Tiny Speaker Busts Past Sound Limits with Ultrasound

Originally published on hackaday.com by Donald Papp on 27 November 2023

A groundbreaking development in speaker technology introduces the Cypress, heralded as the first-ever 140 dB, full-range MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) speaker. Unlike conventional speakers that rely on moving air to generate sound, the Cypress employs ultrasonic frequencies to create pressure, presenting new possibilities, particularly in terms of achieving maximum volume. While the exceptional volume capacity may suggest potential for ear-splitting music playback, the primary focus of this design is on highly effective noise cancellation, especially in compact devices like earbuds.

The Cypress is manufactured by xMEMS, a MEMS speaker specialist, and is set to be available for sampling by June 2024. The significance of its impressive volume capability lies in its potential to deliver robust noise cancellation, effectively drowning out external disturbances such as jackhammers. Achieving powerful noise cancellation in low frequencies poses a considerable challenge in compact form factors, making the Cypress a noteworthy innovation in this regard. The use of ultrasonic waves for audible sound production aligns with emerging trends in technology, such as employing transducer arrays to focus sound akin to a laser beam.

It’s worth noting that while ultrasonic technology has diverse applications, its use in some contexts can lead to unintended consequences, such as causing sensors in intricate electronic systems to provide inaccurate readings. Despite potential challenges, the Cypress represents a significant advancement in MEMS speaker technology, promising enhanced noise cancellation capabilities for small devices like earbuds.

We’ve seen quite a few speakers ranging from board components to headphones, it would be super cool to have a component like this though!

Read more: Tiny Speaker Busts Past Sound Limits with Ultrasound

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