The increased popularity of wearable and compact devices that provide audio playback has resulted in greater demand for extremely small speakers that can deliver good sound quality.
One of the leaders in micro speakers is xMEMS Labs, makers of solid-state, all-silicon micro speakers (µSpeakers) used in an increasing number of TWS (True Wireless Stereo) earbuds. Following up on its previously released Cypress driver for earbud applications, xMEMS has launched its latest micro-speaker — the xMEMS Sycamore.
Unlike the xMEMS Cypress µSpeaker, which delivers full-range audio for occluded, in-ear, active noise-canceling (ANC) earbuds, the Sycamore is a near-field speaker designed for used in open-air listening devices such as open wireless stereo (OWS) earbuds, smart watches, smart glasses, AR/VR headsets, and other mobile and wearable devices.
Different from typical small dynamic drivers, the xMEMS Sycamore is an all-silicon semiconductor chip capable of delivering full-range, high-fidelity sound using the xMEMS “Sound from Ultrasound” platform.
“Sound from Ultrasound” technology turns ultrasonic waves, otherwise inaudible to human ears, into full-frequency audio that’s better quality, higher-res, and more detailed than previously available options.
The Sycamore measures 8.41 x 9 x 1.13 mm and weighs only 150 milligrams. It is one-seventh the size of a conventional dynamic drivers used in many earbuds and one-third the thickness. It is easier to integrate into ever-thinner electronics such as smartwatches and glasses.
As an all-silicon, solid-state µSpeaker, Sycamore is IP58-rated to be rugged and sweat-resistant.
Tip: Sycamore dimensions may vary to accommodate device needs.
With first-order low-frequency roll-off, the Sycamore is able to provide the mid-bass performance of legacy drivers while supporting as much as 11dB headroom sub-bass extension.
The Sycamore also pushes high-frequency sound performance as much as 15dB above 5KHz in comparison to legacy drivers. This makes it an ideal near-field µSpeaker tweeter alternative for laptops, automotive, and portable Bluetooth speakers.
From Mike Housholder, xMEMS’ VP of Marketing and Business Development: “With Sycamore, mobile electronics can now achieve thinner, more stylish form factors while maintaining big, rich sound,…With better performance at both the low and high ends, Sycamore delivers powerful, full-range audio for smartwatches, smart glasses, and any other small, mobile form factor that engineers dream up.”
xMEMS Sycamore is based on the same fabrication process as the xMEMS Cypress in-ear ANC µSpeaker and the xMEMS XMC-2400 micro-cooling (µCooling) fan on a chip. Using one manufacturing platform, xMEMS can deliver multiple different xMEMS micro products faster.
The Bottom Line
xMEMS continues to fill the need for innovative speaker options for ever-smaller products that require smaller speakers. With the addition of the Sycamore, they are expanding beyond the earbud environment and making a play to be the major speaker supplier for smart glasses, smart watches, over-ear earbuds, and more.
Having attended demonstrations of xMEMS speaker technology, they work surprisingly well given their extremely small size. They are not meant to fill a room with sound but deliver sound directly to your ears from portable and wearable devices.
Given their track record, within the next year or so, you will be able to hear the results of what the Sycamore can do. Of course, there are products that already incorporate other xMEMS micro speaker solutions (refer to our related reading section at the end of this article) that one can listen to in order to judge for themselves.
Availability
xMEMS will be providing Sycamore silicon chip samples to select early product brand customers in Q1, 2025, with mass production expected to begin in October 2025 for purchase by device makers. Consumers may see this technology included in select compatible open earbuds, smart watches, smart glasses, and AR/VR headsets later in 2025 or in 2026.
Tip: The xMEMS Sycamore is manufactured in partnership with TSMC (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company) and Bosch.
For more information: xmems.com/mems-loud-speakers/
Related Reading:
- AMPACS Announces Over-Ear Headphone Design Using xMEMS’ Speakers
- xMEMS Debuts New Designs for True Wireless Stereo Earbuds
- Creative Aurvana Ace & Ace 2 Wireless Earbuds with xMEMS: Review
- Noble Audio’s FoKus Triumph Wireless Earbuds Incorporate xMEMS Technology
