Summary of PIEZO CONTACT MICROPHONE PICKS UP VOICE THROUGH BONE
Vesper's VA1200 is the world's first analogue piezoelectric voice accelerometer using MEMs technology to capture voice vibrations through the skull. This device offers high-fidelity audio by filtering out ambient noise like wind, music, and crowd sounds, making it immune to environmental interference. It features a compact 2.9 x 2.8 x 0.9mm package, operates on 1.8V with low power consumption, and targets applications in hearables, VR/AR headsets, and smart-glasses.
Parts used in the VA1200:
- MEMs (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems)
- Amplifier
- Power regulator
Vesper of Massachusetts is claiming high fidelity for a MEMs piezo microphone that picks up the vibration of the user’s voice through the skull.
Inside are the mems, an amplifier, and a power regulator.
Called VA1200, the company describes it as
the world’s first analogue piezoelectric voice accelerometer. Unlike a traditional microphone, the VA1200 is completely immune to ambient sounds, and only picks up the user’s voice. It filters out background noises such as wind noise, music, subway noise and crowd noise.
Specifications
- Nominal supply voltage is 1.8V (1.6 – 3.6V) and it typically consumes 160μA.
- Power supply rejection is -91dBA (217Hz, 100mVp-p squarewave, 100 – 2,400Hz A-weighted).
- Output impedance is 400Ω and output offset is 800mV.
- Operation is over -40 to +85°C
It comes in a reflow-compatible 2.9 x 2.8 x 0.9mm package, and applications are foreseen in in-ear hearable products. “Existing earbuds rely on mic arrays and algorithms to suppress environmental noise during voice calls,” claimed marketing director Roberto Condorelli.
VR and AR headsets, as well as smart-frames and smart-glasses are other potential applications.
Read more: PIEZO CONTACT MICROPHONE PICKS UP VOICE THROUGH BONE
- How does the VA1200 pick up voice?
The device picks up the vibration of the user's voice through the skull. - Can the VA1200 filter out background noise?
Yes, it filters out background noises such as wind noise, music, subway noise, and crowd noise. - What is the nominal supply voltage for the VA1200?
The nominal supply voltage is 1.8V, with an operating range of 1.6 to 3.6V. - Does the VA1200 consume a lot of power?
No, it typically consumes only 160μA. - What are the potential applications for this microphone?
Applications include in-ear hearable products, VR and AR headsets, smart-frames, and smart-glasses. - Is the VA1200 affected by ambient sounds?
No, the VA1200 is completely immune to ambient sounds. - What type of package does the VA1200 come in?
It comes in a reflow-compatible 2.9 x 2.8 x 0.9mm package. - What is the output impedance of the VA1200?
The output impedance is 400Ω.
