With Electrostatic Microphone Patents (Class 381/113)
-
Patent number: 9580299Abstract: A MEMS device and a method of making a MEMS device are disclosed. In one embodiment a semiconductor device comprises a substrate, a moveable electrode and a counter electrode, wherein the moveable electrode and the counter electrode are mechanically connected to the substrate. The movable electrode is configured to stiffen an inner region of the movable membrane.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2015Date of Patent: February 28, 2017Assignee: Infineon Technologies AGInventors: Alfons Dehe, Martin Wurzer, Christian Herzum
-
Patent number: 9584924Abstract: A unidirectional condenser microphone includes a diaphragm, a fixed electrode disposed opposite a back face of the diaphragm and an electrode extraction part for the fixed electrode disposed at a backside of the fixed electrode and having a through hole adapted to capture a sound wave from a rear acoustic terminal into a backside of the diaphragm. The through hole has a horn-shaped opening formed in continuation of the through hole at the rear acoustic terminal side thereof such that an inner diameter of the horn-shaped opening is increased toward the rear acoustic terminal side. The electrode extraction part has a plurality of the through holes formed therein at regular intervals along a concentric circle around an axial center of the electrode extraction part, and all the through holes along the concentric circle have the horn-shaped openings formed therein, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2014Date of Patent: February 28, 2017Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA AUDIO-TECHNICAInventor: Hiroshi Akino
-
Patent number: 9578424Abstract: Systems and methods of sensing audio with a MEMS microphone that modulates a frequency of a phase-locked loop. The MEMS microphone includes a movable electrode and a stationary electrode. The movable electrode is configured such that acoustic pressures acting on the movable electrode cause movement of the movable electrode. A voltage-controlled oscillator of the phase-locked loop is coupled to the MEMS microphone and receives a control signal. The voltage-controlled oscillator also generates an oscillating signal based on the control signal and a capacitance between the movable electrode and the stationary electrode. A phase detector of the phase-locked loop receives and determines a phase difference between the oscillating signal and a reference signal. The phase detector further generates the control signal based on the phase difference. A controller is configured to receive the control signal and determine an audio signal based on the control signal.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2015Date of Patent: February 21, 2017Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventor: Sucheendran Sridharan
-
Patent number: 9571938Abstract: A capacitive MEMS microphone element is described which may be used optionally for detecting acoustic signals (microphone mode) or for detecting ultrasound signals in a defined frequency range (ultrasound mode). In the layered structure of the MEMS microphone element, at least two carrier elements for the two electrode sides of a capacitor system are formed one above the other and at a distance from one another for signal detection. At least one of the two carrier elements is sound pressure-sensitive and at least one of the two electrode sides includes at least two electrode segments which are electrically contactable independent of one another, which together with the at least one electrode of the other electrode side form partial capacitances which are independent of one another.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2014Date of Patent: February 14, 2017Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBHInventors: Christoph Schelling, Rolf Scheben, Ricardo Ehrenpfordt
-
Patent number: 9510107Abstract: A sensor structure may include a first suspended structure and a second suspended structure disposed from the first suspended structure to form a volume. The first suspended structure and the second suspended structure may be arranged relative to each other such that a received pressure wave entering the volume between the first suspended structure and the second suspended structure generates a displacement of the first suspended structure to a first direction and a displacement of the second suspended structure to a second direction different from the first direction and the displacement may generate a measurable signal.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2014Date of Patent: November 29, 2016Assignee: INFINEON TECHNOLOGIES AGInventors: Alfons Dehe, Marina Fekry Megally Bastarous
-
Patent number: 9500501Abstract: In accordance with a startup circuit, a capacitive sensor amplification device having the startup circuit, and a startup method for the amplification device, a startup time can be shortened by connecting the high impedance resistor of an amplifier to a predetermined voltage source during startup. The capacitive sensor amplification device includes an amplification unit for amplifying a signal input to the amplification device; and a startup circuit for improving a startup time of the amplification unit, wherein the startup circuit includes a comparator for receiving an output of the amplification unit as a first comparison signal, receiving a preset reference voltage as a second comparison signal, comparing the comparison signals with each other, and outputting a comparison result; and a switch for selecting and outputting one of a first voltage and a second voltage depending on the output of the comparator.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2013Date of Patent: November 22, 2016Assignee: CESIGN CO., LTD.Inventors: Soo Hyoung Lee, Jae Young Shin, Justin Jungsup Kim
-
Patent number: 9402131Abstract: A buffer is coupled to an acoustic motor. The buffer has an input and an output. The input has an input voltage and the output has an output voltage. The buffer is coupled to a load. The buffer includes an input transistor and push-pull transistor circuitry. The input transistor has a gate, a source, and a drain, a gate-to-source capacitance, and an area. The push-pull transistor circuitry is coupled to the input transistor. Under a first set of operating conditions, the gate to source voltage of the input transistor remains constant and the output voltage is a buffered copy of the input voltage. Under a second set of operating conditions, the push-pull transistor circuitry selectively sinks or sources additional current to the load so that linearity of buffer operation is provided. A gate-to-drain capacitance of the input transistor is buffered allowing the area of the input transistor to be increased without reducing the gain of the motor.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2014Date of Patent: July 26, 2016Assignee: KNOWLES ELECTRONICS, LLCInventors: Michael Jennings, Craig Stein, Dean Badillo
-
Patent number: 9392362Abstract: An apparatus for use with an electronic device having a microphone. The apparatus comprises a structure configured to detachably couple to the device, and a generator supported by the structure. The generator is configured to generate a force that acts on the microphone and renders the microphone unresponsive to voice sounds.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2014Date of Patent: July 12, 2016Assignee: VYSK COMMUNICATIONS, INC.Inventor: Waleed Sami Haddad
-
Patent number: 9357297Abstract: An audio signal adapter device and a system for transmitting an audio signal are provided. The audio signal adapter device comprises: a microphone, configured to receive the audio signal and to output the audio signal via an audio pin thereof; an amplifying unit configured to amplify the audio signal received via an audio input pin thereof and to output an amplified audio signal via an audio output pin thereof; and a USB adapter interface, connected with an audio signal receiving device and comprises an audio signal pin. The audio pin of the microphone is connected with the audio input pin of the amplifying unit, and the audio output pin of the amplifying unit is connected with the audio signal pin of the USB adapter interface.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2012Date of Patent: May 31, 2016Assignee: TENDYRON CORPORATIONInventor: Dongsheng Li
-
Patent number: 9350305Abstract: Described herein is a preamplifier circuit for a capacitive acoustic transducer provided with a MEMS detection structure that generates a capacitive variation as a function of an acoustic signal to be detected, starting from a capacitance at rest; the preamplifier circuit is provided with an amplification stage that generates a differential output signal correlated to the capacitive variation. In particular, the amplification stage is an input stage of the preamplifier circuit and has a fully differential amplifier having a first differential input (INP) directly connected to the MEMS detection structure and a second differential input (INN) connected to a reference capacitive element, which has a value of capacitance equal to the capacitance at rest of the MEMS detection structure and fixed with respect to the acoustic signal to be detected; the fully differential amplifier amplifies the capacitive variation and generates the differential output signal.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2013Date of Patent: May 24, 2016Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.Inventors: Filippo David, Igino Padovani
-
Patent number: 9344808Abstract: A MEMS device includes a first plate coupled to a second plate and a fixed third plate formed on a first substrate. The first and second plates are displaced in the presence of an acoustic pressure differential across the surfaces of the first plate. The MEMS device also includes a first electrode formed on the third plate and a second electrode formed on the second substrate. The first, second plate, and third plates are contained in an enclosure formed by a first and second substrates. The device includes an acoustic port to expose the first plate to the environment. The MEMS device also includes a first gap formed between the second and third plates and a second gap formed between the second plate and the second electrode. The displacement of the second plate causes the first gap to change inversely to the second gap.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2014Date of Patent: May 17, 2016Assignee: INVENSENSE, INC.Inventors: Mei-Lin Chan, Michael Julian Daneman, Erhan Polatkan Ata, Xiang Li, Martin Lim
-
Patent number: 9337722Abstract: The present invention relates to a DC bias voltage circuit comprising a DC bias voltage generator adapted to supply a first DC voltage. A low-pass filter has an input operatively coupled to the first DC voltage to produce a second DC voltage at a low-pass filter output. The low-pass filter comprises an adjustable switched capacitor resistor setting a cut-off frequency of the low-pass filter and a controller is adapted to controlling a resistance of the adjustable switched capacitor resistor.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2012Date of Patent: May 10, 2016Assignee: INVENSENSE, INC.Inventor: Olafur Mar Josefsson
-
Patent number: 9319787Abstract: The accuracy and computationally efficient estimation of time different (or delay) of arrival (TDOA) data is improved for localization of a sound. In one aspect, for each acoustic source event, multiple sets of TDOA data are generated, where each set uses a different sensor or microphone to be the reference. One of the microphones is ultimately selected to be the reference microphone based, in part, on correlation functions of the various sets of TDOA data. The selected reference microphone is then used in sound source localization or other signal processing applications. The direction of the sound source is found using a VMRL finding algorithm as a function of a channel vector containing information of the selected channels, the reference channel and a TDOA vector.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2013Date of Patent: April 19, 2016Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Wai Chung Chu
-
Patent number: 9287834Abstract: Amplifier arrangements for read-out of MEMS capacitive transducers, such as low-noise amplifiers. An amplifier circuit has first and second MOS transistors, with the gate of the first transistor driven by the input signal, and the gate of the second transistor driven by a reference. The sources of the first and second transistors are connected via an impedance. Modulation circuitry is arranged to monitor a signal with a value that varies with the input signal and to modulate the back-bias voltage between the bulk and source terminals of the first and second transistors with the applied modulation being equal for each transistor and based on said monitored signal. The back-bias of the first transistor can be increase to extend the input range of the transistor in situations where the input signal may otherwise result in signal clipping, while avoiding noise and power issues for other input signal levels.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2014Date of Patent: March 15, 2016Assignee: Cirrus Logic International Semiconductor Ltd.Inventors: Jean Pierre Lasseuguette, James Deas
-
Patent number: 9258660Abstract: A method of initiating a reset sequence for a MEMS capacitive microphone. The method includes monitoring an output of a microphone and detecting a mute condition in the output of the microphone indicative of a fault condition. The method also includes activating a timing circuit. The timing circuit is configured to indicate when a certain time period since the initiation of the timing circuit has elapsed. Upon expiration of the time period indicated by the timing circuit, a microphone reset sequence is initiated.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2013Date of Patent: February 9, 2016Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventor: Matthew A. Zeleznik
-
Patent number: 9232317Abstract: An ultrasonic audio speaker includes an emitter and a driver. The emitter can include a first layer having a conductive surface; a second layer having a conductive surface; and an insulating layer disposed between the first and second conductive surfaces, wherein the first and second layers are disposed in touching relation to the insulating layer. The driver circuit can include two inputs configured to be coupled to receive an audio modulated ultrasonic signal from an amplifier and two outputs, wherein a first output is coupled to the conductive surface of the first layer and the second output is coupled to the conductive surface of the second layer. Either one or both of the conductive surfaces of the first and second layers may be graphene.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2014Date of Patent: January 5, 2016Assignee: Turtle Beach CorporationInventor: Elwood Grant Norris
-
Patent number: 9226071Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure pertain to a system and method for providing temperature limiting for a voice coil of a speaker. The system and method provide the aforementioned temperature limiting based upon monitoring (e.g., measurement) of an amplifier output signal provided to the speaker. Providing the aforementioned temperature limiting promotes improved protection for the speaker.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2012Date of Patent: December 29, 2015Assignee: Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.Inventor: Robert Polleros
-
Patent number: 9214911Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, a system for amplifying a signal provided by a capacitive signal source includes an impedance converter having an input node configured to be coupled to a first terminal of the capacitive signal source, and an adjustable capacitive network having a first node configured to be coupled to a second terminal of the capacitive signal source and a second node coupled to an output node of the impedance converter.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2012Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: INFINEON TECHNOLOGIES AGInventors: Michael Kropfitsch, Andreas Wiesbauer
-
Patent number: 9161125Abstract: The invention is directed to systems, methods and computer program products associated with a microphone system for receiving a sound and producing an output signal representing the sound. The microphone system has a first microphone having a first dynamic range, the first microphone to receive the sound and produce a first sound signal based on the received sound. It also has a second microphone having a second dynamic range, the second microphone to receive the sound and produce a second sound signal based on the received sound, wherein the first dynamic range and the second dynamic range overlap thereby forming a transition dynamic range and processing logic operatively coupled to the first microphone and the second microphone. The processing logic is configured to receive the first sound signal from the first microphone, receive the second sound signal from the second microphone, and generate the output signal by combining the first sound signal and the second sound signal.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2012Date of Patent: October 13, 2015Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Mobile Communications ABInventor: Martin Nystrom
-
Patent number: 9151662Abstract: A method for visualizing sound source energy distribution in an echoic environment comprises steps: arranging in an echoic environment a plurality of arrayed sound pickup units, wherein each sound pickup unit includes at least two microphones separated by a directive distance enabling the sound pickup unit to have a primary pickup direction; disposing the sound pickup units with the primary pickup directions thereof pointing toward a sound source in the echoic environment, and measuring the sound source by the sound pickup units to obtain a sound source-related parameter; substituting the directive distance and the parameter into an algorithm to make the parameter have directivity; and then substituting the parameter into an ESM algorithm to establish a sound source energy distribution profile. Thereby, the method can measure a sound source in a specified direction in an echoic environment and establish a visualized sound source energy distribution profile.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2012Date of Patent: October 6, 2015Assignee: NATIONAL TSING HUA UNIVERSITYInventors: Mingsian R. Bai, Ching-Cheng Chen, Yi-Yang Lo, Chun-Kai Wang, Shen-Wei Juan
-
Patent number: 9131291Abstract: An audio recording and playback device, of the present invention, capable of recording and playing back audio, comprises an audio input section for converting audio input during an audio recording operation into an electrical audio signal, a power feed section for carrying out power feeds to the audio input section by means of a balanced transmission line, an amplifier section for amplifying the audio signal, a boost section for generating a power feed voltage to be applied to the balanced transmission line and outputting to the power feed section, a output voltage changing section for carrying out control to vary the output voltage of the boost section, and a control section for controlling the power feed voltage of the power feed section by controlling the power feed section and the output voltage changing section.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2012Date of Patent: September 8, 2015Assignee: Olympus CorporationInventor: Koji Mizobuchi
-
Patent number: 9083288Abstract: The present invention relates to an audio amplification circuit with first and second signal channels which generate first and second digital audio signals with different signal amplifications from a common audio input signal and a method of amplifying a common audio input signal with different signal amplifications to provide first and second digital audio signals with different amplification. The audio amplification circuit is particularly well-adapted for cooperating with an external or integral audio signal controller configured for receipt and processing of the first and second digital audio signals.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2010Date of Patent: July 14, 2015Assignee: INVENSENSE, INC.Inventors: Henrik Thomsen, Jens Jorgen Gaarde Henriksen, Claus Furst
-
Patent number: 9078061Abstract: A stereo ribbon microphone includes four ribbon microphone units disposed in a circle on a single horizontal plane. The ribbon microphone units are alternately assigned to a right channel and a left channel along the circumferential of the circle.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2012Date of Patent: July 7, 2015Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Audio-TechnicaInventors: Haruhito Shimura, Hiroshi Akino
-
Patent number: 9036827Abstract: Ultrasonic signals are used to transmit sounds from a modulated ultrasonic generator to other locations from which the sounds appear to emanate. In particular, an ultrasonic carrier is modulated with an audio signal and demodulated on passage through the atmosphere. The carrier frequencies are substantially higher than those of prior systems, e.g., at least 60 kHz, and the modulation products thus have frequencies which are well above the audible range of humans; as a result, these signals are likely harmless to individuals who are within the ultrasonic fields of the system. The signals may be steered to moving locations, and various measures are taken to minimize distortion and maximize efficiency.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2011Date of Patent: May 19, 2015Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInventor: F. Joseph Pompei
-
Patent number: 9031266Abstract: An electrostatic loudspeaker comprises a membrane structure and an electrode structure. The membrane structure comprises a central membrane portion and a circumferential membrane portion. The electrode structure is configured to electrostatically interact with the membrane structure for causing a movement of the membrane structure along an axis of movement. The electrode structure comprises a circumferential electrode portion and an opening, the circumferential electrode portion being substantially aligned to the circumferential membrane portion and the opening being substantially aligned to the central membrane portion with respect to a direction parallel to the axis of movement. In an end position of the movement of the membrane structure, the central membrane portion is configured to extend at least partially through the opening. A method for operating an electrostatic loudspeaker and a method for manufacturing an electrostatic loudspeaker are also described.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2011Date of Patent: May 12, 2015Assignee: Infineon Technologies AGInventors: Alfons Dehe, Mohsin Nawaz, Christoph Glacer
-
Patent number: 9025794Abstract: An integrated circuit device includes a circuit board (1200?), the circuit board including a first diaphragm (714-1) that forms a first microphone, a second diaphragm (714-2) that forms a second microphone, and a differential signal generation circuit (720) that receives a first voltage signal obtained by the first microphone and a second voltage signal obtained by the second microphone, and generates a differential signal that indicates a difference between the first voltage signal and the second voltage signal.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2007Date of Patent: May 5, 2015Assignee: Funai Electric Co., Ltd.Inventors: Rikuo Takano, Kiyoshi Sugiyama, Toshimi Fukuoka, Masatoshi Ono, Ryusuke Horibe, Shigeo Maeda, Fuminori Tanaka, Takeshi Inoda, Hideki Choji
-
Patent number: 9025805Abstract: A condenser microphone includes a unit case that supports a condenser microphone unit, has an internal space in communication with a rear acoustic terminal of the microphone unit, and has an opening in a peripheral wall in communication with the internal space; a volume restrictor that reduces the volume of the internal space by partitioning the internal space; a circuit board disposed in the internal space and surrounded by the volume restrictor; and a rigid conductor that electrically connects a signal output terminal of the microphone unit and the circuit board. The circuit board intersects the center axis of the unit case. The rigid conductor is supported such that the rigid conductor slides along the volume restrictor. An elastic conductor is compressed between the rigid conductor and the circuit board or between the rigid conductor and the signal output terminal of the microphone unit.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2014Date of Patent: May 5, 2015Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Audio-TechnicaInventor: Hiroshi Akino
-
Patent number: 9014398Abstract: A charging circuit includes a charge pump circuit, an integrating circuit, and a clock signal output circuit. The charge pump circuit generates a boosted voltage by boosting an input voltage at a rate in synchronization with an input clock signal. The integrating circuit is configured to integrate the boosted voltage to apply the integrated boosted voltage to a boost capacitor. The clock signal output circuit is configured to output a second clock signal that is higher in frequency than a first clock signal to the charge pump circuit as the clock signal for a predetermined period of time upon start up, and thereafter output the first clock signal to the charge pump circuit as the clock signal.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2010Date of Patent: April 21, 2015Assignee: Semiconductor Components Industries, LLCInventor: Akinobu Onishi
-
Patent number: 9008332Abstract: A processing chip for a digital microphone and related input circuit and a digital microphone are described herein. In one aspect, the input circuit for a processing chip of a digital microphone includes: a PMOS transistor, a resistor, a current source, and a low-pass filter. The described processing chip possesses high anti high-frequency interference capabilities and the described input circuit possesses high high-frequency power supply rejection ratio.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2011Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: Beijing KT Micro, Ltd.Inventors: Wenjing Wang, Jianting Wang, Rongrong Bai, Jing Cao
-
Patent number: 9002037Abstract: A MEMS structure includes a backplate, a membrane, and an adjustable ventilation opening configured to reduce a pressure difference between a first space contacting the membrane and a second space contacting an opposite side of the membrane. The adjustable ventilation opening is passively actuated as a function of the pressure difference between the first space and the second space.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2012Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Assignee: Infineon Technologies AGInventors: Alfons Dehe, Matthias Herrmann, Ulrich Krumbein, Stefan Barzen, Wolfgang Klein, Wolfgang Friza, Martin Wurzer
-
Patent number: 8995689Abstract: Electronic devices and accessories such as headsets for electronic devices are provided. A microphone may be included in an accessory to capture sound for an associated electronic device. Buttons and other user interfaces may be included in the accessories. An accessory may have an audio plug that connects to a mating audio jack in an electronic device, thereby establishing a wired communications link between the accessory and the electronic device. The electronic device may include power supply circuitry for applying bias voltages to the accessory. The bias voltages may bias a microphone and may adjust settings in the accessory such as settings related to operating modes. User input information may be conveyed between the accessory and the electronic device using ultrasonic tone transmission. The electronic device may also gather input from the accessory using a voltage detector coupled to lines in the communications path.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2008Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Wendell B. Sander, Jeffrey Terlizzi, Douglas M. Farrar, Timothy Johnson, Brian Sander, Brian J. Conner, Jesse L. Dorogusker
-
Patent number: 8983093Abstract: Electronic devices and accessories such as headsets for electronic devices are provided. A microphone may be included in an accessory to capture sound for an associated electronic device. Buttons and other user interfaces may be included in the accessories. An accessory may have an audio plug that connects to a mating audio jack in an electronic device, thereby establishing a wired communications link between the accessory and the electronic device. The electronic device may include power supply circuitry for applying bias voltages to the accessory. The bias voltages may bias a microphone and may adjust settings in the accessory such as settings related to operating modes. User input information may be conveyed between the accessory and the electronic device using ultrasonic tone transmission. The electronic device may also gather input from the accessory using a voltage detector coupled to lines in the communications path.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2008Date of Patent: March 17, 2015Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Wendell B. Sander, Jeffrey Terlizzi, Douglas M. Farrar, Timothy Johnson, Brian Sander, Brian J. Conner, Jesse L. Dorogusker
-
Patent number: 8983090Abstract: An MEMS microphone is provided which includes a reference voltage/current generator configured to generate a DC reference voltage and a reference current; a first noise filter configured to remove a noise of the DC reference voltage; a voltage booster configured to generate a sensor bias voltage using the DC reference voltage the noise of which is removed; a microphone sensor configured to receive the sensor bias voltage and to generate an output value based on a variation in a sound pressure; a bias circuit configured to receive the reference current to generate a bias voltage; and a signal amplification unit configured to receive the bias voltage and the output value of the microphone sensor to amplify the output value. The first noise filter comprises an impedance circuit; a capacitor circuit connected to a output node of the impedance circuit; and a switch connected to both ends of the impedance circuit.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2013Date of Patent: March 17, 2015Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research InstituteInventors: Yi-Gyeong Kim, Min-Hyung Cho, Tae Moon Roh, Jong-Kee Kwon, Woo Seok Yang, Jongdae Kim
-
Patent number: 8983097Abstract: A MEMS structure and a method for operation a MEMS structure are disclosed. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a MEMS structure comprises a substrate, a backplate, and a membrane comprising a first region and a second region, wherein the first region is configured to sense a signal and the second region is configured to adjust a threshold frequency from a first value to a second value, and wherein the backplate and the membrane are mechanically connected to the substrate.Type: GrantFiled: February 29, 2012Date of Patent: March 17, 2015Assignee: Infineon Technologies AGInventors: Alfons Dehe, Martin Wurzer
-
Patent number: 8965008Abstract: A method for driving a condenser microphone is provided. The condenser microphone comprises a membrane and an electrode constituting a capacity. A polarization voltage is applied between the membrane and the electrode. According to the method, an electrical signal generated by the condenser microphone based on a received acoustic signal causing a deflection of the membrane) is detected, and the polarization voltage is varied in response to the detected electrical signal.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2011Date of Patent: February 24, 2015Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Mobile Communications ABInventor: Martin Nyström
-
Patent number: 8965013Abstract: The invention is directed to echo cancellation for a microphone system. An exemplary microphone system comprises a first transistor, wherein a gate terminal of the first transistor is connected to a ground terminal via a microphone electret element, the microphone electret element being associated with a capacitance and a voltage, the microphone electret element reverse biasing the first transistor; and a second transistor in parallel with the first transistor, wherein a gate terminal of the second transistor is connected to the ground terminal via a capacitor, the capacitance of the capacitor being selected to suppress at least a portion of a common mode signal, and wherein the gate terminal of the second transistor is not connected to the microphone electret element. The common mode signal comprises the echo, which may be the output of a speaker system that is received as input to the microphone system.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2012Date of Patent: February 24, 2015Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Mobile Communications ABInventors: Joakim Eriksson, Jonny Strandh
-
Patent number: 8942389Abstract: Systems and methods for adjusting a bias voltage and gain of the microphone to account for variations in a thickness of a gap between a movable membrane and a stationary backplate in a MEMS microphone due to the manufacturing process. The microphone is exposed to acoustic pressures of a first magnitude and a sensitivity of the microphone is evaluated according to a predetermined sensitivity protocol. The bias voltage of the microphone is adjusted when the microphone does not meet the sensitivity protocol. The microphone is then exposed to acoustic waves of a second magnitude that is greater than the first magnitude and a stability of the microphone is evaluated according to a predetermined stability protocol. The bias voltage and the gain of the microphone are adjusted when the microphone does not meet the stability protocol.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2011Date of Patent: January 27, 2015Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Sucheendran Sridharan, John Matthew Muza, Philip Sean Stetson
-
Patent number: 8897464Abstract: A condenser microphone includes a condenser microphone unit and a piezoelectric element. The piezoelectric element is disposed so as to generate piezoelectric signals in response to vibration causing the unit to generate vibratory noise signals. The piezoelectric signals are inputted through a low-pass filter and a level adjuster circuit to the unit to drive a diaphragm of the unit. The vibratory noise signals generated by the vibration in the unit are canceled with the piezoelectric signals generated by the piezoelectric element.Type: GrantFiled: February 29, 2012Date of Patent: November 25, 2014Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Audio-TechnicaInventor: Hiroshi Akino
-
Patent number: 8879752Abstract: A microphone capable of canceling vibration noise caused by mechanical vibration is provided with, in capsules, a pair of diaphragms and a pair of back plates opposite to the respective diaphragms. A printed circuit board is disposed at the middle of capsules. A pair of diaphragms is disposed close and opposite to the surfaces of the printed circuit board with the printed circuit board disposed therebetween. The difference in distance from a vibration source to the two diaphragms is made small. The microphone has a high canceling effect for canceling vibration noise caused by mechanical vibration.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2011Date of Patent: November 4, 2014Assignee: Hosiden CorporationInventors: Hiroyuki Harano, Hiroshi Yamagata, Kazuo Ono, Kensuke Nakanishi
-
Patent number: 8873777Abstract: A first diaphragm FD and a second diaphragm RD are respectively arranged across a fixed electrode BP at both sides to constitute the variable directivity condenser microphone. A microphone body 1 includes a vacuum tube Q1 for impedance converting an audio signal obtained at the fixed electrode, and a connector 2 provided with a hot side connector terminal and a cold side connector terminal through which the audio signal that is impedance converted by the vacuum tube is outputted in parallel. A means for supplying a polarization voltage applied to the second diaphragm RD from an external power supply circuit 3 is arranged such that the hot side connector terminal and the cold side connector terminal are used as a forward conductor and a ground connector terminal for the microphone body arranged at the connector is used as a return conductor.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2013Date of Patent: October 28, 2014Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Audio-TechnicaInventor: Satoshi Yoshino
-
Patent number: 8873773Abstract: A condenser microphone includes multiple condenser microphone units. Each unit includes an impedance converter. The condenser microphone units are connected in series such that outputs of the impedance converter in one of the condenser microphone units drive another of the condenser microphone units. A polarization voltage is accumulated to a DC voltage supplied from a DC voltage supply through a voltage adjuster to be applied to one of a diaphragm and a fixed electrode, and a voltage applied to the one of the diaphragm and the fixed electrode is adjusted by the voltage adjuster.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2012Date of Patent: October 28, 2014Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Audio-TechnicaInventor: Hiroshi Akino
-
Patent number: 8861740Abstract: An automatic arrangement for deactivating a computer's speaker or microphone immediately upon the unplugging of an external headphone, speaker or microphone from the computer. Similar principles can be employed in other contexts where there is a desire to afford different types or levels of audio output to different parties or in different settings.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2006Date of Patent: October 14, 2014Assignee: Lenovo (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.Inventors: Joseph R. Parker, Paul D. Plaskonos
-
Patent number: 8848947Abstract: A low-noise pre-amplifier with an active load element is integrated into a microphone. The microphone has an acoustic sensor coupled to the intrinsic pre-amplifier. A controllable current source is coupled to the intrinsic pre-amplifier and supplies a pre-amplifier bias current. A current source controller is coupled to the current source and controls the amplitude of the pre-amplifier bias current to maintain the intrinsic pre-amplifier at a bias point at which the intrinsic pre-amplifier amplifies microphone signals produced by the acoustic sensor. The intrinsic pre-amplifier may be actively regulated at the pre-determined bias point using negative feedback. Alternatively, the intrinsic pre-amplifier may be set to the pre-determined bias point by sweeping the pre-amplifier bias current for the intrinsic pre-amplifier over a range of currents.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2011Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: BlackBerry LimitedInventor: Jens Kristian Poulsen
-
Patent number: 8831247Abstract: A phantom power circuit has a detection circuit and a limiting circuit, the detection circuit detecting a pulse current generated in association with connection or disconnection of a condenser microphone, the limiting circuit limiting the output of the condenser microphone. The detection circuit detects a pulse current generated between input terminals of the condenser microphone. The limiting circuit reduces the output from the condenser microphone when the detection circuit detects the pulse current.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2011Date of Patent: September 9, 2014Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Audio-TechnicaInventor: Hiroshi Akino
-
Patent number: 8831246Abstract: A control circuit monitors a signal produced by a MEMS or other capacitor microphone. When a criterion is met, for example when the amplitude of the monitored signal exceeds a threshold or the monitored signal has been clipped or analysis of the monitored signal indicates clipping is imminent or likely, the control circuit automatically adjusts a bias voltage applied to the capacitor microphone, thereby adjusting sensitivity of the capacitor microphone.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2010Date of Patent: September 9, 2014Assignee: Invensense, Inc.Inventor: Olafur Mar Josefsson
-
Patent number: 8804983Abstract: A microphone includes a microphone unit having a diaphragm, a fixed electrode and a FET as an impedance converter; a plug outputting audio signals output from the microphone unit; and a jack into which audio signals inputted in the microphone unit are inputted. While the plug of the other microphone is inserted in the jack of the microphone, the audio signals output from the other microphone unit are added to the audio signals output from the microphone unit and are output.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2011Date of Patent: August 12, 2014Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Audio-TechnicaInventor: Hiroshi Akino
-
Patent number: 8787601Abstract: A condenser microphone includes a substrate having a cavity, first and second spacers defining an opening, a diaphragm having a rectangular shape positioned inside of the opening, and a plate having a rectangular shape positioned just above the diaphragm. Plate joint portions integrally interconnected with two sides of the plate are directly attached onto the second spacer. Supports, which are attached onto the second spacer across the opening and project inwardly of the opening, are connected to the prescribed portions of the diaphragm via third spacers relatively to the other two sides of the plate. The center portion of the diaphragm can be designed in a multilayered structure, and the peripheral portion can be bent outwardly. In addition, both ends of the diaphragm are fixed in position, while free ends of the diaphragm vibrate due to sound waves.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2007Date of Patent: July 22, 2014Assignee: Yamaha CorporationInventors: Toshihisa Suzuki, Yukitoshi Suzuki, Nariyasu Yaguchi, Kazushi Sakurauchi
-
Patent number: 8769803Abstract: Provided is a method of manufacturing a loudspeaker including assembling a magnetic circuit and a frame. In the step of assembling the magnetic circuit and the frame, parallelism between a plate and a damper attachment portion of the frame is ensured by bringing an upper portion of the plate and the damper attachment portion of the frame into contact with a jig. In addition, perpendicularity between a magnetic gap and the damper attachment portion of the frame is ensured by bringing an outer circumferential side portion of the plate of the magnetic gap and an inner circumferential side portion of the yoke into contact with the jig. The magnetic circuit and the frame are assembled in such a state. With such a manufacturing method, it is possible to achieve a superior loudspeaker capable of reducing a gap defect while being downsized and having increased maximum input power.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2011Date of Patent: July 8, 2014Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Toshiyuki Koike, Shinsaku Sawa, Tadashi Akiyama
-
Patent number: 8774428Abstract: A MEMS microphone is capable of operating with less-than-one-volt bias voltage. An exemplary MEMS microphone can operate directly from a power rail (i.e., directly from VDD), i.e., without a DC-to-DC step-up voltage converter or other high bias voltage generator. The MEMS microphone has high mechanical and electrical sensitivity due, at least in part, to having high-compliance, i.e. low stiffness, springs and a relatively small gap between its diaphragm and its parallel conductive plate. In some embodiments, a diode-based voltage reference or a bandgap voltage reference supplies the bias voltage.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2011Date of Patent: July 8, 2014Assignee: Invensense, Inc.Inventors: Karine Jaar, Aleksey S. Khenkin
-
Patent number: 8767980Abstract: A microphone can include a capacitor capsule, an output buffer amplifier connected to the output of the capacitor capsule, and an audio limiter connected to the output of the output buffer amplifier, wherein the audio limiter limits the output level of the microphone at a threshold level. The microphone can include an adjustable output level. The microphone can include an integrated high-pass filter. The microphone can have an omnidirectional polar pattern.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2011Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: CAD Audio, LLCInventor: Kelly Statham