What Is a MEMS Microphone?
1 min read
Quick answer
A MEMS microphone is a very small micro-electromechanical sensor that converts sound (air-pressure changes) into an electrical signal. It's the standard in phones and smart devices.
How Does It Work?
Sound waves vibrate a tiny diaphragm inside it; this is read as a capacitance change and turned into an electrical signal.
Analog and Digital
| Type | Output |
|---|---|
| Analog | Continuous voltage (read with an ADC) |
| Digital (PDM/I2S) | Digital data, noise-robust |
Where Is It Used?
Phones, headphones, smart speakers, laptops and voice-command systems.
SNR and Sensitivity
Two values set microphone quality: sensitivity (the size of the signal it gives at a certain sound pressure) and SNR (signal-to-noise ratio). A high SNR means clean, clear sound recording even in a quiet environment.
Common Mistakes
- Blocking the sound hole: if the microphone port is blocked the sound weakens.
- Not amplifying the analog signal: an analog MEMS output is small; an amplifier/ADC is needed.
- Ignoring noise: analog lines are open to external interference; the digital type is safer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the MEMS microphone so common?+
Being very small, cheap, stable and suited to automated placement, it's the standard in modern devices.
Digital or analog MEMS microphone?+
Digital (PDM/I2S) for noise robustness and easy connection; analog for a simple/cheap solution.
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