Advanced MEMS-based microphones and RF relay
Advanced MEMS-based microphones and RF relay
Omron Electronic Components Business Europe has unveiled concept designs(Figure 3) for the world's smallest surface-mount microphone chip and a compact ultra-wideband RF relay.
Figure 3 The Omron RF switch using MEMS technology
The Omron MEMS microphone design is ultra-compact, only 1.2mm high and with a footprint of just 3.2×3.8mm. Operating from sub-3V supplies, it is aimed at next-generation mobile phones, and is ideal for a range of size-reduced applications. These include digital still and video cameras, pocket voice recorders, PCs and PDAs, together with automotive systems (car alarm sensors,hands-free equipment and voice-recognition, for example), and surveillance systems. Engineering samples will be available during the second-half of 2007,with volume production scheduled for 4Q 2008.
Omron's new radio-frequency switch design uses MEMS technology to dramatically improve reliability and product lifetime. MEMS technology provides an operational life of 100 million operations, which is orders-of- magnitude better reliability than conventional mechanical switches or relays. Designed for low loss and distortion, it will not only provide signal-switching in the latest mobile phones, but also in high-speed automatic test equipment and RF measuring instruments. Measuring a compact 5.2 × 3.0mm on the board and 1.6mm in height, the switch is ideal for high-density designs such as chip and logic testers, typically involving up to 64 test boards with up to 64 channels. Target specifications promise an ultra-wide 15GHz bandwidth and fast switching time of only 100μs. Production is planned in 2008.
For further information, please visit the web site: www.omroncomponents.co.uk
