sensiBel Partners with X-Celeprint to Scale High-Volume Optical MEMS Microphone Production

sensiBel, a Norwegian company specializing in optical MEMS technology, has partnered with X-Celeprint to scale the production of its 80dBA signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) optical MEMS microphones. The collaboration aims to leverage X-Celeprint’s Micro-Transfer Printing (MTP) technology, which enables high-volume, high-precision integration of components.

According to Kieran Harney, CEO of sensiBel, the partnership is a significant step in overcoming traditional limitations in photonics assembly.

The partnership will allow sensiBel to integrate its core enabling technology, optoKore™, into its acoustic microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) sensors. OptoKore is a precision optical-detection module that captures the displacement of the MEMS-based diaphragm. As the diaphragm moves, the optical path changes, and the microphone converts these changes directly into a digital audio signal.

This technology supports high dynamic range (>136dB), wide frequency range (DC to MHz), low power consumption, small size (mm3 range), and fully digital output. The optoKore module is a crucial differentiator in sensiBel’s microphone, enabling the company to achieve a minimum of 80dBA SNR, greater than 146dB SPL acoustic overload point (AOP), and over 132dB dynamic range.

Kieran Harney highlighted the benefits of the partnership, stating, "In moving to MTP, we’re aligning the manufacture of optoKore with standard MEMS processes at wafer scale. As a result, we can make thousands of our optical modules on a single wafer. This puts us in a great position to meet demand for high-volume applications, including consumer electronics."

Peter Smyth, CEO of X-Celeprint, expressed excitement about the collaboration.

X-Celeprint’s MTP technology is designed to enable mass-market adoption of high-performance photonics through the heterogenous integration of components with repeatable nanoscale alignment in high-volume manufacturing environments. The company provides process technologies for the development of printable devices such as lasers, uLEDs, photodetectors, and passive optics.

sensiBel’s optical MEMS microphones integrate a traditional ASIC and MEMS sensor, combined with optoKore, a precision optical-detection module. The module captures the displacement of the MEMS-based diaphragm, converting these changes directly into a digital audio signal. This technology offers significant advantages in terms of performance, efficiency, and market differentiation.

The partnership between sensiBel and X-Celeprint is expected to drive innovation in the MEMS microphone market, particularly in high-volume applications such as consumer electronics. By leveraging X-Celeprint’s MTP technology, sensiBel aims to meet growing demand for advanced acoustic sensors and microphones.