xMEMS introduces Cowell, a global ultra-small MEMS speaker for TWS and hearing AIDS

     xMEMS Labs has launched the Cowell, a global ultra-small single-chip MEMS speaker. Cowell is only 22mm3 in size and weighs 56mg, and features side-firing firing with a diameter of 3.4mm. Cowell has a rare SPL of 110dB (sound pressure level) at 1kHz. Compared to electric and balanced armature speakers, the Cowell provides up to 15dB of additional sound pressure gain above 1kHz, which improves speech signal-to-noise ratio performance and improves clarity for both the human voice and the instrument. Cowell is the first speaker to adopt the xMEMS 2nd generation M2 speaker unit architecture. The improvement in SPL/mm2 enables it to increase loudness in a smaller shape. Cowell engineering samples are now available and mass production is planned for early Q2 2022.

     "Cowell's architecture addresses two key trends in the audio-wear market: spatial and lossless audio and OTC hearing AIDS," said Mike Housholder, vice president of Marketing and business development at xMEMS. The Cowell's small size and performance perfectly matches these market trends, with mechanical response up to 150 times faster than existing speakers, nearly zero phase offset and phase consistency of plus or minus one degree, enabling more precise positioning of audio signals in 3D space for excellent panoramic sound surround effect."

     For TWS(True Wireless Bluetooth) applications, the Cowell can be used as a full-range unit in a closed in-ear headset architecture, or as a small, high-performance high-frequency speaker paired with an electric bass unit for dual-channel solutions in non-in-ear or earplug headphones. Cowell's superior high frequency response takes speech, voice and instrument to a new level of clarity and presence, while allowing the bass to focus on the low frequency energy needed for active noise reduction.

     For hearing aid applications, the Cowell is a full-range unit 45% smaller than the equivalent balanced armature receiver, making it possible to use a receiver built into the ear canal. The Cowell's excellent high frequency response, elimination of intra-frequency resonance peaks, and provision of up to 15dB of additional sound pressure gain above 1kHz make it an ideal speaker for high frequency hearing loss and improved speech clarity in noise. Finally, Cowell's speaker diaphragm, coupled with pressure relief holes from front to back, reduces the pressure that builds up over time in the ear canal, thus reducing fatigue associated with long-term wear and enabling comfortable listening.

     Like all xMEMS speakers, the Cowell is a single-chip architecture with actuators and diaphragms fabricated from "silicon", so the consistency of frequency response of each component is unmatched and reduces the time required for speaker pairing or tuning during fabrication. This patented and innovative sound output structure enables ultra-fast and accurate speakers, eliminating the springs and suspensions that traditional coil speakers use for audio signal quality and sound field reproduction. The side-sound package and 1mm thin profile provide increased flexibility for headphone assembly, freeing up space for larger batteries and additional sensor components. SMT-ready packaging and IP58-rated dust/water resistance simplify system design, integration and assembly.