sensiBel has partnered with X-Celeprint to scale production of its 80dBA SNR optical MEMS microphone using Micro-Transfer Printing (MTP) technology, enabling high-volume manufacturing of acoustic sensors with enhanced performance and miniaturization.
sensiBel’s collaboration with X-Celeprint marks a pivotal shift in acoustic sensor manufacturing, leveraging MTP to integrate optical detection modules at scale. The partnership centers on the SBM100B, a digital optical MEMS microphone achieving 80dB signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), 146dB acoustic overload point (AOP), and 132dB dynamic range—performance metrics that outstrip traditional MEMS microphones while matching professional-grade handheld mics in size.
The Partnership and Its Strategic Rationale
sensiBel’s CEO, Kieran Harney, emphasized that X-Celeprint’s MTP technology addresses long-standing challenges in photonics assembly by enabling heterogeneous integration at the nanoscale. It effectively maintains extreme precision while delivering high manufacturing throughput, increasing functionality and improving efficiency,
Harney said, highlighting the ability to produce thousands of optical modules per wafer. X-Celeprint’s CEO, Peter Smyth, described the partnership as a milestone in redefining acoustic excellence in a micro-scale form factor.
The collaboration aligns with sensiBel’s goal to commercialize optical MEMS microphones that combine a traditional ASIC and MEMS sensor, combined with optoKore, a precision optical-detection module. These modules, called optoKore, measure diaphragm displacement from femtometer to micrometer levels, translating mechanical movement into digital audio signals. This approach [REDACTED], reducing size and power consumption while expanding dynamic range.
Technical Advancements and Performance Metrics
The SBM100B’s capabilities are exemplified in its integration into mh acoustics’ Eigenmike® em64d, a spatial audio microphone array. Gary Elko, president of mh acoustics, noted the SBM100B provided 8dB higher SNR and 16dB higher AOP than our previous ECM solution,
optimizing recording quality in both quiet and loud environments. This upgrade also streamlined manufacturing, as MEMS-based microphones allow surface-mount technology, reflow compatibility, and tighter element matching compared to electret condenser microphones.
Tom Hazlett, vice president of sales and marketing at sensiBel, underscored the significance of the partnership, stating that mh acoustics’ adoption of the SBM100B validates the technology differentiation and manufacturing readiness
of their optical MEMS platform. The SBM100B’s performance metrics—80dBA SNR, 146dB AOP, and 132dB dynamic range—represent a leap forward in acoustic sensing, particularly for applications requiring high-fidelity audio in compact form factors.
Industry Implications and Market Relevance
X-Celeprint’s MTP technology is positioned as a game-changer for high-volume production of photonics-enabled devices. By replacing costly die-bonding processes with array transfer of components like lasers, photodetectors, and amplifiers, the platform reduces manufacturing complexity and costs. This aligns with sensiBel’s strategy to scale optical MEMS microphones for consumer electronics, industrial sensors, and professional audio equipment.
The integration of SBM100B into mh acoustics’ Eigenmike® highlights the technology’s appeal in high-end audio applications. The em64d model, featuring 64 SBM100B microphones, enables spatial audio recording by capturing sound fields rather than single points, offering engineers greater flexibility. This application underscores the potential of optical MEMS to redefine acoustic standards in both consumer and professional markets.
What Comes Next for the Technology
With MTP enabling scalable production, sensiBel and X-Celeprint are poised to expand the adoption of optical MEMS microphones beyond niche markets. The companies have not disclosed specific future product roadmaps, but the partnership suggests continued focus on miniaturization, performance enhancement, and integration with emerging audio technologies. Analysts will watch for further applications in fields like IoT, automotive audio systems, and wearable devices, where compact, high-fidelity microphones are critical.