES
MEMS microphones integrate a MEMS component on a PCB with a mechanical cover, featuring either top- or bottom-ported holes. They utilize a semiconductor diaphragm forming a capacitor and often include a second die for an audio preamplifier. Digital versions add an ADC using Pulse Density Modulation (PDM) for single-line communication. Electret Condenser Microphones (ECM) use a fixed-charge diaphragm near a conductive plate to form a capacitor, amplified by an internal JFET in a common-source configuration, requiring external load resistors and DC blocking capacitors.
Parts used in the MEMS and ECM Microphone Projects:
- MEMS component
- Printed circuit board (PCB)
- Mechanical cover
- Semiconductor die
- Mechanical diaphragm
- Mounting structure
- Audio preamplifier
- Analog-to-digital converter (ADC)
- Electret diaphragm
- Conductive plate
- JFET
- External load resistor
- DC blocking capacitor
MEMS Microphone Basics
MEMS microphones are constructed with a MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical System) component placed on a printed circuit board (PCB) and protected with a mechanical cover. A small hole is fabricated in the case to allow sound into the microphone and is either designated as top-ported if the hole is in the top cover or bottom-ported if the hole is in the PCB. The MEMS component is often designed with a mechanical diaphragm and mounting structure created on a semiconductor die.
The MEMS diaphragm forms a capacitor and sound pressure waves cause movement of the diaphragm. MEMS microphones typically contain a second semiconductor die which functions as an audio preamplifier, converting the changing capacitance of the MEMS to an electrical signal. The output of the audio preamplifier is provided to the user if an analog output signal is desired. If a digital output signal is desired, then an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) is included on the same die as the audio preamplifier. A common format used for the digital encoding in MEMS microphones is pulse density modulation (PDM), which allows for communication with only a clock and a single data line. Decoding of the digital signal at the receiver is simplified due to the single bit encoding of the data.
Electret Condenser Microphone Basics
Electret Condenser Microphones (ECM) are constructed as shown in the figure below.
An electret diaphragm (material with a fixed surface charge) is spaced close to a conductive plate, and similar to MEMS microphones, a capacitor is formed with the air gap as the dielectric. Voltage across the capacitor varies as the value of the capacitance changes due to sound pressure waves moving the electret diaphragm, ΔV = Q/ ΔC. The capacitor voltage variations are amplified and buffered by a JFET internal to the microphone housing. The JFET is typically configured in a common-source configuration, while an external load resistor and dc blocking capacitor are used in the external application circuit.
Read more: COMPARING MEMS AND ELECTRET CONDENSER MICROPHONES
- How is sound allowed into a MEMS microphone?
A small hole is fabricated in the case, designated as top-ported if in the cover or bottom-ported if in the PCB. - What causes movement of the MEMS diaphragm?
Sound pressure waves cause the movement of the diaphragm. - How do MEMS microphones convert capacitance changes to electrical signals?
A second semiconductor die functioning as an audio preamplifier converts the changing capacitance. - What format is commonly used for digital encoding in MEMS microphones?
Pulse density modulation (PDM) is commonly used for digital encoding. - How many lines are required for PDM communication?
PDM allows for communication with only a clock and a single data line. - What material characterizes an electret diaphragm?
An electret diaphragm is a material with a fixed surface charge. - What type of transistor amplifies the signal inside an ECM housing?
A JFET internal to the microphone housing amplifies and buffers the signal. - What components are typically used in the external application circuit for an ECM?
An external load resistor and dc blocking capacitor are used.
