Abstract: A MEMS device for use in some embodiments in a microphone or pressure sensor and method of making the same wherein a portion of the package surrounding the acoustic port is deformed either away from, towards, or both away from and towards the interior of the package. By providing this raised area proximate the acoustic port, external debris is less likely to enter the acoustic port and damage the fragile MEMS die. Further, internal attachment material holding the MEMS die to the inside of the package is prevented by flowing into and obscuring the acoustic port. The advantages of this design include longer operation lifetimes for the MEMS device, greater design freedom, and increases in production yield.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to systems, apparatuses, and methods for monitoring the frequency spectrum of signals transmitted by a PLC device over a PLC network to detect and correct potential EMC regulation violations due to intermodulation (IMD) products created by the interaction of the transmitted signals with one or more non-linear devices on the PLC network. Once an IMD issue is detected, the systems, apparatuses, and methods can reduce the injected power of signals transmitted by the PLC device at the frequencies (or range of frequencies) that result in a EMC regulation violation. In addition, the systems, apparatuses, and methods can reduce the injected power of signals transmitted by the PLC device at all times or during times that the non-linear devices are interacting and generating IMD products.

Abstract: Devices for monitoring a sound pressure level of sound generated by a speaker. For example, the device may sample voltages at various points along a path of an audio signal, determine a current associated with the audio signal, and receive or infer an efficiency of the speaker. The device may then determine the sound pressure level based on the voltage, the current, and the efficiency to more accurately monitor the sound pressure level exposure of a user.

Abstract: A noise reducing sound reproduction system and method is disclosed, in which an input signal is supplied to a loudspeaker by which it is acoustically radiated. The signal radiated by the loudspeaker is received by a microphone that is acoustically coupled to the loudspeaker via a secondary path and that provides a microphone output signal. The microphone output signal may be subtracted from a useful-signal to generate a filter input signal. The filter input signal may be filtered in an active noise reduction filter to generate an error signal. The useful-signal may be subtracted from the error signal to generate the loudspeaker input signal, and the useful-signal may be filtered by one or more low-pass filters prior to subtraction from the microphone output signal.

Abstract: A microphone comprises a sound inlet, a first MEMS microphone structure comprising a first membrane and associated backplate in the path of the sound inlet and a second MEMS microphone structure comprising a second membrane and associated backplate stacked with respect to the first microphone membrane, with an enclosed space between the first and second membranes.

Abstract: An actuator includes the first and the second extendable driver portions. The first extendable driver portion includes an electrolyte layer laminated with electrode layers each including an electroconductive polymer and expands and contracts according to application of a voltage between the electrode layers. The second extendable driver portion includes an electrolyte layer laminated with electrode layers each including an electroconductive polymer and expands and contracts according to application of a voltage between the electrode layers. The first and the second extendable driver portions are arranged between a fixation portion and an application portion. The application portion moves as the first and the second extendable driver portions extend and contract.

Abstract: An electrostatic speaker is described that includes a curved diaphragm positioned between two electrically conductive plates. According to aspects, the curved diaphragm has an “S-shape” and is configured to electrostatically move between the conductive plates. In particular, the curved diaphragm may generally roll between the two conductive plates so as to move from left to right with respect to ends of the conductive plates and push air in a direction toward ends of the conductive plates, thus generating acoustic output. In some implementations, the configuration of the electrostatic speaker reduces a biasing voltage required for the conductive plates.

Abstract: A sensor structure, including: a first diaphragm structure, an electrode element, and a second diaphragm structure arranged on an opposite side of the electrode element from the first diaphragm structure is disclosed. The sensor structure may also include a chamber formed by the first and second diaphragm structures, where the pressure in the chamber is lower than the pressure outside of the chamber. A method for forming the sensor structure is likewise disclosed.

Abstract: An improved an audio speaker having an electrostatic membrane pump. The electrostatic membrane pump can be an electrostatic graphene membrane pump. The method of making and using the audio speaker having the electrostatic membrane pump.

Abstract: A speaker includes: a pair of front-side and back-side vibration portions each having a dielectric layer having insulating properties and made of an elastomer or resin, a front-side electrode layer placed on a front side of the dielectric layer and having conductive properties, and a back-side electrode layer placed on a back side of the dielectric layer and having conductive properties; an interposed member placed between the pair of vibration portions so that the front-side vibration portion protrudes toward a front side and the back-side vibration portion protrudes toward a back side; and a circuit section that transmits signal waves based on sound to be reproduced to the pair of vibration portions so that the signal waves transmitted to the pair of vibration portions have opposite phases to each other, and drives the pair of vibration portions.

Abstract: An electroacoustic transducer includes a housing and a moving portion adapted to move relative to the housing. The moving portion has a first surface and includes a first electrode. A second electrode on a first surface of the housing is located proximate to a first region of the first electrode, and a third electrode on the first surface of the housing is located proximate to a second region of the first electrode. A capacitance between the first and second electrodes and a capacitance between the first and third electrodes vary similarly with displacement of the moving portion relative to the housing. An impedance buffer is coupled to the second electrode and the third electrode.

Abstract: An electrostatic speaker includes: a first electrode formed of a sheet-like member, having a first face including a protrusion and a second face opposite the first face, and having conductivity and flexibility; a second electrode formed of a sheet-like member, disposed so as to be opposed to the second face, and having conductivity and flexibility; and an oscillator formed of a flexible sheet-like member, and disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, at least one face of which has conductivity.

Abstract: A micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) device includes a first plate, a second plate disposed over the first plate, and a first moveable plate disposed between the first plate and the second plate. The MEMS device further includes a second moveable plate disposed between the first moveable plate and the second plate.

Abstract: An improved electrically conductive membrane pump/transducer. The electrically conductive pump/transducer includes an array of electrically conductive membrane pumps that combine to generate a desired sound by moving a membrane (such as a membrane of PDMS), a piston, and/or by the use of pressurized airflow in the absence of such a membrane or piston. The electrically conductive membranes in the array can be, for example, graphene-polymer membranes. The electrically conductive pump can include mid-range, tweeter, and sub-woofer speakers.

Abstract: A digital loudspeaker includes a substrate, a first stator fixed with respect to the substrate, a second stator fixed with respect to the substrate and spaced at a distance from the first stator, and a membrane between the first stator and the second stator. The membrane is displaceable between a first position in which the membrane mechanically contacts the first stator and a second position in which the membrane mechanically contacts the second stator. The first stator and the second stator are arranged to electrostatically move the membrane from a rest position spaced apart from the first position and the second position to the first position and the second position, respectively.

Abstract: An improved electrically conductive membrane pump/transducer, such as a graphene membrane transducer.

Abstract: An electrostatic speaker is described that includes a curved diaphragm positioned between two electrically conductive plates. According to aspects, the curved diaphragm has an “S-shape” and is configured to electrostatically move between the conductive plates. In particular, the curved diaphragm may generally roll between the two conductive plates so as to move from left to right with respect to ends of the conductive plates and push air in a direction toward ends of the conductive plates, thus generating acoustic output. In some implementations, the configuration of the electrostatic speaker reduces a biasing voltage required for the conductive plates.

Abstract: An electrostatic actuator/transducer has a comb driver and can be adapted for a variety of applications, particularly as a capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer. The comb driver has two electrodes each connected to a set of comb fingers. The two sets of comb fingers interdigitate with each other, and in one embodiment each has a saw-toothed shape. One electrode is connected to a spring structure and movable along a vertical direction to engage and disengage the two sets of comb fingers. The movable portion is adapted to perform an actuation function and/or a sense of function. Fabrication methods for making the electrostatic actuator/transducer are also disclosed.

Abstract: The micro-electromechanical semiconductor component is provided with a first silicon semiconductor substrate having an upper face, into which a cavity delimited by side walls and a floor wall is introduced, and having a second silicon semiconductor substrate comprising a silicon oxide layer and a polysilicon layer applied thereon having a defined thickness. The polysilicon layer of the second silicon semiconductor substrate faces the upper side of the first silicon semiconductor substrate, the two silicon semiconductor substrates are bonded, and the second silicon semiconductor substrate covers the cavity in the first silicon semiconductor substrate. Grooves that extend up to the polysilicon layer are arranged in the second silicon semiconductor substrate in the region of the section thereof that covers the cavity.

Abstract: An improved electrically conductive membrane pump/transducer. The electrically conductive pump/transducer includes an array of electrically conductive membrane pumps that combine to generate a desired sound by moving a membrane (such as a membrane of PDMS), a piston, and/or by the use of pressurized airflow in the absence of such a membrane or piston. The electrically conductive membranes in the array can be, for example, graphene-polymer membranes. The electrically conductive pump can include mid-range, tweeter, and sub-woofer speakers.

Abstract: A method for fabricating an acoustic sensor according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure includes: forming an acoustic sensor unit by forming a lower electrode on an upper portion of a substrate, forming etching holes on the lower electrode, forming a sacrifice layer on an upper portion of the lower electrode, and coupling a diaphragm to an upper portion of the sacrifice layer; coupling a lower portion of the substrate of the acoustic sensor unit to a printed circuit board on which a sound pressure input hole is formed so as to expose the lower portion of the substrate of the acoustic sensor unit to the outside through the sound pressure input hole; attaching a cover covering the acoustic sensor unit on the printed circuit board; etching the substrate of the acoustic sensor unit to form an acoustic chamber; and removing the sacrifice layer.

Abstract: Improvement to a sound system for an elevator system and method for implementing the sound system for an elevator. The elevator sound system is improved by replacing at least one loudspeaker to be used in the sound system with a plate-like electrostatic actuator producing a directed sound field. The patent application also contains an independent claim for a method for implementing a sound system for an elevator.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A method for producing a MEMS device having improved charge elimination characteristics includes providing a substrate having one or more layers, and applying a first charge elimination layer onto at least one portion of one given layer of the substrate. The method may then (1) apply a sacrificial layer onto the first charge elimination layer, (2) apply a second charge elimination layer onto at least a portion of the sacrificial layer, and (3) deposit a movable layer onto at least a portion of the second charge elimination layer. To form a structure within the movable layer the method may etch the movable layer. The method may then etch the sacrificial layer to release the structure.

Abstract: To provide an acoustic generator, an acoustic generation device, and an electronic apparatus including an exciter which vibrates by an electric signal being input, and being capable of suppressing a peak dip and flattening frequency characteristics. To solve the problem, an acoustic generator disclosed herein includes: an exciter which vibrates by an electric signal being input; and a film-shaped vibrating body to which the exciter is bonded via a bonding material and which vibrates together with the exciter by the vibration of the exciter, wherein the bonding material has a protruded part which protrudes from an outer edge of the exciter when the vibrating body is viewed in plane, and at least a part of the protruded part has an undulating shape.

Abstract: Generally disclosed herein are transducers that can convert sound energy into electrical signals, such as to detect if a pressure wave includes a specific frequency. Methods of using the transducers and systems that include the transducers are disclosed herein as well. A transducer can include a first probe plate, a second probe plate, a ground plate situated between the first and second probe plates, a first electret film adjacent to a first side of the ground plate and situated between the first and second probe plates, and a second electret film adjacent to a second side of the ground plate and situated between the first and second probe plates, the second side opposite the first side.

Abstract: A transparent ultrasonic audio speaker includes an emitter and a driver. The emitter can include first and second transparent conductive sheets. The conductive sheets can comprise a base layer and a conductive layer, and can be transparent. The transparent ultrasonic audio speaker can be configured to be positioned on or in place of the display screen of a content device.

Abstract: An earphone comprises: a magnetostrictive element which is composed of a magnetostrictive material and has a column-like shape, the magnetostrictive element expanding and contracting due to magnetostrictive effect; a coil wound around the magnetostrictive element, the coil converting an electrical signal into a change in magnetic field; and an elastic portion which is composed of an elastic body having magnetism, the elastic portion including: a first elastic portion to which one of ends of the magnetostrictive element is joined; a second elastic portion to which the other end of the magnetostrictive element is joined; and a beam portion having a column-like shape and being provided in parallel to the magnetostrictive element between the first elastic portion and the second elastic portion and being integrally formed with the first elastic portion and the second elastic portion.

Abstract: An improved an audio speaker having an electrostatic membrane pump. The electrostatic membrane pump can be an electrostatic graphene membrane pump. The method of making and using the audio speaker having the electrostatic membrane pump.

Abstract: In an electrodynamic acoustic transducer which uses a surface potential of an electret dielectric film as a polarization voltage, prevention of partial suctional adhesion of a diaphragm caused by variation in surface potential across the electret dielectric film is ensured in a simple way. In an electrodynamic acoustic transducer including a diaphragm and a fixed pole which are arranged with a predetermined interval so as to face each other, a facing surface of either one of the diaphragm and the fixed pole having an electret dielectric film, a surface of the electret dielectric film is divided into a plurality of segment regions, and a predetermined surface potential is given to each of the segment regions by a polarization processing unit.

Abstract: An ultrasonic audio speaker includes a backing plate comprising a first major surface and a conductive region, the backing plate further comprising a plurality of textural elements disposed on the first major surface. A flexible layer disposed adjacent the first major surface of the backing plate includes a conductive region and an insulative region, wherein the flexible layer is disposed adjacent the backing plate such that the insulative region is positioned between the backing plate and the conductive region of the flexible layer, and such that there is a volume of air between the flexible layer and surfaces of the textural elements.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A speaker includes a hollow glass substrate and a plurality of vibration exciters. The glass substrate defines a hermetical receiving cavity. The vibration exciters are received in the receiving cavity, and are attached to the glass substrate to drive the glass substrate to vibrate, thus generating sound waves. The disclosure further relates a display having the speaker.

Abstract: An acoustic transducer has a substrate having a cavity, a vibrating electrode plate disposed above the substrate and having a void portion that allows pressure to escape, a fixed electrode plate disposed above the substrate opposite the vibrating electrode plate, a plurality of sensing portions configured by the vibrating electrode plate and the fixed electrode plate, at least one of the vibrating electrode plate and the fixed electrode plate being divided into a plurality of regions, and a sensing portion being configured by the vibrating electrode plate and the fixed electrode plate in each of the divided regions, and a leak pressure regulation portion that hinders leakage of air pressure passing through the void portion when the vibrating electrode plate is not undergoing deformation.

Abstract: An acoustic transducer has a substrate having a cavity, a vibrating electrode plate disposed above the substrate and having a void portion that allows pressure to escape, a fixed electrode plate disposed above the substrate opposite the vibrating electrode plate, and a leak pressure regulation portion that hinders leakage of air pressure by passing through the void portion when the vibrating electrode plate is not undergoing deformation, and that becomes separated from the void portion and allows pressure to escape by passing through the void portion when the vibrating electrode plate undergoes deformation from being subjected to pressure.

Abstract: An acoustic transducer has a vibrating film and a fixed film formed above an opening portion of a substrate, and at least a first sensing portion and a second sensing portion that detect sound waves using change in capacitance between a vibrating electrode provided in the vibrating film and a fixed electrode provided in the fixed film, convert the sound waves into electrical signals, and output the electrical signals. In the first sensing portion and the second sensing portion, the fixed film is used in common, and the vibrating electrode is divided into a first sensing region and a second sensing region that respectively correspond to the first sensing portion and the second sensing portion. In the first sensing portion, a protrusion portion that protrudes toward the vibrating electrode is provided on a region of the fixed film that opposes the first sensing region.

Abstract: An electrostatic loudspeaker includes: a first electrode having acoustic transmission property; a second electrode having acoustic transmission property, and disposed so as to be opposed to the first electrode; a vibrating member having conductibility, and disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode; a first elastic member having elasticity, insulation property, and acoustic transmission property, and disposed between the vibrating member and the first electrode; a second elastic member having elasticity, insulation property, and acoustic transmission property, and disposed between the vibrating member and the second electrode; and a first separation member having insulation property and acoustic transmission property, and disposed on an opposite side of a face of the first electrode, which is opposed to the first elastic member.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An electrostatic electroacoustic transducer includes a first structure, a second structure and a third electrode. The third electrode is located between the first structure and the second structure. The first structure includes a first driving element, a first spacer and a first diaphragm, and the second structure includes a second driving element, a second spacer and a second diaphragm. By providing an alternating voltage source, a transformer and a bias voltage, the electrostatic electroacoustic transducer with a dual diaphragm structure has a high efficiency and an enlarged range of audio frequency.

Abstract: Provided is an acoustic sensor capable of improving an S/N ratio of a sensor without preventing reduction in size of the sensor. A diaphragm 43 as a movable electrode plate is formed on the top surface of a silicon substrate 42. The diaphragm 43 has a rectangular form, and four corners and midsections of long sides of the diaphragm 43 are supported by anchors 46. A displacement of the diaphragm 43 is minimal on a line D that connects between the anchors 46 at the midsections of the long sides. A displacement maximal point G, at which a displacement is maximal, is present on each side of the line D, and the line D extends in a direction intersecting with a line connecting between the displacement maximal points G.

Abstract: An electromagnetic vibration device includes a vibration plate device, a voice coil assembly, a magnetic loop system, and a peripheral basin frame. One end of the peripheral basin frame is coupled to the vibration plate device, and the other end thereof is coupled to the magnetic lop system. The peripheral basin frame includes a plurality of connecting frames, wherein every two connecting frames are connected by a connecting member to form an integral peripheral basin frame. The size of the peripheral basin frame is adjusted by the distance between the connection frames or relative increase of the number of the connection frames, so that the size of the peripheral basin frame is adjustable to match with the vibration plate device of the electromagnetic vibration device. Only a mold is required to manufacture the connecting frame to form the peripheral basin frame for different sizes of electromagnetic vibration device.

Abstract: An electret material having excellent charge retentivity against heat is provided. The electret material 10 includes an electrode plate 1, a semiconducting layer 2 formed on the electrode plate 1, and an electret layer 3 formed on the semiconducting layer 2. The semiconducting layer 2 includes carbon and a fluororesin. This electret material 10 can be inhibited from decreasing in the surface potential of the electret layer 3 when heated to a high temperature.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An electrostatic speaker is described that includes a curved diaphragm positioned between two electrically conductive plates. According to aspects, the curved diaphragm has an “S-shape” and is configured to electrostatically move between the conductive plates. In particular, the curved diaphragm may generally roll between the two conductive plates so as to move from left to right with respect to ends of the conductive plates and push air in a direction toward ends of the conductive plates, thus generating acoustic output. In some implementations, the configuration of the electrostatic speaker reduces a biasing voltage required for the conductive plates.

Abstract: A polymer speaker is configured to include an electrostrictive element having an elastomer or resin dielectric layer and a plurality of electrode layers arranged on the front and back surfaces of the dielectric layer. The electrode layers are formed from a conductive material including a polymer binder and a conductor and having a modulus of elasticity of 100 MPa or less. The spring constant of the electrode layers in the surface direction is smaller than the spring constant of the dielectric layer in the surface direction. The volume resistivity of the electrode layers is 200 ?·cm or less. The polymer speaker provides a practical sound pressure in a wide frequency region from low frequencies to high frequencies.

Abstract: Some examples include at least one capacitive micro-electro-mechanical transducer (cMUT). For instance, the cMUT may include a substrate, a plate, and a resilient structure therebetween. In some examples, an integrated circuit may be formed on or integrated with the plate or other portion of the cMUT. Furthermore, in some examples, two cMUTs may be arranged in a stacked configuration. For instance, one cMUT may be operable for transmission, while a second cMUT may be operable for reception.

Abstract: A MEMS acoustic transducer provided with a substrate having cavity, and a membrane suspended above the cavity and fixed peripherally to the substrate, with the possibility of oscillation, through at least one membrane anchorage. The membrane comprises at least one spring arranged in the proximity of the anchorage and facing it, and is designed to act in tension or compression in a direction lying in the same plane as said membrane.

Abstract: An acoustic generator according to an aspect of an embodiment includes an exciter, a vibrating body, and a damping member. The exciter receives input of an electric signal and vibrates. The exciter is attached to the vibrating body, and the vibrating body vibrates together with the exciter with vibration of the exciter. The damping member is attached so as to vibrate together with the vibrating body and the exciter and has a non-uniform thickness in a direction orthogonal to a vibration surface of the vibrating body.

Abstract: An object is to provide a preferable frequency characteristic of a sound pressure. For achieving the object, an acoustic generator according to an embodiment includes a piezoelectric element (exciter), a flat vibration plate, and a frame body. The piezoelectric element receives input of an electric signal and vibrates. The piezoelectric element is attached to the vibration plate, and the vibration plate vibrates together with the piezoelectric element with the vibration of the piezoelectric element. The frame body is provided on an outer circumferential portion of the vibration plate. Corners on an inner circumferential surface of the frame body include at least curved surfaces, and at least one of the corners has a shape different from the shape of the other corners.